From July 2023 the all new V710 Ford Transit Custom has replaced the previous V362 models. The after-market tow bar wiring kit for this new model is completely different from the former model kits and at the time of writing are only available for Custom vans fitted with the trailer prep option. When looking for tow bar wiring please identify whether the van to be fitted is a V710 or V362 model.
Tow Bar Wiring To Fit The Transit Custom V362
There are several things you need to be aware of before ordering and installing tow bar wiring to the Ford Transit Custom. Once you have decided upon the basics, such as 7 or 13 pin format and whether the wiring is just to run the trailer lights or lights and caravan electrics. The next issue is, is the engine installed the 2.0L Euro 6 , 2.0L Euro 6.2 or 2.2L Euro 5? This is because the connector plugs contained in the different models differ from one another. Finally, you need to find out if the van has trailer prep installed?
It varies between manufacturers and vehicles but on The Ford Transit Custom V362 it means there may be a (blanked off) plug located between the spare wheel holder and near side rear wheel arch, as can be seen in the picture.
What is Trailer Prep?
If Trailer Prep is installed on the van, the wiring kit with or + trailer prep should be ordered. This has a price advantage (as there is less actual wire needed) and a quicker installation time. For example, if your van is the 2.0L Euro 6 version with the trailer prep plug and you want a 7 pin socket then the 7 Pin towbar wiring kit for the 2.0L Euro 6 with Prep would be the cheapest and quickest installation solution. Though you could also install the wiring kit for vans without trailer prep which would not use the prep plug if present.
What other connections are needed?
Regardless of whether your V362 Transit Custom has trailer prep, the main connections are made in the front passenger foot well. On kits for models without trailer prep the wiring runs from the towing socket at the rear, along the chassis rail to the front footwell. That means these kits can be fitted to the van regardless of whether it has trailer prep or not.
What else has to be done?
After installing the wiring loom, the van will need to be coded. Van coding is where the van is plugged into a diagnostic scanner and the relevant coding work (as shown in the fitting instructions) is carried out. From dedicated wiring kit installation the trailer lights operate as expected. But for the trailer related safety functions (Dash board tell tales etc.) built into the van by Ford to work, coding is required.
For more information you can find the full fitting instructions for each Ford Transit Customer tow bar wiring kit on line here https://www.budettowbars.co.uk/product-category/ford/ford-transit-custom/