Let’s Talk About Hayes 81794HBC Quik Connect OEM Wiring Harness For Ford/Lincoln Nav & Mkt
Towing. It’s a necessity for many of us who work outdoors, whether hauling gear to a remote campsite or pulling a trailer full of equipment to a job site. The Hayes 81794HBC Quik Connect OEM Wiring Harness For Ford/Lincoln Nav & Mkt promises a seamless and, most importantly, splice-free connection for your trailer lights. This is a big deal for anyone who’s ever wrestled with a mess of wires and questionable crimp connectors while trying to wire up a trailer.
My own journey to this product began after a particularly frustrating experience trying to rewire the trailer lights on my old flatbed. The previous owner had done a hack job of splicing, resulting in intermittent failures and a constant worry about safety. I needed a solution that was reliable, easy to install, and wouldn’t require me to become an electrical engineer. I was looking for something that would “just work”.
Upon unboxing the Hayes 81794HBC Quik Connect OEM Wiring Harness, my first impression was positive. The harness felt robust, with quality connectors and a reassuring heft. The plastic seemed durable and the connections were tight. Compared to the universal splice-in kits I’d used in the past, this looked like a professional solution.
I considered a few other options, including universal wiring kits from Tekonsha and Curt. However, the appeal of a direct, plug-and-play solution specifically designed for my Ford truck won me over. The promise of no splicing was the deciding factor. I was excited by the potential time and headache savings.
Real-World Testing: Putting Hayes 81794HBC Quik Connect OEM Wiring Harness For Ford/Lincoln Nav & Mkt to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Hayes 81794HBC Quik Connect OEM Wiring Harness came during preparation for a weekend camping trip deep in the Allegheny National Forest. I needed to hook up my small utility trailer to haul firewood and supplies. The installation was incredibly straightforward. I located the BP3 connection point behind the dash (to the right of the steering column as described) in my Ford F-250 Super Duty and the harness snapped right in.
The whole process took less than five minutes. No cutting, no stripping, no crimping. It was a welcome change from previous trailer wiring nightmares. After everything was connected, I tested the lights and everything worked flawlessly: running lights, brake lights, and turn signals.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of regular use, the Hayes 81794HBC Quik Connect OEM Wiring Harness continues to perform reliably. I’ve used it to tow everything from lumber and construction materials to my ATV. The harness has been exposed to rain, mud, and the occasional accidental kick under the dash.
So far, there are no signs of wear and tear, the connections remain tight, and the lights on my trailer continue to function perfectly. I did give all connections a spray of electrical contact cleaner prior to installation to keep moisture and corrosion at bay. This harness has outperformed my previous experiences with spliced-in wiring, providing peace of mind and hassle-free towing.
Breaking Down the Features of Hayes 81794HBC Quik Connect OEM Wiring Harness For Ford/Lincoln Nav & Mkt
Specifications
- The Hayes 81794HBC Quik Connect OEM Wiring Harness is designed for select Ford and Lincoln vehicles manufactured between 2009 and 2019. Compatibility is key here; double-check your vehicle year and model!
- It is compatible with specific models including the Ford Expedition, F-150 (Flareside & SuperCrew with specific bed lengths), F-250/350/450/550 Super Duty trucks (including Cab & Chassis variants), and the Ford Flex with Factory Tow Package. Note that the Flex uses the BP2 position.
- Lincoln compatibility includes the Navigator (2012-2015) and MKT (2012-2015) with Factory Tow Package. Factory tow package is mandatory for compatibility.
- The harness utilizes a “Quik-Connect” design, eliminating the need for splicing. This is the core value proposition.
- It connects to the vehicle’s existing wiring system through a designated OEM port (BP2 or BP3, depending on the vehicle). The simplicity of this connection is its greatest strength.
Performance & Functionality
The Hayes 81794HBC Quik Connect OEM Wiring Harness performs its job admirably. It provides a reliable and consistent connection for trailer lights, ensuring that all signals (running lights, brake lights, turn signals) function correctly. The elimination of splicing not only simplifies installation but also reduces the risk of corrosion and connection failures, leading to greater long-term reliability. This harness is designed to provide a simple and dependable solution and delivers on that promise.
The primary strength of the Hayes 81794HBC Quik Connect OEM Wiring Harness lies in its ease of use and reliability. It plugs directly into the factory wiring harness, making installation quick and painless. The one area that could be improved is clearer labeling on the harness itself. It would have been helpful to have small labels indicating which connector is for which function (left turn, right turn, etc.).
Design & Ergonomics
The Hayes 81794HBC Quik Connect OEM Wiring Harness features a simple, functional design. The materials used are durable and weather-resistant. The connectors are well-made and provide a secure fit. The harness is lightweight and doesn’t add unnecessary bulk under the dash.
There is no real “ergonomics” to speak of, as this is a concealed wiring harness, but the design is user-friendly and requires minimal technical expertise to install. A complete novice should be able to install this in under 10 minutes with the help of a youtube video.
Durability & Maintenance
The Hayes 81794HBC Quik Connect OEM Wiring Harness is built to last. The durable materials and secure connections should withstand years of use. Maintenance is minimal. Periodic inspections of the connections to ensure they are clean and tight are recommended. A spray of electrical contact cleaner every year or so should keep corrosion at bay.
Given the simplicity of the design and the quality of the materials, I expect this harness to outlast the trailers I hook up to it.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Hayes 81794HBC Quik Connect OEM Wiring Harness is primarily a standalone product and does not come with accessories. It is designed to connect to a standard 4-pin flat trailer connector. Customization options are limited, as the harness is designed for a specific purpose.
However, it is compatible with a variety of trailer light upgrades and accessories, provided they use a standard 4-pin connector. It’s also fully compatible with 7-pin adapters should the user want to upgrade to a 7-pin setup.
Pros and Cons of Hayes 81794HBC Quik Connect OEM Wiring Harness For Ford/Lincoln Nav & Mkt
Pros
- Easy Installation: Plugs directly into the factory wiring harness, no splicing required.
- Reliable Connection: Provides a secure and consistent connection for trailer lights.
- Durable Construction: Made with high-quality materials designed to withstand the elements.
- Time-Saving: Significantly reduces installation time compared to traditional wiring methods.
- Peace of Mind: Eliminates the risk of faulty splices and unreliable connections.
Cons
- Vehicle Compatibility: Only compatible with select Ford and Lincoln models with Factory Tow Package.
- Limited Customization: Few customization options beyond basic trailer light connections.
Who Should Buy Hayes 81794HBC Quik Connect OEM Wiring Harness For Ford/Lincoln Nav & Mkt?
The Hayes 81794HBC Quik Connect OEM Wiring Harness is perfect for Ford and Lincoln owners who frequently tow trailers and want a reliable, easy-to-install wiring solution. It is ideal for:
- Hunters and anglers who haul boats or trailers with ATVs.
- Campers who tow travel trailers or utility trailers with camping gear.
- Landscapers and contractors who need to tow equipment trailers.
- Anyone who wants to avoid the hassle and potential problems of splicing wires.
This product may not be suitable for owners of vehicles not listed as compatible. Also those who prefer highly customizable or adaptable wiring systems may not appreciate the simplicity of this harness.
A must-have accessory would be a high-quality 4-pin trailer connector to ensure a secure and weather-resistant connection to the trailer. A dab of dielectric grease on all connectors goes a long way, too.
Conclusion on Hayes 81794HBC Quik Connect OEM Wiring Harness For Ford/Lincoln Nav & Mkt
The Hayes 81794HBC Quik Connect OEM Wiring Harness For Ford/Lincoln Nav & Mkt is a well-designed and reliable product that delivers on its promise of easy, splice-free trailer wiring. The simple installation, durable construction, and consistent performance make it an excellent choice for Ford and Lincoln owners who need to tow trailers regularly. At a price of $33.79, the Hayes 81794HBC Quik Connect OEM Wiring Harness offers excellent value for the convenience and peace of mind it provides.
I would absolutely recommend this product to anyone who values their time and wants a reliable, hassle-free trailer wiring solution. Ditch the splices, embrace the simplicity, and get back to enjoying the great outdoors. It’s a small investment that will pay off in countless hours of frustration-free towing.