How to Install Anderson Plugs | Ford Ranger Wildtrak 2022

[@rexlu580]

OMG... awesome mate, I'm learning how to install Anderson plugs on my new Wildtrak (1 grey and 1 red) for my Jayco caravan, your video helps me a lot, thanks mate, you are the legend.

[@vesautoelectrics]

Mate you have made my week! So happy that the video has helped. This is why i wanted to start the channel and getting feedback like yours is awesome and makes it all worth while. Thank you.

[@AndyH-13]

I will be doing the same when the Wildtrak arrives at the end of the month and will follow this video.

[@jamiemuldoon9981]

Awesome video, gave me the confidence to run not only brake controller but sent the red and grey Anderson and reverse camera lead too

[@vesautoelectrics]

Thanks for comment and feedback. Happy it helped.

[@hughcarlisle3824]

Thanks for your videos, they are really helpful. I like your description of your selected components and why you use them.

[@vesautoelectrics]

Thank you for your comment! Really appreciate the feedback, makes it all worth while.

[@gerardosullivan7126]

I Like that fuse tap, never seen 1 before👍

[@vesautoelectrics]

Yeah great idea, wish I thought of it!!

[@Wazza722]

The best video i’ve watched on installing anderson plugs. Where did you get the bracket to hold the plugs?

[@vesautoelectrics]

Thanks for the feedback. I made that bracket but since then i use a mounting bracket kit from oex, part no. ACX6921 You can get these online or from Repco, Napa. They say it’s for a 7pin socket but the 12 pin sockets fit the same.

[@trippingausfttravandmad8572]

Is this for the charging stations f the house battery as well?

[@vesautoelectrics]

For the customers caravan the grey Anderson plug was to charge the house batteries. Red Anderson for alko esc.

[@DavidMonck]

Hello, great video ! May I please where you got the Anderson mounting plate that fits the ford wildtrak?

[@DavidMonck]

Found it further down cheers

[@vesautoelectrics]

No problem, thanks for watching👍

[@IMxiaozuo]

There is a ignition wire under left hand side footwell labelled "run start"

[@vesautoelectrics]

Thanks for the tip, do you know what colour wire it is?

[@IMxiaozuo]

@@vesautoelectrics green with white stripe wire if not mistaken… Other than ignition wire (run start), there is a clearance light wire labelled "POS LIGHT" For lower spec ranger, there's "HIGH BEAM" wire labelled as well… All those wires can cut and join to signal our additional relays or switches

[@vesautoelectrics]

Thanks for that, i know on the past models there was a grey/ blue wire in left front kick panel and behind the headlight switch panel that we used to tap into. But these fuse taps can be really handy especially when customers don’t want the wiring harness tampered with.

[@petermanuel8645]

Ign feed to pin 86; earth to pin 85; battery positive to pin 30 and cable to Anderson from pin 87. Is that correct?

[@vesautoelectrics]

Yeap spot on.

[@davestickland2880]

8 months on and I’ve installed following the exact instructions and all seems well except the smart alternator on the car seems to not allow for the Anderson plug to work. Welcome any thoughts on this other than turning it off.

[@vesautoelectrics]

What is the Anderson plug powering?

[@davestickland2880]

Running to rear tow bar to connect to the caravan dc2dc. Only running a fridge

[@vesautoelectrics]

Apologies for delayed response, do you know how the dc charger is wired in the caravan? They usually have an ignition trigger wire to make the smart alternator put out sufficient continuous charge ?

[@davestickland2880]

Regrettably I dont know how this was done. I do know that this issue has only arisen since I changed vehicles. I will find an auto electrician to help me figure it out as I feel bad that you are doing all the work and not getting paid for it :-)@@vesautoelectrics

[@vesautoelectrics]

No problem, happy to help. Please keep me posted with the outcome.

[@AndyH-13]

Great video and thanks for sharing. I am going to install a DC/DC and fridge power through Anderson plugs on the same car. Should I be using a VSR (voltage sensing relay)?

[@vesautoelectrics]

Thanks for watching. A VSR relay wouldn’t work as the ranger has a smart alternator. The voltage will drop enough for the VSR relay to shut off. A normal 4 pin relay will work a treat.

[@vesautoelectrics]

I have also done a separate video on fitting a dual battery with a dc/dc charger if you wanted to check that out.

[@user-si7ni2xj7h]

Great video, I did a very similar install for my PX2 Wildtrak. I now have a 2024 V6 Wildtrak with the Premium Package that includes 6x auxiliary switches. Are you familiar with these switch's? Was thinking of using them somehow for grey/red, caravan reverse camera and ignition source for bcdc charger in van. Would have to remember to turn on and off when using van, but I don't have an issue with that. Thought it may make install a little easier as all prewired, relayed and protected.

[@vesautoelectrics]

Thanks for watching. These switches are normally used for additional lighting, and powering low amperage accessories. I wouldn’t use them for heavy current items like anderson plugs etc.

[@RichardJones-cg4pf]

Just wondering if there’s a reason you didn’t use a battery isolator on the grey Anderson.

[@vesautoelectrics]

I used an ignition relay instead of a battery isolator (VSR) as the Ranger has a smart alternator. If you use a voltage sensitive isolator (VSR) it would work intermittently as the alternator will drop the standard charge rate of around 14volts down to around 12volts once it’s been running for a while.

[@Neckdeepinmud]

Great video, thank you. I wish I'd seen it last week. It would have saved a lot of head scratching. I'm going to use this for a Eberspacher Miniwash. Would this be okay to connect a cheap 300w inverter for charging tool batteries?

[@vesautoelectrics]

Thanks for watching. Yes you can connect a 300w inverter as it shouldn’t pull anymore than 25amps peak.

[@comangus]

Thanks a lot for the info this is really useful. Can you please let me know what 50 amp automatic resettable circuit breaker are you using? I cannot see the one you are suing on the video and when I searched on google there a re too many options

[@vesautoelectrics]

Hi, glad it helped. I used a OEX 50amp auto reset Circuit Breaker. Part no. ACX1868BL

[@chrisduckworth2022]

Hey.. great vid... again. Just wondering about the "bush-proofness" of the Andersons vs having them in a heavy duty environmental boot ? I have a PX1 Wildtrak and had to relocate my trailer plug above the towbar as it kept getting wiped out on steep departures and rocks while out on the tracks. Any concerns with this install.. or is the owner unlikely to venture into steep terrain ?

[@vesautoelectrics]

Hey, this set up has zero bush proofness! Haha. Customer won’t be doing any off roading. If he was then both anderson plugs would be in full waterproof covers but as you have found, they still get hit when going up steep inclines. In the past we mount/ relocate the plugs as high as possible or worse case flush mount them into bumper.

[@davestickland2880]

Firstly my thanks for this excellent video. Should make life a whole lot easier. I’m only going to run a grey Anderson so do I just leave the pin spare on the relay or should I use a different relay? Love the solder technique. It’s awesome and I can attest it works. Had an Anderson plug on my old GU come undone and no way of crimping (on the Oodnadatta track). This was so easy!

[@vesautoelectrics]

Thanks for the feedback, much appreciated. You can use the same relay, it only has 4 pins so you won’t have a spare pin. I usually connect two power outputs (anderson & fridge) onto the one pin. But just an Anderson makes the job easier for you. Yeap soldering anderson plugs is the better way to go, I’ve never had one fail yet. Let me know if you need anymore info.

[@davestickland2880]

Me again. Sorry to be a pain. I’m not running power for a fridge so does this mean a spare pin on the relay? If it isn’t asking too much is it possible to list the pieces you used (minus the fridge wire you installed)? Your instructions are clear but I want to be sure I don’t mess it up somewhere - I’ve not used a relay before so I’m eager to get it right. Thanks in anticipation

[@vesautoelectrics]

No worries, it does get confusing. So you want a 60 or 70amp 4 pin relay. The pins are numbered as listed; Pin 30- connect to battery positive with inline 50amp fuse or circuit breaker( as close to battery positive as you can) Pin 85- connect to earth point on vehicle body. Pin 86- connect to ignition supply. Pin 87- power out to Anderson plug using inline 50amp fuse or circuit breaker. Hope that makes sense?

[@thomasjoint6095]

​@vesautoelectrics Hi mate. Love the video and your help. we are about to do this same setup but on a Everest. Just a bit confused as you say use 2 inline 50A CBs. I thought just one before the contactor? Thanks

[@tiranirani2753]

Great videos, thinking of doing this myself when my Wildtrack arrives. Can you tell me why you don’t install a relay in the ESC cable to the red Anderson? Wouldn’t it be good to have the ESC power disconnected when the ignition is switched off too?

[@vesautoelectrics]

Thanks for the feedback. ESC cable should always be wired directly to battery power via 30amp fuse. Reason being is it’s a safety feature like a brake controller which also requires direct power. (Less chance of relay/ other component failure). Also the ESC system only draws power when activated whilst travelling. leaving it connected to the car won’t flatten the battery as only the led indicator will been on. Hope this makes sense?

[@tiranirani2753]

Thanks for your reply, that makes sense. Good to know they don’t draw much power while idle. Cheers

[@pabichpawel]

Great vid. What's the reason behind not wanting to use any of the fuses in the engine bay?

[@vesautoelectrics]

Thanks for watching. I used the fascia fusebox as i was also installing a reverse camera kit which required ignition supply and sometimes when using the engine bay fusebox, there isn’t anywhere to run the cable outside from the box. And the lid won’t close properly causing future problems.

[@ilikeu2ube]

Fantastic video, but was wondering where you got the Anderson plug bracket from which attaches onto the 12 pin trailer plug. Thanks and love your vids.

[@vesautoelectrics]

Thanks for watching, appreciate the feedback. I buy the brackets from Napa here in Australia. The brand is OEX, part no. ACX6921. Let me know if you need any other info.

[@comangus]

I tried to look for this reference in Google (OEX, part no. ACX6921) and it shows a different type of bracket, can you please double-check the reference?@@vesautoelectrics

[@vesautoelectrics]

Sorry yes your right. The bracket used i made from some spare stainless steel. I always use the OEX brackets now. You can stack the Anderson plugs ontop of each other still if needed?

[@l2andom]

Great video, thanks for this. New to all this and this video has been quite informative. Would you need second relay if you had another plug that you wanted on ignition as well? Not sure if you'll ever read this as it's a 4month old video but thought I'd ask.

[@vesautoelectrics]

Glad you liked it. You can either have a another separate relay and just bridge the ignition trigger wire to both relays or just upgrade to relay, if running two anderson plugs i use a 100 amp Relay. What are you needing to run? Load wise?

[@l2andom]

@@vesautoelectrics Hey thanks for the reply, I didn't actually think I'd get one. At the moment I just have an anderson plug that I've already had, it's just connected to the battery (with a fuse as well). I'm picking up a camper trailer and the manufacturer recommended me looking at getting a relay of some sort and adding some power to the 12pin (8b&s and an ignition wire for the fridge). Their set up is the camper battery goes to the anderson plug and the fridge connected via the 12pin (not sure if any of that makes sense). I just assumed I would probably need a relay for both the battery and the fridge (the anderson plug and the 12pin). I'd send you an image of the diagram they gave me but I don't think I can do it on youtube. Thanks again for your response.

[@vesautoelectrics]

No problem, i try and reply to all messages. So i would suggest a 100amp relay, connect the existing anderson plug cable (with inline fuse) to relay and run another power from relay (30amp maxi fuse or circuit breaker) to 12pin plug (refer to specs but usually pin 8 or 9 and bridge it to pin 12 if fridge needs ignition trigger. Another option is to use a VSR relay/ solenoid if your vehicle doesn’t have a smart alternator? Benefit of a VSR is you don’t need to find an ignition trigger. Hope that makes sense?

[@mattjewell3282]

I also really appreciate your videos. They are super helpful. Whats the connections used to attach to the relay? Looks like they are covered in shrink wrap.

[@vesautoelectrics]

That’s great to hear! Thank you. So the relay is used for the grey Anderson so it only has power when the ignition is on to avoid flatten the crank battery. The relay is a 70amp 4 pin, it has two standard pins which normal 6.3mm blue female spade crimp terminals can be used and two large pins (power in and out). I use the 9.5mm yellow female crimp terminals. I add shrink wrap for extra protection and also it looks better. Are you looking at doing a similar set up?

[@bradrobinson9024]

Where did you get that small bra kit from.. looks really nice and tidy

[@vesautoelectrics]

That was a spare from a dc2dc charger universal mounting bracket kit. But since the video i have started using OEX universal brackets which look great and requires no drilling. Part no. ACX6921

[@brentonfrost9569]

Hi I have a Ford Ranger 2022 next gen xls. I recently saw your video on installing anderson plug to the rear. So I installed an anderson plug thru from start battery to the rear of the ranger to run the caravan fridge while travelling. The trigger switch is fuse taped under the dash. - l was wondering if you have any suggestions which other fuse to piggy back onto when I hook up my uhf radio only to use when ignition is on? - Also I need to hook up a spotlight switch, all wires are ok accept for one, the only wire which requires a dash light circuit so unsure as to where to tap into for this one? Thanks heaps

[@vesautoelectrics]

Hi, you can use the same fuse tap used for relay trigger for the uhf to keep it simple. They both draw very little amps. For the spot light and dash light light wiring, all the connections are behind the kick trim, passenger side. And are all labelled. I have done a separate video showing where they are if you needed more info. Hope this helps, let me know if you need anything else.

[@brentonfrost9569]

Awesome thank you for the ford ranger hidden wiring info by the passenger kick panel. Also like to congratulate you on the great info on the lithium dual install behind the back seat. Great job keep them coming and where abouts are you in Australia in case I need to to get some work by you, I’m in Adelaide.

[@vesautoelectrics]

Thank you, glad you like the videos, makes all the effort worthwhile. I’m based in Perth.

[@kylewilkey1265]

What length caravan cable for camera you use ? Thankyou

[@vesautoelectrics]

7.5 metre cable, usually have about a metre excess that i coil up underneath.

[@nathangreen2717]

Hey mate, top video!!! I have a question for ya though. If I wanted to run both Anderson plugs off of an ignition wire, is it possible to upgrade the relay to 100amp (as you have mentioned in a previous comment) and run both cables (or circuits) off of the relay (pin 87) to the Anderson plugs? And if that would work, is it necessary to fuse both lines after the relay (I’m gonna guess yes) or is the one 50amp breaker after the battery connection sufficient?? I hope that all makes sense, and look forward to your reply 🤙

[@vesautoelectrics]

Hey mate, thanks for the comment. Yeap upgrade the relay to 100amp. But both power cables from pin 87 need to be separately fused. Reason is one of the circuits might only be 30amp but the other 50amp. Handy thing with the bigger relay is pin 87 is a stud so makes putting two power cables on easier. Other thing to note is battery supply cable to the bigger relay needs to be atleast 6b&s in size with correct amperage fuse/ circuit breaker. Hope this helps?

[@nathangreen2717]

Cheers for reply ;) Yeah that clears up everything 👍 Except I now realise I need to run 3 circuits from pin 87 1-grey Anderson for fridge (30amp fuse) 2-red Anderson for dc charger/bms (40amp fuse) (Both of the above circuits will be 6b&s) 3-a 5mm cable to pin 8 (on 12pin plug) for the esc (40amp fuse) Each circuit will be fused individually (after the relay) would it still be necessary to put a fuse after the battery connection (before the relay) And would all the above be all sweet to run off the 100amp relay Cheers again 🤙

[@vesautoelectrics]

No worries. The ESC circuit needs to be connected direct to battery not relay. It only draws power whilst travelling ( when needed) so won’t flatten the battery. Advantage this way is you’ll only have two circuits off the relay, anymore wouldn’t work. The battery supply to relay needs to be fused. Anything running off a power source (battery) should always be fused as close as possible.

[@nathangreen2717]

The jayco wiring instructions say to run the esc through a svr (to prevent draining starter battery, which the ignition relay will do)

[@vesautoelectrics]

Must be a different ESC set up then? Rule of thumb is always connect direct to battery. In that case you would be overloading the 100amp relay with three circuits if they all pulled max rated amperage. I would put the esc circuit on a separate 40amp relay to be safe.

[@brentonfrost9569]

Hey great video, so good to see that someone comes out with an informative instruction on how it’s all done, but I just one question with pin 30 and pin 87 how did you terminate the 8 B&S cable onto the 9.5mm yellow female contacts? As my 8 B&S cable won’t fit into the yellow female contacts. Thanks heaps

[@vesautoelectrics]

No problem, glad you found it helpful. 8 b&s cable will just go into the yellow terminals with abit of force. other option is to cut the yellow plastic part off, then using side cutters or pliers, squeeze down the metal tabs and run some solder over it.

[@brentonfrost9569]

@@vesautoelectrics Thank you for the reply , yes that is a good way around it, I’ll put a bit of solder over it to finish it off. You have great answers to these situations.

[@vesautoelectrics]

Thank you, let me know if you have any other questions.

[@darrendwyer9981]

It probably is a good videa but the sound is so bad that it is near impossible to hear what you are saying

[@vesautoelectrics]

Sorry about that. I was using an iPhone and the surroundings weren’t ideal.

[@wonder1638]

volume is very low brother

[@vesautoelectrics]

Yeah sorry, there were people next door and didn’t want them thinking I’m crazy talking to myself. 🤦‍♂️

[@vesautoelectrics]

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