I always read the manual, I downloaded the manual 4 months before my truck came in. We must have different editions of the manual, your page 300 is 305 in mine that came in the truck.
I waited until I could hook up the trailer to make sure I didn’t miss something the first time I set up the trailer. I deleted the trailer and set it up all over again from the beginning. After you connect the trailer wiring connector and start the truck with your foot on the brake you get the confirmation message that a trailer is connected. That does not energize the orange wire. There are still no interior lights.
See quote from ford customer service below.
As Ford advances in technology, our vehicle systems are often upgraded and ever changing. The 7 way connector is now activated by a module which is designed to operate in the presence of a trailer with electronic braking capability. The module scans the connection to ensure all requirements for trailer towing have been met. Unfortunately, the downside to this upgrade is that the 7 way connector no longer offers a power port to any additional accessories.
The system is operating per its original design intent.
Ford Motor Company ®
Tara Dew | Customer Service Manager | FCSD