Trailer Brake Controller and Install for 2012 Chevy Express Van with Tow Package

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Question:

i have 2012 chevy express 3500 w, tow package will this operate brakes or install seperate braking

asked by: Mdhamilton

0

Expert Reply:

The Prodigy P3 Brake Controller part # 90195 that you referenced will control the braking power of a trailer's brakes that you are towing.

Express Vans with the 7-Way tow package have the blue output brake wire already ran from the back to the front. It is located under the dash near the emergency brake pedal.

Check out the install video I linked. It shows a similar Tekonsha brake controller being installed in a 2014 Chevy Express van like yours.

Some models will have the other wiring needed to connect the brake controller taped up and tucked under the driver's side floor mat, toward the firewall.

If this bundle of wires is not available in your van, you will want to splice the red wire from the brake controller pigtail to the wire at the back of the brake pedal that only has signal when the pedal is pressed. We used the fuse box for this circuit on Express vans like yours. (see picture).

The black wire on the controller pigtail will need to be routed to a circuit breaker and then to the vehicle battery's positive terminal. The white wire will need to be grounded at the battery's negative terminal. You can use the # 5506 kit to make these connections to the battery.

If your Chevrolet Express Van does not have the factory 7-way, you will want to use an # ETBC7 kit to install the brake controller and a 7-way connector at the back of the van. I have attached a help article that will outline the installation process.

expert reply by: Jameson C

0

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Answer 1

There is nothing specifically referred to as a quick connect, but in order to install a brake controller you will need a 4-way harness #118392 which plugs in behind the trim panels in the cargo area on you 2011 Chevy Express Van. You will then need…

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Answer 2

We can set you up with a better brake controller than the factory brake controller that GM would have installed in your truck that wouldn't require any programming, but the factory one will require programming and will cost more and not perform…

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Answer 3

If your 2019 Chevy Express Van 3500 has the tow package there will be a round connector taped behind the rear bumper that a 7-way like the part #A10-7072VP could attach to. Otherwise you'd need to install a 4-way first like the part #118392.

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Answer 4

On your 2006 Chevy Silverado 1500 there is a black junction box at the back of the floorboards and to the left of the brake pedal. If you take that cover the brake controller plugs into the top row, second spot from the left. It will be the same as…

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Answer 5

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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Answer 6

I've never heard of an actual third brake light connector on a camper shell to plug in on a truck and we don't carry any parts to do that. The light generally needs to be hardwired into the truck's brake light circuit. The issue with this…

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Answer 7

If you are needing the hub and drum assembly then you will want to go with the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly #8-201-5UC3-EZ but if you are just looking for an idler hub then you will want part #8-213-5UC1 instead. These come with the correct…

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Answer 8

The manual lockout on your Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler is there so that you can back up the trailer without the brakes locking up on you. Yes you can safely tow your trailer with the broken manual lockout, you just have to make sure you…

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Answer 9

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 10

I would be happy to help you set up your 2022 Toyota Highlander to haul your new travel trailer. The wiring harness you currently have controls your trailer's lighting functions only. You do not need to rewire your Toyota you just need another…

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Answer 11

For your enclosed trailer application I have several suggestions for adding interior lighting that you can control directly via a switch. Since your current 4-pole trailer wiring does NOT include a 12V auxiliary power feed that could power inside…

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Answer 12

The only way you could power interior dome lights on a trailer without it being connected to a tow vehicle would be to power the lights with a battery like a breakaway battery. How you choose to wire up the batteries will in the end be up to you, but…

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Trailer Brake Controller and Install for 2012 Chevy Express Van with Tow Package

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