Installing Brake Controller On 2004 GMC Van
Question:
Where do I intall the Hayes Energize 3 on my 2004 GMC G30 Van Not sure where this plugs in at
asked by: Powers
Expert Reply:
The 2004 GMC van will not have the connector under the dash like those found in GM trucks.
If the van has the OE 7-way connector at the rear bumper, the blue brake output wire will be ran from the 7-way to the area near the emergency brake pedal and would connect to the blue wire on the brake controller. We do not offer a plug for the controller, so you would need to remove it. The remaining wires would need to be hardwired. The white wire would run to the negative battery terminal, the black wire would connect to the positive battery terminal via a 30-amp circuit breaker and the red wire would tap into one of the wires coming off of the brake stoplight switch located at the top of the brake pedal. There can be numerous wires exiting the switch, you will want to use a circuit tester like part # PTW2993 on each wire to find the one that only shows voltage when the brake pedal is pressed.
If the van does not have the factory installed 7-way, you would need the Brake Controller Install Kit, part # ETBC7. The adapter that is included with the kit requires a functional 4-pole trailer connector like part # 118392. The kit includes connectors, wire and even the zip ties, but a longer vehicle like a cargo van would most likely require a bit of extra wire like part # 10-2-1.
If you have not already purchased a brake controller, I believe you would be happier with a proportional controller such as the Tekonsha Primus, part # TK90160. the Primus costs about the same as the Energize brake controller you mentioned, but would offer safer, more predictable braking. The Primus also enjoys a much higher rating from our customers.
For install details and videos as well as some FAQ articles that you might find helpful, click on the provided links.
Products Referenced in This Question
Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot
- Wiring
- Wire
- Jacketed Wire
- 2 Wire
- 10 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 3 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 90 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: My Vehicle has a 4-Pin Trailer Plug, but Trailer has 7-Pin Trailer Plug
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: Brake Controller Installation on 2016 Mercedes-Benz Sprinter
- Q&A: Tool for Adjusting Drum Brakes on Drop Axle
- Q&A: Does a 2022 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 Short Bed Need a Sliding 5th Wheel Hitch
- Q&A: Picking Between ETBC7 and ETBC7L for Brake Controller Install
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?