Parts Needed to Install a Brake Controller on a 1996 Chevy S-10

Question

Question:

I want to install this on a 96 chevy S10 for towing a 2 axle utility trailer with electric brakes on all 4 wheels. I looked under the dash and the only jack I saw was one with maybe a dozen pins that is used for computer trouble shooting diagnosis. I presume this is not the jack for trailer braking. Would I have to wire this up without a jack to connect to? Thanks

asked by: Alan R

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Expert Reply:

The plug under the dash you see is likely the OBDII port and you are correct, it is not used to install a brake controller. On your 1996 Chevy S-10 you will need to hardwire in a brake controller.

To do this you will need to start by installing a trailer connector (unless the truck already has one). To start you would install a 4-Way, # HM41115. If the truck already has a 4-Way you can skip this step.

Next you will need 4 and 7-Way installation kit # ETBC7. This provides the 7-Way and the wiring/accessories needed to install the brake controller. If the truck has a 7-Way already I will cover that below. I have included some links that show and explain the ETBC7 installation.

If your truck has a 7-Way trailer connector then you will instead need wiring kit # 5506. You will just need to follow the relevant parts of the ETBC7 instructions to complete the installation.

For Curt brake controller # C74VV you will also need universal wiring harness # C51515.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

To install the Curt Venturer Electric Brake Controller #C74VV you definitely need the red wire. Black to 12 volt power White to ground Blue to 7-way at rear of vehicle Red to cold side of the stop light switch The cold side of the stop light switch…

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Answer 2

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 5

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 6

Load range B trailer tires are going to have a lower capacity than C load range tires. Basically that, psi rating, and the ply rating are the only differences. A higher load range tire would last a little longer than lower load ranges of the same…

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Answer 7

Your math is correct in your trailer weight load example. If a fully-loaded tandem axle trailer weighs 4000-lbs then each of the 4 tires will bear 1/4th of that load, or 1000-lbs. In this case a tire rated for 1300-lbs would provide a good safety…

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Answer 8

The three most common lug stud sizes for a trailer are 1/2"-20, 9/16"-18, and 5/8"-18. In order to make sure you get the correct lug nuts you need to measure the lug studs on the trailer now as we have no way to look this up for…

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Answer 9

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 10

To find the load capacity for your axle you should look on the trailer VIN plate or sticker that lists the VIN number. The weight rating of the axle should be listed on that same plate or sticker. Also, the axle could have a tag or plate on it that…

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Answer 11

You can add larger wheels and tires to a trailer as long as you have enough room for the larger size. The main clearance issues we find when putting larger tires and wheels on a trailer is from the top of the tire to the fender and from the inside…

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Answer 12

Hey Cory, thanks for reaching out! The Replacement Support Leg #TH33VK is for the 8-1/2" long Thule HideAway awnings which is what I believe will be a better match than the part #TH48VK you referenced, which is for a 10' long HideAway…

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