Brake Controller Install on 1985 Chevy Suburban C20

Question

Question:

I have a 1985 suburban C20 and a Primus Proportional Breaking controler. I used to have the controller on my 2006 Dodge Ram PU and that just pluged in but my suburban does not have that. I have wire trailer lights but never a break controler before and just need to know what wires need to contect to what on the suburban. I have a red, blue, black and white wire on the controler.

asked by: Dave P

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Expert Reply:

The 1985 Suburban does not have the provision to plug in the brake controller, it will have to be hardwired. We offer a Brake Controller Installation Kit, part # ETBC6 if a 6-way trailer connector is needed, and ETBC7 for a 7-way connector. The installation kit contains everything needed for installing a brake controller in your vehicle, including the wire, the trailer connector, circuit breakers and hardware.

Fortunately, we have a Brake Controller Installation Guide as well as an installation video that should prove helpful. The video shows a brake controller being installed on a 1993 Suburban. The procedure for your 1985 model would be identical. I will provide links below to the video and the install guide.

I will quickly run down the wire functions, the video and install guide will provide more detailed information. The red controller wire connects to the cold side of the brake stoplight switch located at the top of the brake pedal. This switch will have several wires coming off of it, we recommend using a circuit tester like part # 40376 to locate the wire that only shows voltage when the brake pedal is pressed. Once the correct wire is located, that red brake controller wire would be tapped into it. The white wire should be grounded directly to the negative battery terminal. The black wire would connect to the positive battery terminal, via the 20 or 30 amp breaker supplied in the kit (the instructions for your brake controller will state which breaker to use). The blue wire carries the output from the brake controller, and would run through the firewall to the engine compartment and under the vehicle to connect to the trailer connector at the rear bumper.

expert reply by: Mike L

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Answer 1

We do have everything you need to install a 7-Way on your 2020 Subaru Outback Wagon so you can utilize a brake controller but we need to start off by making sure you have a 4-Way for the basic trailer lighting functions. If you don't already…

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Answer 2

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 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

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 5

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 6

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 7

Hey Antoine, so the two kits you mentioned are actually really similar and honestly I would go with the part #ETBC7 if I were you. The #ETBC7L is basically the same thing minus a couple wires and breakers so you may as well get the kit that has…

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Answer 8

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

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Answer 9

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 10

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 11

The first thing you will need for your 1999 D250 is a 4-way. The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C55317 plugs into the connection points behind your rear bumper and will allow you to power your trailer's signal lights. Once the 4-way is…

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Answer 12

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Brake Controller Install on 1985 Chevy Suburban C20

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