Recommended Brake Controller And Trailer Wiring For 2013 Chevrolet Express Van

Question

Question:

I have a couple year old chevy express 12 passenger van. The owners manual says there should be a harness tucked up in a frame pocket on the drivers side. Any idea where the mystery pocket is? What else do I need to get a 7 pin trailer plug and brake controller installed? Thanks

asked by: Phil W

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Expert Reply:

The first thing we need to know is if you have a factory towing package on your Express Van. If you have the towing package there will be a capped round plug behind the bumper on the drivers side frame rail. You can use part # HM40975. Just connect it to the plug you find under your van and you will have a 4-way connector and 7-way connector.

If you do not have the towing package you will need to add a 4-way connector like the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector, part # 118392. I have attached a link to an installation video for this wiring harness you can check out. You will find the connection points at the rear of the cargo area on the van as shown in the attached photo.

You will then need # ETBC7 to complete the 7-way installation. It plugs into the 4-way connector and with additional wiring you will have a functioning 4-way connector and a 7-way connector you need for towing.

I recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, part # 90885. This is one of our most popular brake controllers because it is easy to install and operate. To install this brake controller you will need to hardwire it because there is no plug-in port under the dash on your van. I have attached a link to an installation video that shows in detail how to install a brake controller and the # ETBC7.

You will need extra wire when installing the brake controller. for that I recommend part # 10-2-1.

A fuse tap is needed and for that I recommend part # F2526.

When working with electrical connectors I recommend using dielectric grease like part # 11755. This keeps dirt and moisture out of the electrical connections and helps prevent corrosion.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

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Answer 1

On a 7-Way connector the suggested minimum wire gauge for the White (ground) wire, the Red or Black (power) wire, and the Blue (brake power) wire is 12 gauge. The minimum wire gauge for the remaining Green (right turn/brake) wire, the Yellow (left…

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Answer 2

The 7-Way trailer connector #PK11893 does not take any wire directly. It is what is called a US car connector. There is a mating harness that plugs into the back of it that will either already be on the vehicle or you would use #PK11998 which uses…

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Answer 3

If you had a factory connector it would be located at the exterior rear of your vehicle under the bumper most likely on the drivers side. If you have that plug you will need the Hopkins Connector #41155. If you do not have that plug you would need…

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Answer 4

I'm assuming your Express doesn't have the 7-way, but does have the capped round plug behind the bumper on the drivers side frame rail, you'll install part #30955. Simply remove the cap and plug the connector in. To wire up the controller…

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Answer 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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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Answer 10

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 11

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 12

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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