Brake Controller Installation on 1998 Chevy Suburban
Question:
I have a 1998 K1500 Sub 4x4 and it has the heavy duty tow package. I would like to know if I need an adaptor wire harness to plug a brake controller under the dash or how do I install a brake conroller? Thanks!
asked by: Fernando
Expert Reply:
GM did not start using the port under the dash until the 1999 model year. You will need to hardwire the controller into the existing vehicle wiring.
Depending on what the tow package on your vehicle included, some of the wiring might be in place. Does the Suburban already have a trailer connector? If so, is it a 4-pole or a 7-Way?
GM typically ran a blue and an orange wire from the rear of the vehicle up to the engine bay that terminates under the brake booster. In a 12 year old vehicle, these might be hard to locate and they might be in questionable shape. You will most likely be best served by using the Brake Controller Install Kit, part # ETBC7 which includes all wire, circuit breakers, hardware and a 7-way trailer connector. If your Suburban does not already have the 4-pole trailer connector, part # C55319 can be used.
We have an online Brake Controller Installation Guide as well as an installation video that you might find helpful. Both the guide and the video will walk you through the process. The video shows the install on a 1993 model, but the procedure would be the same for your vehicle.
Products Referenced in This Question
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
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
- Shop: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Double Convoluted - Rear Axle
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Shop: Lift Spacers for Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - 4" Spacers - Qty 2
- Q&A: How do I Setup my Reese 49912 Weight Distribution System with Rear Air Bags on my 1996 Chevy Tahoe
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Towing Mirrors
- Shop: Performance Chip Tuners
- Shop: 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Firestone Ride Rite Air Suspension Enhancement Recommendation for 1996 Chevy Suburban 4 in Lift
- Shop: Electric Jack w/ Footplate and 7-Way Plug - A-Frame - 25-1/8" Lift - 3.5K - Black
- Shop: Lift Spacers for Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs - Vehicles w/ 6" Lift
- Video: Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 1993 Chevrolet Suburban
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Q&A: Installing Brake Controller On 1998 GMC Sierra
- Q&A: How to Install A Brake Controller On A 1997 Chevrolet K2500
- Q&A: How to Install a Trailer Brake Controller on a 1998 GMC C/K Series Truck
- Q&A: Installing a 7-Way Trailer Connector on a 1998 GMC Pickup
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: 25980ez
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: air bags
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Video: Timbren Rear Suspension Enhancement System Review RU-18-TA-00302588
- Search Results: 25580
- Article: Choosing the Right Suspension Kit for Your Truck and Trailer
on Trailer Brake Controller
