Installing Trailer Brake Controller for 2005 Chevrolet Astro Van

Question:

I have a 2005 Chevy Astro Van and it seems to have the trailer wiring harness installed back by the jack. We found the wire wrapped up. Unwrapped it and has all the wires for a seven wire trailer connection. The blue wire is there and we want to install a Proportional Electric Brake Controller that mounts in any direction. Since the van has the wire already there I would like to hook the brake controller directly into the vans setup.

asked by: Perry

Expert Reply:

Since your 2005 Chevrolet Astro van did not come with a factory 7-Way trailer connector, it is likely that the bundle of wires you found at the rear of the van are not fully connected. Sometimes wires will be ran in case a vehicle is equipped with the tow package, but if it does not end up equipped with the tow package, the wires may never be connected.

The best solution I can provide that I know will work for you to install a trailer brake controller and 7-Way trailer connector is to first install a 4-Way connector and then use the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controllers # ETBC7 to provide a 7-Way connector and all of the wiring needed to install a brake controller. If your Astro does not already have a 4-way, you can use the Curt Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat # C55411. The trailer connector included with the # ETBC7 kit will plug into the # C55411 connector and then have wires that will need to be connected for the brake controller signal, 12V power, ground, and reverse lights (if desired).

If you need a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195 because it is a high quality, top of the line brake controller. The controller will automatically level when mounted within a 360-degree vertical range. It offers 3 boost levels, 5 storable settings, battery protections, diagnostics, and a customizable, easy-to-read LED screen. The P3 will work with trailers with up to 4 axles and is compatible with electric and electric over hydraulic brakes.

I have attached the installation instructions for all of these parts for you, as well as review videos of the products.