Recommended 4 & 7-Way Wiring Harness for a 2012 Chevrolet Express Van

Question:

My vehicle has not had a hitch or tow wiring to this point. I installed a Class 3 hitch, and am interested in your 7-4 vehicle end plug kit. Will it come with wire harness that plugs into the factory wire harness

asked by: John W

Expert Reply:

Good news, I can help! It sounds like your 2012 Chevrolet Express Van didn't come with the tow package. This means that there isn't a OEM factory plug for the # HM40975-11933 to plug into. If your Express Van had been built with the tow package there will be a plug at the back of the vehicle where, yes, the Hopkins 4 & 7-way plug will just simply plug into.

Don't worry, if your van didn't come with the tow package, I can help you wire it up to have a 4 & 7-way plug like the Hopkins one you were looking at. You will first need a 4-way connector that will plug into the back of your taillights and give you a 4-way connection like # 118392 does. Next you will adapt your 4-way to a 4 & 7-way connector by installing the # ETBC7 kit. This kit will include what you need to run all the connections to the cab of your vehicle for a brake controller.

For a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha P3 # 90195, because of its easy user interface. The P3 is a proportional brake controller which means it senses how the tow vehicle is slowing or stopping and applies the trailer's brakes with the same intensity. It also has a full display screen instead of codes that need deciphering. The Tekonsha P2 # 90885 is like the P3's little brother, it has all the great qualities but doesn't have the display of the P3.

We know that among the Express Vans the wiring can be run a variety of ways, so if run into any issues just let me know. I have linked all the above mentioned products as well as all the brake controllers, a few help articles, and a diagram of how the ETBC7 will install.