Wiring Plug, Hitch, and Accesories For 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche Towing 23 Skamper Travel Trailer

Question:

I just bought a 2003 Chevrolet Avalanche and plan to install a hitch and wiring to for my 23 Skamper travel trailer. There is currently no hitch or trailer wiring connector present. The previous owner has a rope light on the bumper that is currently plugged into the factory connector. It looks like it uses a standard 4 way connecter with an adapter plugged into the factory connector Will I need to order anything else to connect the HM40975 to my factory connector?

asked by: Dee C

Expert Reply:

The item you selected, Pollak 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket , part # HM40975, plugs into factory connector above the spare tire. You can use part # HM40975 if the vehicle wiring will reach to plug into your vehicle. If you find you need extra length of wiring to connect I would recommend Replacement Multi-Tow 7-Way and 4-Way Trailer Connector, part # 30955, which is designed to work on your Avalanche, and will plug into the factory connector above spare tire underneath your truck. Both part # HM40975 and part # 30955 do the same thing and will work on your vehicle, but if you need more wiring to connect the connectors, you will need part # 30955.

If you already have a 7-way at the rear of your vehicle that the 4-way on the rope light is plugged into you can simply unplug the rope light and plug in your trailer. If you need to install a 7-way connector, you can use part # HM40975 or part # 30955. You could then plug in your trailer to the 7-way and the rope light to the 4-way as long as using both connectors will not overload the circuit. I would recommend leaving the rope light unplugged when towing a trailer behind your Chevrolet Avalanche.

For a hitch, I would recommend, Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class V - 2 Inch, part # C15324.

To complete your towing setup, you will need ball mount, hitch ball, pin and clip, and brake controller.

For a ball mount I would recommend, Forged Ball Mount, part # 40331, which can be used as a 3 inch rise or 4 inch drop. You will want to measure your truck and trailer to determine the correct drop or rise you will need, (see FAQ).

For a hitch ball you will need to see if your trailer uses 2 inch or 2-5/16 inch coupler. For a 2 inch ball, we have Curt Ball, part # A-90. For a 2-5/16 inch ball, we have Tow Ready Ball, part # 63836.

For a pin and clip, we have Pin and Clip, part # PC3, if you would like a locking hitch pin, there is the Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock, part # e98880.

For a brake controller, since you will have the 7-way installed at the rear of your vehicle, you will just need a brake controller and the adapter for your Avalanche, Tekonsha Wire Replacement, part # 3015-P, which we also have available as a package with brake controllers. For a brake controller, I would recommend Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Proportional Brake Controller to be used with GM specific part # 3015P. The P2 is a proportional brake controller, so it supplies power to the trailer brakes in proportion to the brake force that you apply to your truck.

Your towing setup is only as strong as the lowest rated component of your towing setup. You want to make sure not to exceed the tongue weight or towing capacity of your vehicle or hitch.

I have linked instructions for the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver, part # C15324, and Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Proportional Brake Controller # 90885 and GM Adapter, part # 3015P. I have also linked an FAQ on ball mounts and a video installation of a brake controller on a Chevrolet Silverado that you may find as a good reference.