Recommendation for Complete Towing Setup on a 2007 Chevrolet Uplander 3.9 Liter
Question:
I want to tow 2600lbs travel trailer 19ft long it has trailer brakes. Can I safely tow this trailer? What do I need.... 7pin wiring harness, class 3 hitch, brake controller,trans cooler? Has anyone else done this?
asked by: Phil
Expert Reply:
I did some research on your 2007 Chevrolet Uplander and found that the maximum recommended towing capacity for this vehicle is 3,500 pounds. If your trailer is 2,600 pounds empty, you would be limited to 900 pounds or less of cargo. If 900 pounds of cargo sounds about right, you will need to check your hitch capacities and make sure it is capable of towing 3,500 pounds. You may find that a weight distribution system is needed to safely tow the maximum capacity with your vehicle.
You should also check your owners manual to see if a transmission cooler and/or power steering cooler are recommended when towing max capacities with your vehicle, see link. I would recommend a transmission cooler for longevity even if the owners manual does not require it. The Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit, item # D13502, would work well on your vehicle. You will need the Derale Snap-In Radiator Adapter Fitting for GM, item # D13035, to complete your installation.
For a hitch the Draw-Tite Class III Trailer Hitch, item # 75278, will work well on your Uplander. We have a video installation for you to review, on a 2006 model, and I have linked instructions for you to check out.
For trailer tow wiring you will need the Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, item # 118396, to start with and then you will need the Brake Controller 7 & 4 Way Installation Kit, item # ETBC7, to complete the installation of the 7-Way connector for towing a trailer with electric brakes. We have detailed instructions, see link, and a video for installation of the brake controller wiring for you to review. You will also need a brake controller.
For a brake controller the Prodigy P2, item # 90885, is an excellent choice. It is easy to use and adjust for different trailers and varying loads. I have linked instructions for the brake controller also.
Finally, if you determine that you need a weight distribution system, the Reese Round Bar Weight Distribution System w Shank, item # RP65509, is one of our best systems, and dual cam sway control, item # RP26002, can be added if needed.
Many of our customers choose to tow with their Uplander and are quite pleased, the key is getting the right setup for your trailer so you will have a good towing experience without any problems. The parts recommended above will set you up and we are here to support you through installation, if you have any questions.
Products Referenced in This Question
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Derale Snap-In Radiator Adapter Fitting for GM
- Accessories and Parts
- Transmission Coolers
- Radiator Adapters
- Derale
more information >
Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit w/Barb Inlets - Class III - Efficient
- Transmission Coolers
- Plate-Fin Cooler
- Mid-Size Truck
- SUV
- Van
- Standard Mount
- 11W x 7-1/4T x 7/8D Inch
- With 11/32 Inch Hose Barb Inlets
- Derale
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 >
Reese Dual Cam High-Performance Sway Control for Steel Trailer Frames
- Accessories and Parts
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- Sway Control Parts
- Reese
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
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