Adding a 7-Way Trailer Connector to a 1997 Chevy C/K Series Pickup

Question

Question:

I have a 5 prong wiring harness coming from my 1997 chevrolet 4x4 truck. I need to know how to wire it up correctly to my 6-7 prong gooseneck horse trailer. The wiring colors from my truck dont match the Gooseneck trailers wiring harness. Thank you More information on my question. My truck does have the towing package harness. The wiring end coming from my truck has 4 wires, 1 brown - 1 white - 1 dark green - 1 light green, coming from my truck. 1997 chevrolet 4x4. My horse trailer wiring plug end is a 7 prong. What do I need to hook it up correctly? Please let me know. Thank you. Kenny Robinson 30637

asked by: Kenny R

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Expert Reply:

It sounds like you need to add a 7-Way RV style trailer connector to your 1997 Chevy pickup. Since you already have a connector, you will just need to add a 4 and 7 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. Though I am not certain if you have a 5-Way flat connector or a 4-Way flat connector. If you have a 4-Way, it will plug into the back of the ETBC7. If you have a 5-Way, I recommend first installing a 4-Way using part # 118315, and plugging it into the back of the ETBC7.

With the 4-Way plugged into the ETBC7, there are just 4 wires left that need to be hardwired to the vehicle. The white wire grounds to the truck frame. The purple wire gets connected to the reverse light circuit behind a tail light (if needed). The black wire connects to the positive battery terminal via a 40 amp circuit breaker (included). And the blue wire attaches to the blue wire on the back of a brake controller.

The kit comes with everything needed to add a function 7-Way trailer connector and provides the wiring and circuit breakers needed for brake controller installation. A brake controller will be needed to activate the electric trailer brakes on the trailer. I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, # 90885. It is one of our most popular controllers because it is easy to set up and easy to use.

I have included links to FAQ articles and a video explaining the installation of an ETBC7 kit, the 4-Way wiring harness installation instructions, and a trailer and trailer connector wiring diagram for reference.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

It's not totally uncommon for the reverse light circuit of a 7-way to not be active. I'd recommend using a circuit tester like part #PTW2993 to test the center pin of your 7-way for voltage when the vehicle is in reverse to see if it…

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Answer 2

You might be able to use the Hopkins #41157 if your 7-way is capable of unplugging from the wiring harness. If you take a look at the install video for the 41157 (click provided link), you can see how the harness unplugs from the back of the 7-way.…

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Answer 3

Figuring out what color wire goes to what function is sometimes quite confusing. I have attached a diagram which covers both the most common wire colors designated for a seven pin trailer connector and a seven pin vehicle connector, referencing the…

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Answer 4

We have put together a kit that includes all the parts you will need to set up the rear wiring for a 7-Way and prepare the truck to install a brake controller. The kit is part #ETBC7. It will utilize the 4-Way that is already installed and then you…

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Answer 5

The 1997 model was not really prewired, although the necessary trailer lighting wires and possibly the brake controller output and 12-volt charge circuit wire should be located under the bed, usually above the spare tire or along the drivers side…

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Answer 6

We do not offer any adapters that convert a Euro 7-way plug like you have on your Volvo to an RV-style plug needed for your trailer. The only solution I can recommend is to cut the Euro 7-way off of your vehicle and wire a new 7-way to your vehicle…

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Answer 7

It sounds like you either have a blown fuse or a short on the right side turn light and brake light circuit. First, I recommend checking the trailer wire connector on the vehicle. You can use a circuit tester, like #PTW2993, to test that power is…

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Answer 8

I really wish I could help, but I wasn't able to pull up an online owners manual for your vehicle due to age or find anything on forums.

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Answer 9

Your trailer frame having an outside to outside dimension of 37 inches that means the Curt hitch part #C15325 will match up to it. The distance from the mounting surface of the hitch down to the hitch tube is going to be 4-1/4 inches. If your truck…

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Answer 10

I believe the remaining wire you're speaking of is actually light blue, and is meant to provide power for a third brake light installed on a camper shell. If you want to run a 12-volt accessory power circuit, you can run it from the positive…

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Answer 11

In order to add a 7 and 4-Way trailer connector to your 1997 Chevy C/K series truck you will first need to have a 4-Way installed if you do not already have one. For a 4-Way you can use #118315. Then you would use 4- and 7-Way installation kit…

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Answer 12

I have another option for you, but there is not a no drill mounting bracket that has a longer clamp than the #C57202 you purchased. Instead I recommend the Curt Easy Mount Bracket #C58003 which will mount to the receiver tube of the Curt Trailer…

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