Recommended Equipment Needed to Add a 7-Way and Brake Controller to a 1994 Chevy Silverado 1500

Question:

I have a 1994 silverado chevy 1500 pick up truck that a friend is welding a new hitch for me but the truck does not have any wiring or controllers to be use with a trailer. The trailer is a 16 footer, double axle with brakes. So I am searching for a complete Wiring Harness with a ModuLite, Brake Controller Harness with brake controller with a 7-Way Trailer Connector... I was advice on using a light modular fet directly from the battery so the trailers lights will be powered without overloading my trucks electrical system because the module draws power directly from the battery and bypasses the electrical routes that are used by a basic wiring harness, there is virtually no draw on the tail light circuits. Do you have anything that could help me? Does this information makes sense or you cold advice me differently.... Thank you

asked by: Luis

Expert Reply:

We have exactly what you need to install on your 1994 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 to activate your trailer lights and use a brake controller for the trailer brakes.

Although the ModuLite on wiring harnesses can be very helpful, it isn't really necessary on vehicles that were built with towing in mind. The only time you really need to use a harness with a ModuLite is when you are installing it on a car.

For your Silverado I recommend installing the Tekonsha T-One # 118315 which will install in an OEM plug at the rear of your truck. This will give you a 4-Way flat connector that carries the basic lighting functions for your trailer. I have attached an installation video of this process on a similar 1994 Chevy Pickup.

For a fully functional 7-Way you will need to install the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7. This will plug into the 4-Way that you would have just installed and then you will also need to run a lead to your battery for the 12V Power and to your brake controller to activate the trailer brakes.

I recommend using the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 for a brake controller as it is very easy to setup and use. It also easily adapts to other vehicles as well so you will be able to use it for many different applications. You will need to splice the following colors on the pigtail to the following functions:

Blue - Brake Controller
Black - 12V Power (Battery)
White - Ground
Red - COLD Side of Stop Light Switch (only gets hot when the brake pedal is pressed)

I have attached a video of the # ETBC7 and the P3 # 90195 being installed on a 1996 Chevy Pickup that you can use as a reference for the install.