Installing a 7-Way Trailer Connector on a 2008 Chevy Express Van 3500
Question:
I have a 2008 Chevy Express 3500 15 passenger van with the trailering, but no hitch. I have installed a hitch, and am told the vehicle should already be wired for lights/brakes, but I cant find any of the wiring where its supposed to be. 1. Any way to find out if the wires were ever installed? 2. Where would they be if theyre there? 3. If theyre not there, how do I hook up trailer lights? The brake isnt a necessity right now, but I have to have lights ASAP Thanks
asked by: Jeff
Expert Reply:
If your 2008 Chevy Express Van were already set up for trailer lights and a brake controller, it would have a factory installed 7-Way trailer connector at the rear of the vehicle or a wiring harness located inside the driver side frame rail near the rear of the vehicle. Look for a round plug with a cap. If you find this plug, you will need part # 30955. Scroll down on the product page to see what the plug on the vehicle will look like.
If you cannot find this plug on your vehicle, it may not be wired for a trailer wiring harness. In this case, you would need to install Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, # 118392. I have included a link to the installation details and a video showing a typical installation for you to view.
With the 4-Way installed, you would then need to install a 4 and 7 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. I have included links to an FAQ and video that will explain the ETBC7 installation. It will also explain how to install a brake controller.
If you find that you have the plug for a 7-Way, the blue wire for electric brakes will be already ran from the back of the vehicle to cab of the van, under the dash near the emergency brake pedal. For a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha P2, # 90885, because it is easy to set up and easy to use.
Products Referenced in This Question
Replacement Custom Multi-Tow 7-Way and 4-Way Trailer Connectors
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
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 >
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 >
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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