Trailer Brake Controller Installation on 2013 GMC Savana 3500 Van with Factory Tow Package
Question:
I have a 2013 GMC Savanna 3500 with HD trailer tow package. I want to add a trailer brake controller. Do I need additional wiring or does this truck have that, if you know.
asked by: Bob
Expert Reply:
If your 2013 GMC Savana 3500 van has the tow package with factory-installed 7-way trailer connector then brake controller installation will be a snap.
Vehicles with the 7-Way tow package have the blue brake controller output wire already run from the back of the van to the front. It is located under the dash near the emergency brake pedal. This blue wire connects to the controller's blue wire.
The three other wires from the controller are: 12V input power (black wire) which connects to the battery via a 40-amp breaker like # PK54540; brake pedal signal (red wire) which connects to the cold side of the brake light switch; and the ground wire (white) which connects to the battery negative terminal. We offer a wiring kit # 5506 for instances where the 12V trailer power wire is not already run.
If your truck has a round plug with a cap inside the driver's side frame rail instead of a bundle of wires in the jack storage compartment, use part # 30955.
For a brake controller the gold-standard is the Prodigy P3 # 90195 which has features like storable settings for multiple trailers. If you do not need this feature go for the P2 # 90885.
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 >
Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 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
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Pollak Circuit Breaker - Cycling/Automatic Reset - 40 Amp - Straight Mount Bracket
- Accessories and Parts
- Wiring
- Circuit Breaker
- 40 Amp
- Pollak
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
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 >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Installing an Electric Brake Controller on 2007-2013 GM Full-Size Truck or 2007-Present GM SUV
- Shop: Demco Hydraulic Brake Actuator w/ Drop - Drum - Zinc - 2-5/16" Ball - 20,000 lbs
- Q&A: Troubleshooting No Power on the Blue Brake Output Wire from a Brake Controller
- Q&A: Troubleshoting 2013 GMC Sierra 3500 Brake Controller Not Working with Brake Pedal
- Shop: Dexter DX7.5L A-60 Brake Actuator w Electric Lockout - Bolt On - Disc - 2" Ball - Zinc - 7.5K
- Q&A: Trailer Capacity for Axles with 5 Lugs
- Shop: Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - GM
- Shop: Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Kit for Disc Brakes - 1,600 psi
- Shop: Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Drum Brakes - 1,000 psi
- Shop: Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator Adapter Module for Ford and Chevy Brake Controllers
- Search Results: hba~cam
- Article: Aftermarket Brake Control Wiring for 07-13 GM Full-Size Truck with Factory-Integrated Brake Control
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Video: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller Review
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: brake controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: Replacement Drum Brake Actuator for a 1995 4 Winns Model 3916 Trailer
- Search Results: etbc7
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: Recommended Replacement for Atwood Surge Brake Actuator 85778