Complete Towing Setup for 2011 Chevy Express Van

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Question:

Hi, I’m buying a 2011 Chevy Express awd van and it does not have a hitch on it. I’m looking to add a 7 way wiring kit as well as a brake controller and 2” receiver, can you tell me which parts I need to order? I’ve read that the express is presided for at least a 4 way flat, can I just add the battery wire and brake controller wire?

asked by: Derek H

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I can help you find everything you need. Assuming that this is the passenger/cargo version and not the cutaway cab and chassis, for a hitch I recommend going with the Curt Class V Hitch # C15320 . This is a 2" receiver hitch and is the highest rated hitch for your vehicle in terms of towing capacity- which will come in handy if you have the 3500 Express Van. If you've got the 1500 Express or 2500 Express, you'll still be limited to the factory recommended towing capacities for those models since you're always limited to the capacity of your lowest rated components.

For wiring, it appears that the Chevy Express either comes with a quick connect plug to add a 4 way connection (but doesn't actually have the connector), or with the factory towing package that comes with a 7 way connection. Since your vehicle should be equipped with a simple quick connect you can use the Hopkins Plug In Simple # 41155 to give yourself a 4 way connector- I've attached an installation video that shows what the plug is and where to look for it. If it turns out your vehicle doesn't have this connection, you'll need the Tekonsha # 118392 to wire in a 4 way connector. After you've got your 4 way, you will need the # ETBC7 to add a 7 way connector. Either way, if you don't have the factory tow package, you will need to wire in the brake controller wire and battery wires-but these wires and circuits are included with the # ETBC7 kit.

For a brake controller, I recommend using the Hayes Genesis # HA81790 which requires adapter # HA81789-HBC . The Hayes Genesis is a proportional brake controller that allows you to control the brakes on up to 4 axles and automatically levels itself for easy setup.

To complete your setup you'll also need a ball mount. If you're going to be towing under 7500-lbs, part # 989900 provides a complete kit with 2 hitch balls and ball mounts to allow you to pull different trailers with different rises/drops. If you need something more heavy duty you can use # EBMK2216 which has a 16000-lb capacity.

expert reply by: Erik B

1

Answer 1

I would be happy to help! The Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow Twist-Mount 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector - Vehicle End #HM40920 would only fit your 2010 Chevrolet Express Van 3500 if it has the factory towing package with a factory 7-way…

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Answer 2

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…

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Answer 3

A powered converter is not required for a 2013 Chevy Express Van. Since you are looking to add a 4-Way I recommend going with harness #118392. This harness plugs in line with the vehicle tail lights. I have linked a video showing an example…

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Answer 4

A tow package for a vehicle is usually a frame mounted trailer hitch and trailer wiring on a vehicle like your 2002 Dodge Dakota. If you have those two things you could pretty easily assume you have the tow package. Or, you can take the VIN of your…

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Answer 5

I wouldn't worry about the trailer not having fenders. I've pulled a few enclosed trailers that were missing fenders and it didn't affect anything that I noticed. If you get a puddle or it starts raining the tires will fling water so it…

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Answer 6

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 7

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 8

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 9

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 10

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 11

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 12

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Complete Towing Setup for 2011 Chevy Express Van

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