Wiring Harness for 2016 Chevy Silverado With Upside Down Factory Trailer Connector

Question

Question:

Is there a fix for upside down wire plug receiver on the Chevy trucks from 2014-2018? The plug won’t stay in tight because GM mounted it upside down! The stop is on the bottom rather than the top so it falls out enough to make the trailer wire connection light come on. A big screw up on GM’s part!

asked by: Brian H

0

Expert Reply:

The upside down factory trailer connector on certain model year Chevy and GMC trucks is one of those little details that people (rightfully) get aggravated with, so you're definitely not alone. There is a solution for you, assuming you have room to mount a new harness on your Chevy's hitch.

The Reese Multi-Plug Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way and 4-Way Flat Trailer Connectors # 74682 will do the job perfectly, as you'll simply unplug the connector from your upside down factory 7-way and install this one on your Silverado. You can use Mounting Bracket # 18140 with it, and I also highly recommend using Dielectric Grease # 11755.

I have added a link to a video showing this harness being installed on a Chevy Silverado so you can see for yourself how it's done.

expert reply by: Kyle S

0

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Curtis D.

4/8/2020

I have the same upside down plug on my 2014 Silverado. Tekonsha brake controller installed by the trailer dealer from beginning. No issues on six trips with a travel trailer. Last trip, brake controller went crazy at times listing short, no brakes, etc. Made it home safely but the issue must be resolved before I consider going out again. I watched the video and am having difficulty reconciling the inverted plug on the truck and the trailer connector. I cant believe a special cord for the Silverado was installed by the trailer manufacturer. Seems like the wiring would be a bit askew if the plug had to be rotated 180 degrees. Can you clarify this please?

Reply

Chris R.

4/11/2020

I'm not sure the issues you described are being caused by the factory 7-Way, unless the connector was coming loose from the trailer during travel. I would make sure you've got a secure connection when hooked up. This sounds more like a short coming somewhere from the trailer wiring - I'd inspect the trailer side 7-Way for any debris or corrosion inside the pins that needs to be cleaned out, then the grounds coming from each brake assembly to make sure they're still securely attached to a clean portion of bare metal. Please let me know what you find and we can go from there.

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Thomas S.

9/8/2021

@CurtisD The problem is caused by the stupid way gm mounted plug upside down. The tab on cover should be on the top so the weight of cord keeps it plugged in nice and tight. With 7 pin on bottom tab holds on bottom of plug and the weight of cord is always pulling down jarring cord on every bump of the road lights flicker and trailer alarm chimes. Very annoying. I pulled mine out and with a die grinder ground out the bottom and top turned the plug around and snapped back in place the whey it should have been. Whole job took about 30 minutes. No more problems . Shame on GMC.

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Answer 1

To add a 6-way round connector to your Silverado you will want the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package item #C55664. This vehicle connector plugs into the USCAR socket that comes with all vehicles that have a 7-way…

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Answer 2

The right turn signal/brake light not working on a trailer could be the result of a bad ground, broken wire, corroded trailer connector or a blown fuse or relay on the tow vehicle's tow package wiring. Make sure that the vehicle side and trailer…

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Answer 3

I recently spoke with Derale and they have stated it is okay to install a transmission cooler on a 2018 Ford F-150 with 10-speed transmission. I recommend the Derale Series 8000 Plate-Fin Transmission Cooler Kit part #D13504 as a perfect size match.…

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Answer 4

The first place that I recommend checking when you lose power to something would be your fuse box. A blown fuse can cause the power to not reach your brake controller. If your fuses look okay then it might be easier to find a wire that is connected…

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Answer 5

To get your 2023 Chevy Equinox ready to flat tow you'll need to complete the following steps: 1. Position the vehicle to be towed and secure it to the towing vehicle. 2. Start the vehicle. 3. If equipped with AWD, engage the AWD system and…

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Answer 6

For your 2016 Ford F-150 if your trailer does not have brakes all you would need is the part #37185 as an adapter to convert the 4-way to a 7-way. If you do have trailer brakes you would need the #37185 and the install harness part #22292. If you…

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Answer 7

Thanks for your patience. It took a few days to get the measurements for the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C96CR. I have linked a diagram I made below. The Curt item #C96CR is a class V hitch with a 2-1/2" receiver. It has a 20,000 lbs towing…

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Answer 8

The hitch you need depends on the bumper you have now on your 2005 GMC Sierra 2500. The Curt #C15312 is designed to fit if your truck has the factory cutout bumper. More than likely this is what you have on your truck. The #C15313 is designed for…

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Answer 9

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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Wiring Harness for 2016 Chevy Silverado With Upside Down Factory Trailer Connector

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