2004 Chevy 1500 Express Passenger Van - Trailer lights harness

Question:

Just bought a used pop-up camper. It has the connection I show in the attached picture. My 2004 Chevy 1500 Express Passenger Van is not wired for a trailer. Need to know what I need to wire the lights, etc. and also have an area on the bumper to plug in the trailer wiring harness. I assume I need something like the DrawTite part 18252 correct? What about the bumper connector? Just need to know all the parts I need to order to complete the process and have a clean connection. Thanks

asked by: Ron W

Expert Reply:

For your 2004 Chevrolet 1500 Express Passenger Van, I recommend the Tow Ready Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118392. It is made for your vehicle and provides quick and easy installation with no cutting, splicing, or taping required.

I have included links to the installation instructions for this product as well as a video of this item being installed on a 2005 Chevrolet Express van. While the model year is not the same as yours, the installation technique is similar.

I have also included links to our FAQ pages on trailer wiring diagrams and power wire routing for trailers that will provide further assistance on how to properly wire your vehicle for use with a trailer.

I also recommend the etrailer Brake Controller 7 & 4 Way Installation Kit # ETBC7. It includes all the parts necessary to convert a 4-way flat connector to a 7-way and 4-way connector for use with an electric trailer brake controller in your vehicle. I have included links to videos providing a review of this product and its proper installation.

Since you have a 7-way connector on the camper, you will need to install the # 118392 first to get a 4-way then add #ETBC7 to get the 7-way to connect to the camper. The 4-way will provide the lighting and the extra wires on the 7-way will provide a brake controller connection and an auxiliary wire for 12 volt power or reverse lights.

You will also need a brake controller to provide braking to your trailer while towing it. I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller # 90885. It is a proportional brake controller, meaning that when you apply the brakes to your vehicle, the trailer will automatically decelerate based on the settings you choose. I have included links to the installation instructions for this product as well as a video showing the installation of this brake controller on a 2003 Chevrolet Express van. Again, it is not the same model year as yours, but the installation techniques are similar.

Finally, in order to prevent rust and corrosion within your adapters, you might be interested in Plews & Edelmann LubriMatic Electrical Contact Grease # 11755. I have included a link to a video showing how to properly use this product.