Which Size Circuit Breaker Is Needed For Tekonsha Primus IQ In 1996 Chevrolet Suburban

Question:

Not sure what size breaker to use. Referencing your video of 1999 Suburban, you installed one breaker on inner fender under hood for the brake controller, pulling power from fuse box stud. Orange wire from 7 pole recepticle at bumper tow package equiped from Chevy hooked up to the other fuse box stud. On MY car, both fuse box studs are fused with 30 amp fuses. Is 30 amps proper for orange wire to 7 pole connector? I have seen 40 amp fuses used in other videos. Again, 2 axle camp trailer so 4 brake drums. Also, what size breaker for Primus IQ controller? I am guessing 20 amp was installed in video as power was pulled from a fuse box stud, but not sure if a 1999 is set up like my 96 with 30 amp fused studs. Thanks, love your site!

asked by: Todd S

Expert Reply:

Thanks for the kind words!

Starting with the # ETBC7, you are right on that you will connect the factory run blue and orange wires to the 7-way connector, and will connect them to the studs on the fuse box of your 1996 Chevrolet Suburban using the # DW05705-1 and # 185917.

The 30 amp fused post will be fine to connect the orange 12v power wire to.

You will need to add a grommet to the firewall to get the factory blue brake output wire to the trailer brake controller. We used the # SWC8057 when we did this install.

Moving on to getting the Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller # TK90160 installed, you will want to use the 20 amp circuit breaker included with the # ETBC7 since your trailer has two braking axles, or 4 braking assemblies.

Lastly I recommend using a circuit tester like the # PTW2993 to identify the cold side of the stop light switch that only has power when the brake pedal is pressed.

I included a video of the # ETBC7 being installed which will aid you in the installation.