Recommendations for a Hitch, Wiring, and Brake Controller for a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox Premier

Question:

I’ve just purchased a 2018 Equinox AWD Premier. I know it is not a towing powerhouse, but I would like to use it for light around town stuff. My trailer has a 7 way connector with electric brakes. What components would it take to get my Equinox to connect? The web site suggested a couple of controllers, then also said I needed an additional $300 item in order to work. Can you clarify a bit what these pieces are? Also, it appears that if I add a towing receiver the metal bumper structure does not get put back into place. Except the receiver drops several inches below the original bumper structure height. Is there a receiver that is taller, or to say it differently, is straight across instead of dropping down so low? Thanks for any input you might have.

asked by: Kirk I

Expert Reply:

Installing a hitch on a 2018 Chevrolet Equinox will depend on if you have a diesel or gas model. The diesel model will need the Draw-Tite Class III # 76217, which will measure 12 inches from the ground t the top of the received. The gas model will need the Draw-Tite Class III # 76419 and will measure 10 7/8 inches from the ground to the top of the receiver. Both of these are custom fit, and have the same weight capacities, however the diesel model # 76217 will be a bit more involved with the install. I included install videos for both of these to show the difference as well.

Installing the wiring will also depend on a few things. If you have a 7 Way on the back of the vehicle that was included from the factory, you can skip this step. If you do not have the factory tow package, you will need the Tekonsha # 118759 for the premier option.

Installing the brake controller will also depend on if you have the factory tow package or not. If you do not have the tow package, you will need to pair a brake controller, like the Redarc # RED44FR with our Universal Brake Controller Wiring Kit # ETBC7, which will piggy back off of the 4 Flat wiring harness. This will include a 7 Way plug and all the wiring and circuit breakers needed to get the brake controller up and running.

If you have the factory tow package, you will still need to run one wire to the battery, but that's basically it. The # 5506 will accomplish this and also comes with the needed circuit breakers. This actually allows you to use a wireless brake controller like the Curt Echo # C51180. This would pair with you cell phone and is incredibly easy to use.