Recommended 7-Way Trailer Connector and Brake Controller for 2003 Chevy Suburban

Question:

I have a 2003 Suburban. Came without a hitch, but I have a wire harness with 7 wires at the rear bumper labeled park, backup, rt turn, Lt turn, elec brake, battery, ground. I am going to buy a Curt hitch, but need to know what else I need to tow a trailer with trailer brakes. Please help! Thanks

asked by: Neil M

Helpful Expert Reply:

So your tow package harness terminates in the spare tire area behind the bumper, correct?

If that's the case, I'd recommend using part # HM40975-11998 which includes a combination 4-pole/7-way trailer connector, a mounting bracket and a pigtail that will wire up to your existing tow package.

The pigtail uses a different wiring convention than your tow package harness, the pigtail connects as follows:

• Red pigtail wire carries left Turn/brake lamp circuit
• White pigtail wires carries ground
• Blue pigtail wire carries electric brake circuit
• Green pigtail wire carries right turn/brake lamp circuit
• Black pigtail wire carries 12V feed from battery to trailer
• Brown pigtail wire carries running lamp circuit
• Yellow pigtail wire carries reverse lamps

I've linked to a video showing a typical installation.

For a hitch, the Curt # C15324 Class V hitch you'd looked at would be a great choice.

If your trailer has brakes, you'll need to install a brake controller. Your Suburban was prewired for trailer brakes, so all you'll need is the 7-way mentioned above, a brake controller like the Tekonsha # TK90160 Primus and a # 3015-P wiring harness. The Primus is a proportional type controller that will provide excellent braking performance. I've linked to a demonstration video that explains how the Primus works as well as to an install video showing the controller being installed on a 2004 Suburban. The procedure on your 2003 would be identical.