Recommended Hitch and Wiring Harness for a 2011 Chevrolet Traverse
Question:
Hello! I have a 2011 Chevy Traverse that I would like to get a tow hitch on. I am wanting to be able to tow a small popup or featherlite camper under the max weight and a bike rack in the future. Could you please let me know all the parts I would need to be road ready? I am thinking I need a 7 pin wiring harness? The vehicle did not come with a tow package. Thanks!
asked by: Amanda D
Helpful Expert Reply:
I would be happy to help you set your 2011 Chevrolet Traverse up for towing. You are going to need a hitch receiver, a couple of wiring harnesses, a brake controller, and a ball mount.
Let's start with your hitch receiver I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver item # e98863. This is a custom fit hitch that bolts directly to your Traverse with included hardware. It has a maximum gross trailer weight of 5,000 lbs and maximum tongue weight capacity of 500 lbs. I have linked an installation video. You will want to check your owner's manual to verify your Traverse's towing capacity.
You will need two wiring harnesses if you want to control your trailer's brakes. The first is the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector item # 118450. This custom-fit T-One connector plugs into your vehicle's wiring harness behind your rear tail lights. This will control your trailer's lighting functions. I have attached an installation video.
In order to control your trailer's brakes you will need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires item # ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your vehicle with an included bracket. This kit is designed for use on a vehicle with an existing 4-way flat trailer connector and plugs directly into it.
To round out your towing setup I recommend the Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches item # C45534. This towing kit will provide you with a 2" ball and a fixed ball mount with a 3/4" rise and 2" drop. It also includes a hitch pin and clip, hitch receiver lock with keys, hitch cover, and a storage case.
I have linked our selection of bike racks. If you need any help picking the right one email me back and I will find one that fits your needs.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 7.5K
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 2 Inch Ball
- One Ball
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 0 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- CURT
more information >
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 500 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 6000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 600 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 750 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 7500 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 750 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
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