Installing Tekonsha P2 Brake Controller, Hitch and Wiring on 2013 Chevrolet Equinox

Question:

Major concern: Recently purchased a pop-up trailer GVWR 2600lbs and want to tow with Chevy Equinox not yet purchased. The Equinox would be equipped with V6 engine and is capable of 3500lb tow capacity. Dry weight of trailer 1800lbs. A variety of hitches seem to be available but the only wiring harnesses I see are 4-flat. This Rockwood trailer has a 7-round plug - and it IS equipped with electric brakes required in New York State for dry wts 1000lbs. I absolutely want to use the electric brakes w/Tekonsha controller P2, but is there a 7-round wiring harness for Equinox??? Thanks very much.

asked by: Jim F

Expert Reply:

We offer both Class II and Class III trailer hitch receivers for your 2013 Chevrolet Equinox. While both classes are rated for 3500-lb towing capacity I suggest one of the three available 2-inch Class III hitches; these can be seen on the link provided. None requires drilling for installation.

You will also need a compatible Class III ball mount and hitch ball of the appropriate diameter to match the coupler on your pop-up camper. For example, we offer Curt ball mount # D-4; this particular ball mount offers 3/4-inch rise or 2-inch drop, but you will want to choose a ball mount with the rise or drop needed to keep your pop-up level when hitched to the Equinox.

I have linked our main page for Class III ball mounts where you can use the filters at left to choose one with the correct rise or drop for your hitch and trailer combination. For a hitch ball you can use either the 1-7/8-inch # 19260 or the 2-inch # 63845.

The wiring harness you referenced, part # 118264 from TowReady, is the correct 4-pole for your Equinox.
4-pole connectors carry only lighting functions, but not a brake signal or 12V power for trailers. In order to install a Tekonsha P2 # 90885 you will need a brake controller installation kit, part # ETBC7. This includes the wiring, circuit breakers, circuit tester and 7-way trailer connector you need. I have linked an installation video and an article to illustrate the process.

You will need a dedicated brake light circuit (a circuit that only carries the brake light signal) to attach to the brake controller red wire. The CHMSL circuit (center high mount stop light) does fit this description and you can use it.

Finding the correct stop light wire on a 2013 Equinox is different than on other vehicles. To get it under the dash you need to access the BCM (body control module). It is located under the dash above where your left knee would be. The module will have several different wire connectors that plug into it.

Look for the black connector (all the connectors are different colors) that has 26 different slots for wires to insert into. In wire position # 11, there will be a white wire that carries the brake stoplight signal. Use the quick connector to tap the red brake controller wire into this circuit, and you will be good to go. Be sure to use a circuit tester like part # 3808 (or the tester included in the ETBC7) to confirm that the white wire only shows voltage when the brake pedal is pressed.