Adding a 7-Way Trailer Connector and Brake Controller to a 2001 Chevy Silverado 1500

Question

Question:

I have a Chevy 1500 Series Pickup. Would it have the electric brake wires pre-run for the electric trailer brakes? I have found 5 wires for the turn signals, backup lights, etc, but i cant find the blue and red wires. Might i have to run those wires myself or am i just looking in the wrong place?

asked by: Dan H

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Expert Reply:

For the 2001 Chevy Silverado with or without a factory 7-Way trailer connector, the wiring for the brake controller is present. However on some models there are additional connections that will need to be made under the hood to make everything fully functional. I have included a link to an FAQ article that explains these connections.

If your truck does not have the factory installed 7-Way trailer connector you will need to add one using # HM40975. Or, if there is a round connector above the spare tire instead of a loose wire bundle, you will need to use # 30955. The FAQ article also covers this connection.

For a brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha P2, # 90885, with wiring harness # 3025-P. The P2 is our most popular controller because it is easy to set up, easy to use, and reliable. I have linked a video to the right showing a typical installation for you.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

To install a 7-Way wiring connector at the rear of your 2001 Chevrolet Silverado without a factory 7-Way or a factory 4-Way connector, I recommend using the 7-Pole and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket and wiring harness, #HM40975-11998. You can the…

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Answer 2

I don't have a diagram, but I'd be happy to recommend the correct parts and match up the wire color coding for you. You could use the #PK11893 you referred to, along with the #PK11998 pigtail. Most of the tow package wiring can be found in a…

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Answer 3

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 6

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 7

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 8

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 9

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 10

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

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Answer 11

Hey Antoine, so the two kits you mentioned are actually really similar and honestly I would go with the part #ETBC7 if I were you. The #ETBC7L is basically the same thing minus a couple wires and breakers so you may as well get the kit that has…

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Answer 12

The first thing you will need for your 1999 D250 is a 4-way. The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C55317 plugs into the connection points behind your rear bumper and will allow you to power your trailer's signal lights. Once the 4-way is…

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