Wiring Needed For Installing a 4-Way and 7-Way With Brake Controller on a 2011 Chevy Silverado 1500

Question:

I have a 2001 Chevy Silverado 1500 that came from factory with six wires for a trailer hookup. Is it possible to hook up this to a seven pin plug ? All of the trailers with double axles come with a seven pin plug ! I would very much appreciate your help with this please !!! I would also like the plug to be set up so I may use the four pin that I have now for a small trailer.

asked by: James G

Helpful Expert Reply:

The wiring you have on your 2001 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is only going to have the ground wire along with lights for your trailer. You will be able to use the Universal Installation Kit # ETBC7 with your wires to get the 7-way fully functional and also allow you to install a trailer brake controller. I have linked an installation video below for this which also shows the installation for the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller # 90885. As you do not have a 4-way flat on your Silverado to connect the 7-way you will cut off the 4-way flat connector and wire your existing wiring as follows.

Silverado white to 7-way white(4-way flat cut off)
Silverado dark green to 7-way green(4-way flat cut off)
Silverado yellow to 7-way yellow(4-way flat cut off)
Silverado brown to 7-way brown(4-way flat cut off)
Silverado light green to 7-way yellow wire

The blue wire on your Silverado is not used on the 7-way as it is for a 3rd brake light if you add a truck camper. The Heat Shrink Butt Connectors # DW05744-5 are ideal for making the above connections.

For the Brake Controller # 90885 you will use the wiring included with the 7-way to install it to the battery and inside your cab.