Is a Plug and Play Brake Controller Wiring Harness Available for a 2011 Chevrolet Express Van

Question:

Is there a plug and play set up in a 2011 Chevrolet Express 3500 12passenger van?

asked by: Randy

Expert Reply:

There are no brake controller plug and play options on the 2011 Chevrolet Express Van, but a brake controller installation will be fairly simple if your van has the factory tow package with 7-way trailer connector.

If your van has the factory tow package, there will be a bundle of 4 or 5 wires under the dash for a brake controller. They will be wrapped with a white tag that indicates the function of each wire. The wires are cut off, so you will just need a universal brake controller harness like part # 20127 and you can simply splice the wires together.

The wires are not compatible color for color, so you will want to read the function of each wire on the white tag. The red wire on the van will attach to the black wire from the brake controller. The dark blue wire on the van will connect to the blue wire from the brake controller. The light blue wire from the van connects to the red wire and the ground wire on the van will either be white or black. The ground wire for the brake controller is the white wire.

If your van did not come with a factory tow package, then you will need a few more parts to have a functioning trailer connector and brake controller. First, you will need a 4-way trailer connector if you do not already have one. For this, I recommend the Tow Ready T-One Wiring Harness, # 118392. I have attached an installation video of this harness for you to check out.

Next, you will need a 7-way trailer connector. For this, I recommend using our Universal 4-Way and 7-Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. This kit comes with everything you need to add a fully functioning trailer connector and a brake controller. It includes all of the hardware and wiring that you will need. I have also attached an installation video of this kit on a 2010 Chevrolet Express for you to check out. The installation will be the same for you 2011 model.

The last item that you will need is the brake controller. The Tekonsha PowerTrac Brake Controller, # 39523, is a great economical option.