Adding a 7-Way and Brake Controller to a 2012 GMC Terrain and Old Trailer
Question:
HI, I have a 2012 GMC Terrain with a standard 4 pin connector. I have an antique trailer with 4 PIn connector all working fine with the truck. The trailer has electric brakes that have been disconnected. Is there an adaptor that I can buy that allows the + wire on the brakes to be energized when driving? As far as I can tell, the brake light on my 4 pin overlaps with the turn signal, which would turn the brakes on everytime I used the blinker? Thanks!!!
asked by: JOhn
Expert Reply:
Trailers have combined turn signals and brake lights on the same circuit so you wouldn't tap into one of those otherwise the brakes would turn on with the blinker like you said.
You are going to have to add a 7-Way connector to the 2012 GMC Terrain and to the trailer. And you will also need a brake controller.
Since your Terrain already has a 4-Way you will just need # ETBC7 to add the 7-Way. I have included some links that show and explain the ETBC7 installation as well as the brake controller installation. For a brake controller I recommend the P2 # 90885. It is our most popular controller because it is easy to set up and use and it is reliable.
For the trailer side you will need # PK12706. When you open up the 7-Way to attach the wires each pin location will be labeled so you know which wire goes to which pin. You cannot go by color since there is no standard. I have also included a diagram that shows how a trailer side 7-Way is wired. Ignore the colors and focus on the functions.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
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 >
Pollak Black Plastic, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector - Trailer End
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Trailer End Connector
- Plug Only
- 7 Round - Blade
- Pollak
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Adapter 4-Pole to 5-Pole Trailer Wiring Adapter - Shorter
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Single-Function Adapter
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- 5 Flat
- Hopkins
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Q&A: Replacement Winch or Winch Motor For Raising/Lowering Roof on Rockwood Premier Pop Up
- Shop: Reese Friction Sway Control Kit - Economy - by Draw-Tite, Reese and Hidden Hitch
- Search Results: sway bar
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Shop: Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution w Sway Control - Round Bar - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Q&A: What is Required to Use Curt Echo Trailer Brake Controller
- Shop: Pollak Black Plastic, 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector - Trailer End
- Shop: Adapter 4 Pole to 7 Pole Vehicle End Trailer Connector
- Shop: CIPA Universal Towing Mirrors - Clip On - Qty 2
- Search Results: 49911
- Video: Reese Steadi-Flex Weight Distribution System with Sway Control Test Course
- Q&A: What Fuse Rating is Needed to Protect the 12 Volt Accessory Power Cirucit on a 7-Way Connector?
- Q&A: Can I Back Up w/ a Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution System?
- Q&A: Can You Back Up With Reese Pro Round Bar Weight Distribution RE34FR
- Q&A: Weight Distribution Recommendation for 2005 Chevy Equinox
- Search Results: 76028
- Search Results: weight distribution sway control
- Search Results: re34fr
- Search Results: weight distribution hitch
- Search Results: 7 pin trailer wiring harness
- Q&A: Reverse Light PIn on a 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
on Trailer Wiring
