Recommended Brake Controller And Trailer Wiring For 2013 Chevrolet Express Van

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Question:

I have a couple year old chevy express 12 passenger van. The owners manual says there should be a harness tucked up in a frame pocket on the drivers side. Any idea where the mystery pocket is? What else do I need to get a 7 pin trailer plug and brake controller installed? Thanks

asked by: Phil W

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Expert Reply:

The first thing we need to know is if you have a factory towing package on your Express Van. If you have the towing package there will be a capped round plug behind the bumper on the drivers side frame rail. You can use part # HM40975. Just connect it to the plug you find under your van and you will have a 4-way connector and 7-way connector.

If you do not have the towing package you will need to add a 4-way connector like the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector, part # 118392. I have attached a link to an installation video for this wiring harness you can check out. You will find the connection points at the rear of the cargo area on the van as shown in the attached photo.

You will then need # ETBC7 to complete the 7-way installation. It plugs into the 4-way connector and with additional wiring you will have a functioning 4-way connector and a 7-way connector you need for towing.

I recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, part # 90885. This is one of our most popular brake controllers because it is easy to install and operate. To install this brake controller you will need to hardwire it because there is no plug-in port under the dash on your van. I have attached a link to an installation video that shows in detail how to install a brake controller and the # ETBC7.

You will need extra wire when installing the brake controller. for that I recommend part # 10-2-1.

A fuse tap is needed and for that I recommend part # F2526.

When working with electrical connectors I recommend using dielectric grease like part # 11755. This keeps dirt and moisture out of the electrical connections and helps prevent corrosion.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L

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Answer 1

You aren't alone here! This is a very common issue that we get questions about quite regularly. There is a very simple solution for you available to correct this issue and get the brake signal that you need. You can simply use a Firestone Fuse…

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Answer 2

Firestone does not offer a specific application guide for fuse tap #F2526 so this is good advice. Always check ahead of time. It fits most fuse boxes but since there are so many different configurations there are bound to be some it does not fit.

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Answer 3

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 4

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 5

Actually, the P3 now has the upgraded axis accelerometer like the P2. The Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller #90195, will work with both electric over hydraulic brakes on the trailer as well as electric brakes. It has a menu option on the display…

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Answer 6

The best brake controller option to go with is one that activates the brakes proportionally instead of time delayed. A proportional brake controller will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as the tow vehicle…

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Answer 7

Hey Rick, There isn't a custom-fit wire harness for your Chevy Express so you'll want to go with the kit that has the universal splice-in harness #C72RV in order to get it installed. The wires would need to be spliced into your factory wiring…

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Answer 8

Hi Dan; the outside tubing on the Roadmaster Anti-Rattle Hitch Extender #RM-071-1075 is 2-1/2" x 2-1/2" so you would need the Rock Tamers Heavy-Duty, Adjustable Mud Flap System for 2-1/2" Hitches #ERT00110.

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Answer 9

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 10

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 11

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 12

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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Recommended Brake Controller And Trailer Wiring For 2013 Chevrolet Express Van

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