Trailer Wiring Options For A 2025 Chevy Equinox Without Factory Towing Package

Updated 05/21/2025 | Published 03/15/2025

Products Featured in This Question

Roadmaster 4-Diode Universal Wiring Kit for Towed Vehicles - 4-Way Flat Connectors

(2981)

$92.93

ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit

(499)

$159.65

Curt 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector with Circuit Protected Powered Tail Light Converter

(7)

$54.61

Question:

Have a 2025 chevrolet equinox without a towing package. It has a 4 pin plug behind the rear bumper but no power to it. Need to hookup a wire harness for my trailer

asked by: Dennis D

Expert Reply:

Hi Dennis, your request is proving to be more difficult than I assumed it was going to be. From what I could ascertain, you have 2 to 3 options for your 2025 Chevy Equinox without the tow package, which I have listed out below.

First, you can use the Tekonsha ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness # 119250KIT. This uses sensors clamped over the wiring so you do not need to do any splicing, which is nice. You will still have to run a line up to the battery to provide the needed power, but this would be the easiest and best option we currently have. However, it is on the pricy side.

Second, you could use the Curt 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector with Circuit Protected Powered Tail Light Converter # C85FV. This will also require a line being run up to the battery as well as splicing into the wiring behind your taillights as it is a universal fit. This will be a more difficult install, but it is our least expensive option.

The third option would be to wait and see if either Chevy or one of the aftermarket companies come out with a plug and play option. I do not have any kind timeline for this and can't guarantee it will actually happen, though. If you aren't in a hurry, this may be the way to go.

Out of curiosity, what kind of trailer are you towing?

expert reply by: Lazer S

4x8 B.

3/21/2025

Thanks for your input, trying to find out what the plug is in front of the rear bumper.

Lazer S.

3/21/2025

@4x8B If you could snap a picture of it and send it to [email protected] I might be able to identify it for you.

Lazer S.

3/24/2025

@4x8B Hey Dennis, I just got your pictures. Though what you are looking at would appear to be a plug for the trailer wiring, I don't think it is. The previous model year Equinox used a 6 pin plug to get trailer wiring (see part # C94FR) and I would assume that will be the case for the 25 model year. That said, the tow package for your 2025 Equinox is a dealer installed add on and not something from the factory, which I just discovered, so I could be completely wrong about that. Honestly, I would wait a little bit to see if someone comes out with a plug and play harness. I know Curt is now working on one and there is starting to be a lot of people asking for them. Our part number # C88RV from Curt is one of our Future Fits so the picture is incorrect, but may be what you are looking for. I just don't know exactly when it will be available.

Dennis

3/24/2025

@LazerS Would the 119250kit definitely work?

See All (6) Replies to 4x8 B. ∨

Larry

4/26/2025

I have your wiring kit for the 2025 Equinox and it won't work I had a mechanic check the factory 4 prong plug back of the bumper, no power. I went to Chevrolet site for there connector and it said the following. " Cannot be returned as a single use authorization code is included to reprogram the lighting control module " Is the missing code the problem? If you want a copy of the Chevrolet add send me your email and I will forward it. Thank you Larry

Lazer S.

4/28/2025

@Larry So from what I can find, since the towing package (be it through Chevy or an aftermarket option) would not come from the factory, it looks like you will need a Chevy dealer to flash/program your Equinox to get a towing package to work. I found a picture of the Chevy towing package and it looks like the wiring just plugs into a port, so it would affect the computer. So I would definitely have a Chevy dealer get that done for you. In the off chance that doesn't get it working, let me know and I can look into it further.

Larry

4/28/2025

@LazerS You are correct and the quoted price is $90.00

Larry

5/21/2025

@Larry Chevrolet requires that you purchase the hitch and wiring harness from them, this gives you a access code to give to the dealer to give to Chevrolet so they can get the code to program your car. Curt doesn't have a code so you can't turn on the plug for the wiring harness. The kit from Chevrolet is about $500 plus $90 for programming.