Adding a Brake Controller to a 1995 Chevrolet 3500 to Tow a Gooseneck Trailer with Electric Brakes

Updated 02/10/2015 | Published 02/09/2015

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - GM

(1194)

$19.55

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(135)

$26.43

Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers

(159)

$56.13

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$159.97

Curt Universal 5th Wheel/Gooseneck 7-Way Extension - 7' Long

(129)

$60.66

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3398)

$121.18

Question:

Hi - Ive bought a 1995 Chevrolet 3500 flatbed truck with 7.L V8 and 5 speed manual transmission. My plan is to pull a gooseneck trailer with Dexter electric brakes. Please give me your recommendation for a brake controller and whether there is a wiring kit to plug directly into the vehicle.

asked by: Shorty F

Helpful Expert Reply:

First, your 1995 Chevy 3500 is going to need a 7-Way trailer connector if it doesn't have one already. To add a 7-Way you will first need to have a 4-Way flat connector if the truck does not already have one. Use # 118315 to add a 4-Way. Then to add a 7-Way use # ETBC7. This will provide all of the wiring needed to install a brake controller.

I have included some links that will help explain the ETBC7 installation.

Once the 7-Way is installed you can use an extension, # C56080, to add a 7-Way receptacle in the bed of the truck. For a brake controller I recommend the P2, # 90885, because it is easy to set up and use and it is reliable.

There are no plug and play options for wiring or brake controllers for your year, make, and model so this hardwire method is the only option. If your truck already has a 7-Way you would follow the relevant parts of the ETBC7 instructions but you would not actually need ETBC7. You would need # 5506 instead.