Trailer Hitch, Wiring, and Brake Controller for 2000 Bluebird Short School Bus on GMC Savana Chassis

Updated 05/13/2016 | Published 05/11/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(217)

$203.83

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

(3437)

$126.29

Question:

Hello, I just purchased a 2000 Bluebird School Bus, its a Shortbus on a GMC Savanna 3500 frame. Can I just order a hitch that would fit on a Savana 3500 frame or do you think its different? Im also looking to wire it for a trailer brake controller. Thanks for any info!

asked by: Roger

Expert Reply:

Trailer hitch manufacturers have not tested trailer hitches on the Bluebird school bus built on a 2000 GMC Savana Van chassis. The issue that you could run into is that if the body of the school bus hangs lower than the regular Savana Van body the hitch, like # 13040, will not fit or modifications will need to be made. In this case though I am confident that it will work since even short bus bodies seem to sit up pretty high.

You can add a brake controller by hardwiring one in. To do this you would need to start with adding a trailer connector unless the bus already has one. If it does have one I would need to know what it is to determine how to install the controller.

If it does not have a trailer connector you would start by adding a 4-Way. Since the bus body likely has amber turn signals that are separate from the brake lights you will need a converter such as # 119178KIT. If the turn signals and brake lights use the same bulb you could just use # 18252.

Then you would need # ETBC7 to add a 7-Way and install a brake controller. For a brake controller I recommend the P2 # 90885 because it is easy to set up and use and it is reliable. I have included some links that show and explain the ETBC7 installation for you.

expert reply by: Michael H