Trailer Brake Controller and Install for 2012 Chevy Express Van with Tow Package

Published 06/09/2016

Products Featured in This Question

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

(164)

$57.19

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

(3480)

$118.67

Question:

i have 2012 chevy express 3500 w, tow package will this operate brakes or install seperate braking

asked by: Mdhamilton

Expert Reply:

The Prodigy P3 Brake Controller part # 90195 that you referenced will control the braking power of a trailer's brakes that you are towing.

Express Vans with the 7-Way tow package have the blue output brake wire already ran from the back to the front. It is located under the dash near the emergency brake pedal.

Check out the install video I linked. It shows a similar Tekonsha brake controller being installed in a 2014 Chevy Express van like yours.

Some models will have the other wiring needed to connect the brake controller taped up and tucked under the driver's side floor mat, toward the firewall.

If this bundle of wires is not available in your van, you will want to splice the red wire from the brake controller pigtail to the wire at the back of the brake pedal that only has signal when the pedal is pressed. We used the fuse box for this circuit on Express vans like yours. (see picture).

The black wire on the controller pigtail will need to be routed to a circuit breaker and then to the vehicle battery's positive terminal. The white wire will need to be grounded at the battery's negative terminal. You can use the # 5506 kit to make these connections to the battery.

If your Chevrolet Express Van does not have the factory 7-way, you will want to use an # ETBC7 kit to install the brake controller and a 7-way connector at the back of the van. I have attached a help article that will outline the installation process.