What Do I Need to Tow a Trailer with Brakes on a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox  

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You will need a few things for a complete set up to tow a trailer on your 2014 Chevrolet Equinox.

First, let's start with the trailer hitch:

For your 2014 Chevrolet Equinox I recommend the Class III, 2 inch etrailer # e98865. Be sure to check your owner's manual to verify the towing capacity of your vehicle before you tow. It has a 2 inch hitch receiver opening (as opposed to 1-1/4 inch) which offers many more hitch mounted accessories to choose from when you're not towing your trailer. It is custom fit for your vehicle which drastically lowers the difficulty of installation and eliminates any need for drilling during the process. I have provided an installation video on a 2014 Chevrolet Equinox for your review.

Next you will need both a ball mount and hitch ball. There are a few things to consider when choosing the correct ball mount. I have provided a link to a helpful article that details how to choose the correct ball mount.

Considering that you do not yet have a trailer hitch installed on your vehicle, you have two options. You can install the trailer hitch and take the necessary measurements outlined in the above referenced article to verify the exact size you will need, and then simply order the correct ball mount and trailer hitch ball at that time. Or you can choose a ball mount kit or adjustable ball mount now. These will give you a few different sizes that work with many trailers. I recommend a ball mount kit, part # 989900, which comes with two ball mounts of differing rise and drops as well as the two most common sized trailer hitch balls.

Since you are towing a trailer with electric brakes, you will need a brake controller. This will send a signal to your trailer's brakes whenever you press on the brake pedal of your towing vehicle. To install this on your 2014 Equinox you will need both the brake controller and a universal installation kit.

I recommend a proportional brake controller like the Tekonsha Primus IQ # TK90160. A proportional brake controller is able to match the power it sends to your trailer's brakes with the force you apply to the towing vehicle's brake pedal. For example, if you slam on your brakes, the brake controller will send power to the brakes on your trailer that match that intensity. The Primus IQ # TK90160 has a digital display, battery protection and continuous diagnostics.

In order to install the brake controller in your 2014 Equinox you will also need the universal installation kit # ETBC7 and the Curt T-Connecter Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 56094. I have included installation videos for these wiring kits.

I have also included a very helpful article that lays out all the parts needed to tow a trailer.

expert reply by: Chris R

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