Adding a 7-Way Trailer Connector to a 1997 Chevy C/K Series Pickup

Updated 04/08/2011 | Published 04/07/2011

Products Featured in This Question

Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow 7-, 5- and 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector - Vehicle End - Ergonomic Design

(216)

$34.26

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

(135)

$26.43

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

(2763)

$159.19

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

(3397)

$121.19

Question:

I have a 5 prong wiring harness coming from my 1997 chevrolet 4x4 truck. I need to know how to wire it up correctly to my 6-7 prong gooseneck horse trailer. The wiring colors from my truck dont match the Gooseneck trailers wiring harness. Thank you More information on my question. My truck does have the towing package harness. The wiring end coming from my truck has 4 wires, 1 brown - 1 white - 1 dark green - 1 light green, coming from my truck. 1997 chevrolet 4x4. My horse trailer wiring plug end is a 7 prong. What do I need to hook it up correctly? Please let me know. Thank you. Kenny Robinson 30637

asked by: Kenny R

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you need to add a 7-Way RV style trailer connector to your 1997 Chevy pickup. Since you already have a connector, you will just need to add a 4 and 7 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. Though I am not certain if you have a 5-Way flat connector or a 4-Way flat connector. If you have a 4-Way, it will plug into the back of the ETBC7. If you have a 5-Way, I recommend first installing a 4-Way using part # 118315, and plugging it into the back of the ETBC7.

With the 4-Way plugged into the ETBC7, there are just 4 wires left that need to be hardwired to the vehicle. The white wire grounds to the truck frame. The purple wire gets connected to the reverse light circuit behind a tail light (if needed). The black wire connects to the positive battery terminal via a 40 amp circuit breaker (included). And the blue wire attaches to the blue wire on the back of a brake controller.

The kit comes with everything needed to add a function 7-Way trailer connector and provides the wiring and circuit breakers needed for brake controller installation. A brake controller will be needed to activate the electric trailer brakes on the trailer. I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, # 90885. It is one of our most popular controllers because it is easy to set up and easy to use.

I have included links to FAQ articles and a video explaining the installation of an ETBC7 kit, the 4-Way wiring harness installation instructions, and a trailer and trailer connector wiring diagram for reference.

expert reply by: Michael H