Wiring and Brake Controller Installation on a 2016 Chevy Express Van

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Question:

Hello, I have a 2016 Chevrolet Express without the factory tow package. I plan to haul a 28 foot travel trailer approximately 7500 lbs. across the country early next year. I know that I need all the necessary wiring and a brake controller, too. So far, my shopping cart includes part #s 118392, ETBC7, 39510, and 20127 not sure why I need this last one, but the site automatically added it when I looked at brake controller 39510. What do you think of these ions? I see that the Prodigy P2 brake controller is often recommended by etrailer, but I would like to save some money on that if the Voyager 39510 is still a good pick. Do I need anything else to complete the install? Thank you,

asked by: Zach M

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Expert Reply:

You are definitely on the right track with parts # 118392, # ETBC7, # 39510, and # 20127 in your cart. I really only have one extra part that I believe you will need to add - part # 10-2-1 which is extra wire for the # ETBC7. It gives you extra feet of the wiring (depending on the quantity you enter) that you will need for the brake controller and 12V power for your 7-Way.

Although the Prodigy P2 # 90885 is a great brake controller, the Voyager, part # 39510 is not a bad controller itself. The main great thing about it is that it is a proportional controller so it will activate the brakes on your trailer at the same time and with the same intensity that you are pressing the brake pedal in your 2016 Chevrolet Express Van.

The pigtail part # 20127 is needed when splicing in a Tekonsha brake controller. It plugs into the connector on the back of the Voyager and the wires will plug into the following functions:

White - Ground
Blue - Brake Controller Pin on 7-Way
Black - Battery
Red - COLD Side of the Stop Light Switch (only gets hot when brake pedal is pressed)

If you do not already have a Circuit Tester # PTW2992 I recommend getting one of those as well. It will help you to find the COLD side of the Stop Light Switch for the install.

I have attached some helpful articles and videos that you can use as references for the install.

expert reply by: Jon G

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Answer 1

It sounds like you found the USCAR connector at the rear of your 2014 Chevy Express Van which a 7-way normally plugs into like with the Mighty Cord part #A10-7072VP. To see what I am talking about fast forward to the 28 mark of the attached install…

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Answer 2

I can get you set up with everything you need for your 2016 Chevy Express Van. The hitch I recommend is the Draw-Tite Ultra Frame #41946, a Class V hitch with a maximum tongue weight of 1,500 lbs and maximum towing capacity of 10,000 lbs. You can…

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Answer 3

Thank you for all of the information and pictures! It looks like you should at least have some wiring already run on your 2019 Chevy Express Van 3500 so I'm just as confused as to why you don't have a round plug with a cap inside the…

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Answer 4

The Tekonsha P3 part #90195 is a great brake controller and would work well in your 2014 Chevy Express Van. There isn't a custom fit adapter for your vehicle to install a brake controller but I can help you wire your controller in. Express Vans…

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Answer 5

Some models of the 2016 Chevrolet Express Van have the brake controller connection wiring taped and tucked under the driver side floor mat up towards the firewall, which sounds like what you have especially since they are labeled as such. The brake…

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Answer 6

For your 7-way wiring you will want to simply use kit #5506 to give you the circuit breakers and wire you need for your brake controller and 12V power. This will give you the replacement wiring you lost from your #ETBC7 kit. If you don't already…

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Answer 7

Thanks for the picture Don! I do not have anything that connects to that 10-pin so I am hoping you're just at the wrong connector. I have linked a picture below along with an installation video that will show you what the Hopkins item #31345…

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Answer 8

If your 2019 Chevy Express Van does not have any trailer wiring or a hitch there's a strong chance you don't have it but you can verify this by checking the VIN with a Chevy dealer. So for trailer wiring you'd want to start with the 4-way…

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Answer 9

Thanks for the pictures, I can see why you're concerned now. It looks like you have some 135 degree valve extenders that just aren't quite long enough to pass through the hand holes of the wheel cover. You could try using a longer 180 degree…

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Answer 10

For the inner wheel of your dual rear wheels I recommend the Wheel Masters 2-Hose Inflation Kit - 16" to 19-1/2" Inner Dually #WM8009. These valve extenders are designed to mount into the handholes of your wheels (pictured below) for an…

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Answer 11

The easiest way to install the TST TPMS for RVs #TST-507-FT-6-C on hard to reach dually valve stems would be to first install some valve extenders like the Wheel Masters 4-Hose Inflation Kit - 16" to 19-1/2" Dually - Hub Mount - 135-Degree…

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Wiring and Brake Controller Installation on a 2016 Chevy Express Van

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