Recommended Hitch, Wiring and Brake Controller for 2016 Chevrolet Express Van

Published 10/17/2017

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Ultra Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver w/ Cast Center - Custom Fit - Class V - 2"

(113)

$281.40

Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(89)

$88.40

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6641)

$169.94

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

(3395)

$121.25

Question:

In your reply to my question you said I need a Hopkins 31345, ETBC7, and a 90195 controller. Im wondering why I need both wiring harnesses when the ETBC7 shows both a 4 Flat and 7 prong complete kit.

asked by: Gordon

Expert Reply:

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 check out the photo I've added to see how it looks on a '16 Express Van.

To add a brake controller you would need a few parts, starting with a 4-flat connector, the Hopkins # 31345. From there, you would need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7, which includes the 7-way harness you were referring to.

As for the brake controller itself, we have the perfect combination of simplicity and quality that you wanted with the Prodigy P3 # 90195; it is also the most popular model we carry due to its effectiveness and ease of use. The P3 activates your trailer's brakes immediately in proportion to your Chevy's brakes; it offers three different boost levels so you can adjust your braking power, and has five storable settings for things such as braking power, boost levels, and display settings. The P3 will automatically level, has constant diagnostic checks, contains safeguards which defend your controller against shorts, and features an LCD display which is much easier to read than that of other controllers.

I've added links to video reviews on these products for you to take a look at as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S

click to enlarge

Gordon

10/17/2017

In your reply to my question you said I need a Hopkins 31345, ETBC7, and a 90195 controller. Im wondering why I need both wiring harnesses when the ETBC7 shows both a 4 Flat and 7 prong complete kit.

Kyle S.

10/17/2017

The reason you need to install # 31345 is because the # ETBC7 actually comes with a 4-flat to 7-pin adapter, not the 4-flat connector itself. You would need to plug your installed 4-flat into the adapter in order to get those functions to your 7-way.