Trailer Wiring and Brake Controller for a 1983 Chevy C10

Question

Question:

Hello, I have a 1983 Chevy C10 with no electric connectors for towing trailers. I recently installed a trailer hitch receiver and would now like to add the wiring/components necessary to tow a trailer with electronic brakes. Can you please give me some guidance on what products would be best to make this upgrade. Thank you

asked by: Anthony C

0

Expert Reply:

First, you will need a 4-way connection. The purpose of this connection is to operate your stop, turns, and tail lights of your trailer. The T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118311 will quickly and easily allow an install of a 4-way trailer connector on your Chevrolet C/K Series Pickup with this custom wiring harness. T-One connector plugs directly into existing wiring no cutting, splicing or tapping required.

In order to control your trailer with electric brakes, you will need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller 7-Way # ETBC7. This kit includes everything you need to install an electric trailer brake controller and 7-way connector.

The best brake controller you can have is the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195. With a proportional brake controller, you can get heavy-duty emergency braking, general braking or slow-to-an-idle braking for your trailer automatically. The intensity with which your trailer brakes are activated and the rate at which they are applied are dependent on the deceleration of your tow vehicle. This means that, unlike time delay controllers which send the same amount of preset power to your trailer brakes every time proportional controllers are able to adapt to every braking situation differently.

I have help guides articles, product videos and install videos to simplify this process.

expert reply by: Timothy G

0

Answer 1

My suspicion is that you have a poor ground connection somewhere on your trailer. The fact that everything works fine until the running lights are turned on is the dead giveaway. When the tail lights are turned on, the trailer lighting is drawing…

view full answer...

Answer 2

It sounds like you have a ground issue. Ground problems show up when there is more load on a system. In this case with the running lights on there is more load on the system when you go to using the turn signals or brakes. You will want to check the…

view full answer...

Answer 3

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…

view full answer...

Answer 4

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 5

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

view full answer...

Answer 6

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

view full answer...

Answer 7

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

view full answer...

Answer 8

It sounds like you may already have a 4 way connector on your vehicle, which is half of the battle. In order to operate the Curt Echo Mobile Wireless Brake Controller #C51180 you will need an almost fully functional 7 way connector; using something…

view full answer...

Answer 9

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Good question, Todd! I looked at some pictures we have of the Curt #C37RV hitch installed on a 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and I think I found a good way to do it. Take a look at the picture I have included and you will see what I am thinking (circled in…

view full answer...

Answer 11

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 12

Since wire color codes are NOT universal, we always recommend wiring by function, rather than wire color. If you look at the Trailer Wiring FAQ article I have linked you to, you can see some diagrams showing the proper way to wire a vehicle and…

view full answer...