What Parts are Needed to Install a 7-Way Trailer Connector on a 2002 Chevy Silverado

Updated 10/06/2011 | Published 10/04/2011

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Question:

hi, i am asking is there a wire harness after market kit that will adapt from the chev truck to the 7 pin on my 09 hardtop that has a battery on its hitch? under the inside bumper there is a cross rail with 4 wire plugs connected to a flat plate, out of that a long casing with 6 factory wires Y from one of these 4 4 wire plugs and runs out to the bumper. The other owner had a flat 4 and left 2 wires out. My question is , is there a wire kit that will plug into those one or more of the 4 wire blocks that will then easily convert the the 7 pin connection i need into the hardtop 7 pin connection? or is it set up from the factory with the 6 wire leading out YING OUT from the 4 block and not kit is needed when i find what each wire can do and connect it to a 7 pin plug that plugs into the hardtop? The 4 block has me thing it may have been set uo for a connect kit vs this wire it to a 7 pin plug. Also with only 6 wires on the chev, why is there not 7 from the factory. Also noted is that this unit does not need back up or electric brakes...the other big Q is what is the best way and safest way to keep the battery on the hardtop charged.I have tried going to install dealers that sell over the counter parts but 2 places i went to the parts mgr says he is not sure try this and that or the answer in both cases , we can install for staring at $ 120 = ouch! please help in long detail.....very thank full , hardtop stuck in driveway !

asked by: Ivan S

Expert Reply:

On the 2002 Chevy Silverado, there were a couple of factory wiring methods used. Some trucks will have a bundle of wires above the spare tire. The yellow wire is for left turn and brake lights, dark green is for right turn and brake lights, the brown wire is for running lights, and the white wire is ground. If you cut back the loom you may find 2 additional wires, light blue for a camper shell brake lights and light green for reverse lights.

To wire in the 12 volt hot lead, you would need to make some connections under the hood and route the wiring back to a 7-Way, # PK11898. I have included a link to an FAQ article that can help.

The second wiring method has a round cap present above the spare tire instead of bare wires. Installation for this method is much easier. All you will need is the Replacement Multi-Tow 7-Way and 4-Way Trailer Connector, # 30955. You will simply just plug it in. I have incldued a link to a video showing a typical installation.

With what you are describing, I believe that the truck did not originally come with a wiring harness so it would be wired with one of the methods listed above.

Once you have the 7-Way connected and everything wired correctly for a 12 volt circuit on the 7-Way, the trailer connector will be able to provide a maintenance charge to the trailer battery, but it will not be able to fully charge it. Instead I recommend going ahead and using the trailer connector to provide the maintenance charge but also use a battery charger, like # CTEK56353, to fully charge the battery. i have included a video review of the charger for you.

expert reply by: Michael H