Trailer Wiring Options for a 2008 Chevy Cutaway Van with a Fiberglass Unicell Box

Updated 03/20/2019 | Published 03/19/2019

Products Featured in This Question

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

(89)

$93.05

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

(455)

$33.69

Buyers Products 2" Hitch Receiver For GM Express/Savana with Cutaway Chassis

(37)

$503.93

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1376)

$80.11

Question:

I am interested in the Hopkins # 31345 lighting kit. I have just read the reply on a different box unit. My Unicell does not have easy access to the tail lights or a place to mount the lighting control box. 1 How weather / water tight is the unit?? If I use it under my trucks frame, does it need to be mounted in a weather proof bell box? 2 Is there a different unit that I should be looking at?

asked by: David H

Expert Reply:

The Hopkins # 31345 lighting kit is the correct part for your 2008 Chevy Express Van. You can have the wiring from the box to the 4-Way under your frame but the powered module does need to be mounted in a weatherproof location.

Another option for you is the T-One # 118392 which doesn't use a powered module at all. The advantage of this is that you don't have to worry about where to mount the module but the disadvantage is that you don't get the protection to your vehicle wiring like you would if you have the module.

If you don't already have a trailer hitch then we actually have a solution there as well. Buyers Products 2" Hitch Receiver For GM Express/Savana with Cutaway Chassis # 3371801102 will fit your cutaway and has 12,000 lb towing and 1,200 lb tongue weight ratings. Please note that if the weight ratings of your vehicle are lower then those will be your limiting factors.

To round out your towing setup you also need a ball mount kit. I recommend checking out the Ball Mount Kit # 989900. It includes 2 ball mounts, one with a 3/4 inch rise/2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise/4 inch drop, as well as a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

Attached are installation instructions for you to check out.