Installing 7-Way Connector and Trailer Brake Controller on 1996 Chevy S-10 Pickup

Published 07/17/2019

Products Featured in This Question

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

(58)

$22.00

Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(2763)

$124.90

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

(3401)

$101.73

Question:

Hi, I read the information you posted here but wanted to email directly as you suggested since I am looking to access the brakes on the trailer. Here are the specs: Truck is a 1996 Chevy S10 pickup with 2WD LS. It has a pretty beat up looking 4 pin wire set up and tow package. The trailer is a 1974 15ft 1900 LB trailer with trailer brakes and a 7 pin wire plug. I am new to this and would just be ordering the parts to bring to my mechanic to install and appreciate any help. I am seeing a lot of adaptors out there but they dont specify that they would enable the brakes on the trailer to work. Thank you

asked by: Zachary

Expert Reply:

Since your 1996 Chevy S-10 already has a 4-Way connector in place the best way to convert it to a fully-functioning 7-Way is by installing the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7. This particular kit includes the 7-Way harness itself that will plug right into the existing 4-Way, plus all the additional wiring, circuit breakers, and quick-splice connectors needed to make this conversion and install a brake controller (which we'll get to later). I have attached the complete installation instructions that you can also bring to your mechanic.

If you find that you might also need to replace the beat-up 4-Way harness the Tekonsha T-One # 118312 will work perfectly and it's a completely plug-and-play installation.

Then with the 7-Way in place it's just a matter of picking out and installing a trailer brake controller, which is what actually sends back power to the trailer brakes via the 7-Way connector. I strongly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885 because of its excellent proportional braking (the harder you brake the more power it sends back to the trailer), easy-to-read digital display so you can quickly see your settings or read any diagnostic codes, and the 3 boost levels that let you fine tune your braking.

I have attached a short video review along with the installation manual on the P2 as well.

expert reply by: Chris R