Parts Needed To Tow Trailer With Brakes With 2018 GMC Savana Van

Updated 09/07/2019 | Published 08/25/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1782)

$279.95

7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires

(342)

$97.91

Question:

Hello, Thank you in advance for your expertise and support in this area. We will be towing a travel trailer that weighs ~5700 pds with electric brakes. The van came equipped with a trans oil cooler and trailer wiring. Is there a plug and play 7 pin receiver? What other parts would you recommend? I have attached a picture of what is under the van. tow package for 2018 GMC Savana 2500 LT Passenger van

asked by: Terri L

Expert Reply:

From your photo it does not look like the 2018 GMC Savana Van has a 7-way factory tow package. There is not a 7-way pin available that plugs into the plug you have shown. First you would need T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector part # 118392 for a 4-way connector that plugs into the plug you have pictured. I have attached an installation video for your reference.

Then you can use a 4-way upgrade kit part # ETBC7L and brake controller Curt Echo part # C51180 which will give you the 7-way plug that you need on the back of the van and the brake controller. All you will need to do is extend the black wire from the 7-way plug provided to the van's battery via the circuit breaker. The 4-way will plug into the adapter coming from the plug. Then ground the plug to a clean bare metal surface of the frame. The other wires can be tucked away because they are not needed with the Curt Echo. The Curt Echo brake controller only requires power from the vehicle's battery to power the brakes on the trailer. It allows you to control the settings of the brake controller via your smart phone.

expert reply by: Heather A