Wiring Pattern for a 7-Way RV Trailer Connector on a 2001 Chevrolet Silverado Without Factory Wiring

Updated 04/02/2012 | Published 03/31/2012

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Zinc Plated Hex Flange Nut - M8

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7-Pole and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Sockets w/ Mounting Bracket and Wiring - Vehicle End

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Question:

Im looking for the wiring pattern on a 2001 silverado 2500 to hook up a trailer

asked by: Silverado

Expert Reply:

To install a 7-Way wiring connector at the rear of your 2001 Chevrolet Silverado without a factory 7-Way or a factory 4-Way connector, I recommend using the 7-Pole and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket and wiring harness, # HM40975-11998. You can the wire most of the circuits needed to the wiring harness that is located above the spare tire along the driver side frame rail.

The wiring above the spare has a yellow wire for the left turn and brakes, dark green wire for the right turn and brakes, brown wire is for taillights, and white wire for the ground. Often if the loom is cut back, two more wires will be found. A light blue wire provides a lead for a camper shell 3rd brake light. The other, a light green wire, is for the reverse lights.

These wires can be connected to the wires on the new harness, # HM40975-11998, as follows:

Yellow Wire, left turn and brakes, to Red wire on harness
Dark Green Wire, right turn and brakes, to Green wire on harness
Brown Wire, taillights, to Brown wire on harness
White, ground, to White on wire harness
Light Green, reverse, to Yellow on wire harness

Once these wires are connected, you will need about 20 feet of double bonded 10 gauge wire, # 10-2-1 to complete the 12 volt power circuit and the brake controller output circuit to the 7-Way trailer connector, if you need them for your trailer.

Connect the black wire in the double bonded wire to the black wire on the harness and connect the white wire in the double bonded wire to the blue wire on the harness. Run the double bonded wire forward, avoiding areas that could damage the wire, to the engine compartment.

Next, in the engine compartment, remove the bracket in the corner closest to the firewall, and the lower cover to the fuses. Attach the black wire to the forward most power stud at the power distribution box, with an M8 nut, # 185917. Make sure there is a large 40 amp fuse in the slot closest to the stud.

Next, locate the red wire with a ring terminal on it and attach it to the power stud closest to the firewall with an M8 nut, # 185917. Make sure there is a 30 amp fuse in the slot closest to this power stud. This wire provides power for the brake controller connection under the dash.

Finally, locate the blue wire with a wiring connector on the end of it and cut the connector off. Splice this wire to the white wire in the double bonded wire that you ran from the break output circuit in the trailer connector wiring harness.

We have a detailed article that explains these steps with photos, see link.

Now you are completely wired and set up to tow a trailer with electric trailer brakes, auxiliary 12 volt power options and reverse lights. If you need a brake controller, you will need to install it with a brake controller wiring adapter, # 3025-S, or # 3025-P, depending on the brake controller you choose.