7-Way Trailer Wiring Parts and Instructions for a 2012 Buick Enclave

Published 05/01/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

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$160.94

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

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$29.78

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - GM

(162)

$17.02

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

(2763)

$161.51

Curt No-Drill Bracket for 6-Way or 7-Way Round Trailer Connector Mounting Bracket - Long

(301)

$30.92

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

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Question:

I am thinking about a 2012 Buick Enclave purchase. As you are the BEST, I have seen your parts and videos, even for connecting my Tekonsha brake contorller I hope, like the one in the video, it doesnt have to be mounted flat. My questions relate to the trailer end. I see from your video how to connect the lights but, after the hitch is mounted... 1 what e-Trailer pigtail do I use to go from 4-way to a Bargeman-type 7-way socket ? 2 where is the trailer-end of the Enclaves Trailer Towing Provision harness so I can hook up the other e-Trailer pigtail wires? 3 How do I mount the e-Trailer 7-way socket to the Hidden Hitch? I am thinking Hidden Hitch so I can put the stock cover back on when I do not have the drawbar in place. Lots of Forum comments say any other brand sticks out 1/2 to 1 too far to put the cover back on. Thanks!

asked by: Mike T

Expert Reply:

The first thing you will need to do to install a complete 7-Way trailer wiring harness on a 2012 Buick Enclave without factory tow package wiring, is install a 4-Way trailer wiring harness, part # 118450, if the vehicle does not already have a working 4-Way connector.

Next, you will need to install an electric brake controller installation kit, # ETBC7, to complete the wiring. Installing this kit will require you to hard wire the 12 volt power wire, brake controller output, power, ground and brake switch wires and the reverse light wire if needed. We have detailed instructions, see link, that explain how to run these wires. We also have an installation video featuring the # ETBC7 kit on a Dodge Nitro. The vehicle is different but the wiring principles are the same.

One other thing you will need to complete the brake controller installation is a circuit tester, like part # PTW2993, to determine which wire to attach the red brake switch wire to, from the brake controller you select.

You can mount the bracket included in the # ETBC7 kit directly to the trailer wiring mounting bracket that is welded to the hitch, part # 75528.

If the vehicle comes with a factory 7-Way trailer connector, all you will need is the brake controller of your choice and the brake controller wiring harness, # 3026-P, see installation instructions.

For a brake controller I recommend going with the P2, # 90885, which is easy to use and adjust, and has all of the features of most high end brake controllers.

Finally, when installing the hitch you need to remove the stock cover on back, if it is not the OEM receiver hitch fascia cover which protrudes slightly more than the standard cover it will not fit back on with the hitch installed. You could purchase the OEM fascia cover and it will work with the hitch, but it will most likely need to be painted to match the color of your Enclave. Some of our customers have cut a square hole in their original cover to allow the hitch to protrude slightly through it, but this requires you to reach up underneath it to install the hitch pin and clip.