12 Volt Power Not Working on 7-Way Trailer Connector on a 2009 Chevy Silverado

Updated 07/06/2012 | Published 07/04/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Pollak Metal 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Socket - Vehicle End

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10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

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Pollak Circuit Breaker - Cycling/Automatic Reset - 40 Amp - Straight Mount Bracket

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Question:

Have a 2009 Chevy 2500hd with a factory brake controller. Found the auxilary battery wire for the camper and hooked it to post 1 and fuse is installed. I have 12 volts on the wire at the stud but not at the camper rrceptacle. Is it spliced somewhere like at the fifthwheel or do I need more parts?

asked by: Ken H

Expert Reply:

There may be some additional connections you need to make under the hood of your 2009 Chevy Silverado in order to make the 7-Way fully functional. I have included a link to an FAQ article that will help.

If everything is connected properly and you are still not getting power at the 7-Way, you could bypass the factory connection. You can cut the wire a few inches forward of the trailer connector. You need the wire in the 11:00 position if looking at the back of the 7-Way where the wires attach.

Attach one end of a 25 foot piece of # 10-10-1 wire to the 7-Way end of the old wire. Then route the wire under the truck forward, avoiding areas that may pinch or melt the wire like suspension or exhaust, and route it up into the engine compartment and over near the battery.

Under the hood, attach a 40 amp circuit breaker, # PK54540, to the metal of the engine compartment. Route the wire to the breaker and clip off any excess as it will be needed. Attach a ring terminal to the end of the wire and attach it to the AUX post on the breaker.

Using the extra wire, attach a ring terminal to one end and connect it to the BAT post on the breaker. Route the other end to the battery until it reaches the positive battery terminal. Remove any extra wire. Attach a ring terminal to the wire and attach it to te positive battery terminal.

expert reply by: Michael H