Installing a P3 Trailer Brake Controller on a 2011 GMC Savana Van RV Cutaway

Published 10/03/2013

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Question:

I installed the seven point on rear of van plugged existing 4-way from truck to 7-point I installed, then I ran #12 black an #12 blue to front cab ran blue inside cab to connect to controller ran black to 40 amp breaker connect tobattterminal on breaker, ran #12 black from auxside of breaker to positive lead on battery,ran#12 black tobatt side of 30 amp breaker ran#12 black from aux side of breaker to black wire on controller,ran#12 white from neg lead on battery to white wire on controller, connected blue wire to controller .... do I need to splice red wire from controller to switch under brake pedal ? the brake lights on trailer was working just from me plugging the 4-way to 7-way....have I correctly installed ? I havnt put any power to it yet not sure im right please advise

asked by: Jerry B

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you are nearly complete but just for your reference your van may already be pre-wired for a brake controller. If you look under the dash of your 2011 GMC Savana RV cutaway there should be a wire bundle held together with white tape. The bundle should be located under the left side of the instrument panel and to the left of the steering column. The wires can be identified by a white label and the color of the wires. The wire colors are (1) Red/Black wire, (1) White wire, (1) Light Blue/White wire and (1) Dark Blue wire and possibly (1) Orange wire.

You will hardwire in the controller as follows:

Van Red/Black to brake controller Black for 12-volt power
Van White to brake controller white for ground
Van Light Blue/White to brake controller red for brake light signal
Van Dark Blue to brake controller blue for brake output to trailer
Van Orange is not used

For the circuit breakers, on the 40-amp breaker you should have the BAT post connect to the battery and the AUX post going to 7-Way. For the red wire you will need to find the wire on the cold side of the brake switch that only shows power when you step on the brake pedal. If you test the wires with a circuit tester like # PTW2993 and think you have the right wire, test it with the headlights and turn signals on. If it shows power with those as well it is not the correct wire.

The brake controller connection to the brake switch does not have anything to do with the brake light circuit on the van and trailer. It is merely providing a signal to the brake controller telling it you have stepped on the brake pedal. I have included a link to an FAQ article that should help you.