Trailer Wiring Harness for 1998 Chevrolet Suburban Without Tow Package Wiring  

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New trucks that have a factory tow package are typically equipped with a round RV-style 7-way socket like the one in the linked picture. This is the vehicle-side female socket into which a male trailer plug is inserted. This 7-way connector carries all functions for the trailer: stop, turn and tail lights, 12V power for a trailer's accessory functions, a reverse light signal (if needed for a reverse lockout solenoid) and also the signal for electric trailer brakes. The photo shows the typical pin assignments by function and common wire colors, but note not all vehicles and trailers use the same wire color assignments, which is why we always recommend testing a wire for its function rather than replying on its color to tell us what it does. The linked article will give you lots of information on the various connectors typically found on vehicles and trailers.

To have one of these 7-way blade-style sockets on your Suburban you will first need to install a flat 4-pole connector. For easiest installation I suggest custom plug-in harness # C55319 from Curt. You do not have to cut or splice your vehicle's wires to install this; it simply plugs in at a harness located along the frame rail. I have linked an install video showing this item in use in your same model year Suburban. To this harness you will connect Hopkins part # 37185. This is a 7-way socket that includes a mounting bracket and hardware. You also need to secure its white ground wire to a clean bare-metal surface on your vehicle frame. Once connected to the 4-pole wiring harness it will carry the lighting functions to your trailer. However, it will not have the other functions (12V power, reverse light and trailer brake signal) unless you also make these connections.

To have 12V auxiliary power and a brake controller signal for your trailer you will need to run a length of 10-gauge wire (# 10-2-1) to your battery positive terminal using a 40-amp circuit breaker (# 9510) and also install a trailer brake controller like the excellent Prodigy P2 # 90885 and connect its blue wire to the socket. If you prefer you can instead use the controller along with our installation kit # ETBC7, which includes the 7-way socket, wiring, circuit breakers, etc all in one handy kit. For reference I have linked an article regarding installation of the # ETBC7.

If you just want lighting functions for your trailer, but not the other functions, you will only need the Hopkins part # 37185 and your plug-in harness # C55319.

expert reply by: Adam R

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