What Do I Need to Add a Trailer Hitch & Wiring to a 2003 Chevy Tahoe W/O Factory Tow Package?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hi Andrew,

The only hitch with a high enough tongue weight for your application is the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Class V part # C15324. It has a 2,400lb tongue weight and 16,000lb tow capacity; however, a 2003 Chevy Tahoe has a tow capacity ranging from 6,700lbs to 7,400lbs depending on what engine and drive train you have. That would make your vehicle's max tongue weight 670lb to 740lbs depending on what you have. The tongue weight for the vehicle cannot be exceeded as it'll lead to the frame bending or warping which could cause the hitch to fail (as well as stress the drive train) so it will not be able to handle a 1,000lb tongue weight. You can try using a weight distribution hitch to reduce the amount of tongue weight on the hitch to get it within it's acceptable ranges.

For a brake controller, I recommend using the Curt TriFlex NEXT Brake Controller part # C86SV. It can handle trailers with up to four axles and works with electric brake set ups. Even though your Tahoe doesn't have a tow package there is still a brake controller plug under the dash that you can plug into and the harness for that is included. Your Tahoe could still have trailer wiring it even though you don't see a 7-way at the bumper, so you may not need trailer wiring and a kit to install the brake controller. Check under the Tahoe near the spare tire and if you see a capped round plug you can use the Pollak 7-way and 4-Flat Connector part # HM40975 to plug into it. If you only have bundle of wires and no plug, you'll need to get a universal USCAR pigtail like the Pollak 7-Pole RV Style Trailer Connector part # PK11898 to connect the wires to. I've included a photo of what the plug should look like for reference.

If you don't have the plug or any wiring under the vehicle, you'll need the Curt Powered Taillight Converter w/4-pole Flat part # C59236. This is a universal kit, so you'll need to splice into the vehicle's wiring and run a power wire from the battery back to the converter to power it to prevent any feedback or short circuits in the vehicle's wiring. That will give you a 4-flat, but to get a 7-way you'll need the Universal Installation Kit for Brake Controllers part # ETBC7. The ETBC7 will give you a functioning 7-way and 4-flat connector, the 4-flat from the Curt wiring will plug into this connector and the power and brake signal will be run back using the included 10-gauge wiring to the connector.

What are you planning on towing with your Tahoe?

expert reply by: Claire H

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Factory 7-way Plug
(click to enlarge)