Installing Trailer Brake Controller on 2008 Chevy Express Van Cutaway Chassis

Published 10/03/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot

(323)

$3.91

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

(3397)

$121.25

Question:

I just purchased a hopkins 47235 brake control for my 2008 chevy 3500 cutaway van, and cant seem to figure out the wiring

asked by: Joe M

Expert Reply:

A Chevy Express cutaway chassis won't have the connector under the dash for installing a brake controller, so the controller will need to be hardwired.

You'll first need to install a functioning 4-pole trailer connector on your vehicle, using the part # 18252 kit. Once the 4-pole is installed, you'd complete the install using our Brake Controller Installation Kit, part # ETBC7. The kit includes everything needed to complete your installation, but if your cutaway chassis is longer than the typical Chevy Express, you'll also need some extra wire, part # 10-2-1. The kit provides an adapter that will convert the 4-pole to a 7-way trailer connector, which is the connector that trailers with electric brakes typically use.

I'll link you to the full instructions for the ETBC7 kit, as well as to an installation video showing the kit being used to install a brake controller on a 2009 Chevy Express Van. The video shows a different brake controller, but the procedure for yours would be identical.

expert reply by: Mike L