How to Wire Trailer Brakes on a 2007 Chevy Pickup

Safe and legal towing requires the correct connections between vehicle and trailer.

The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado features a factory-fitted round seven-pin trailer hitch, located near the tow package. To operate trailer brakes, a brake control unit must be fitted and wired to the hitch. The 2007 Chevrolet Silverado uses an under-dash port to transfer information to and from the aftermarket brake control unit and to the hitch; a specific harness is needed to connect the port with the controller. Fitting the harness is a straightforward and uncomplicated project.

Things You'll Need

• Adaptor harness

Instructions

1. Locate the factory-fitted port panel designed to accept the adaptor harness; it is under the dash near the steering column. In case of difficulty, transcribe your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) from the truck's delivery information or the embossed plate in the lower driver's side corner of the windshield and call Chevrolet's customer support personnel.

2. Remove the knurled securing nut from the port panel cover and pry off the cover. Slip the terminal block on one end of the adaptor harness into the second port from the left; push it firmly but slowly downward until a positive click is felt. Reinstate the port panel cover and securing nut, threading the adaptor harness through a space provided in the cover for this purpose.

3. Attach the free end of the adaptor cable to the brake controller unit; typically the receiver is on the back of the unit. Use plastic zip ties to secure the adaptor harness where it will not obstruct free access to the vehicle's control pedals or interfere with steering.

4. Test the lights to ensure they work properly before heading out onto the road with your trailer.

Tips & Warnings

• In previous model years a cluster of four wires (red, dark blue, light blue and white) which plugged straight into brake controllers were taped under the dash near the parking brake release lever, the gas pedal or the steering column. Some early 2007 model year Silverados may still have this layout.

• The Tekonsha Prodigy brake controller (part number 90185) and Chevrolet aftermarket wiring harness (part number 3015-P) work perfectly with the 2007 Chevrolet Silverado pickup.

References

• Etrailer: Trailer Brake Controller Installation -- 2007 Chevy Silverado

Resources

• Chevrolet Forum: Where to Plug in Electric Brake Controller on 2007 Silverado