Trailer brake wiring 2016 Chevy Equinox

[dave.g.in.gansevoort]

So the trailer side of this story is done except for the putting together. Oh and painting, wiring, bolting the deck back on, you know, you guys answered a lot of questions, I did a little homework (I was alway lazy in school...). Now doing that homework, has left my head spinning

I have the factory tow package for the LTZ model Equinox, good to 3500 pounds with trailer brakes, which as you all know has been addressed. What I am now struggling with is the vehicle wiring. The tow package is for a 4 wire electric system, at least I don't think there's any extra wires for the brakes, I can't find them, and the manual is pretty useless in that regard.

So knowing I need 12 volts and an extra wire or two, what's next? Anyone done this on an Equinox? Suggestions? I know get a real truck, but no... SWMBO has no interest in okaying that.

[DanStokes]

Check with Etrailer (at least that's the name I'm remembering). They have a good tech line though sometimes you have to wait on the phone for a while. Anyhow, they can tell you where to look and what to do - they've helped me out on a couple of truck installations.

Dan

[anotheridiot]

I thought for sure the tow wiring with e brakes is the round 7 wire connector.

all four gives you are left turn, right turn, brake light and marker lights.

[dave.g.in.gansevoort]

I thought for sure the tow wiring with e brakes is the round 7 wire connector.

all four gives you are left turn, right turn, brake light and marker lights.

Exactly! I am wondering what Chevrolet calls a towing package! I can't find any extra wires, a fuse for the 7 pin connector for a hot lead, a wire to activate a controller, or any semblance of a harness in/on/under the dash/hood/wherever for a controller. It does have (supposedly!) a heavy duty radiator, a flat 4 wire connector, a trailer hitch (albeit not class 3), and is rated for 3500 pounds with trailer brakes (no mention of electric or surge).

Dan, I have been on etrailer.com and have seen that they have what appears to be a universal wiring kit (generic) that should work with the Equinox. However I am reminded of the day Vince and I were working on the Drippy Car prototype wiring harness, and realized we needed to use a test meter and long jumper wire to identify circuits. Both of us being color blind certainly made that effort fun

Vince: "Hey Dave, which wire is the blue wire?"

Dave: "Uhn, I dunno, they all look grey to me..."

2 minutes go by.

Dave: "Hey Vince which wire has the violet stripe?"

Vince: "Oh boy, we're in trouble now!"


Where was I? Oh yeah, So I guess it's up to me to wire correctly.

[Captain]

Yes Check with etrailer,
there is usually a "Plug & Play" rear wiring harness upgrade to a 7 pin trailer plug.
This little item is where your "Friendly GM Dealer" cleans out the LAST Couple of Hundred Dollars you had in your Wallet after the sale......
"Oh, YOU want to Pull a "Real" (Boat, Travel Trailer, ....insert here),
WELL, That's a Dealership Add On....

The Factory Wiring is usually ALL There, just different plugs tucked into the frame.

[anotheridiot]

I just figure if there is not a factory 7 wire harness, they are suggesting you dont tow something heavy enough that it needs its own brakes. When I got my trailer the guy threw in the brake controller. He said he never needed it and never hooked it up. Wire it to the brake light switch and it sends a couple more wires to the back so all you are using your brake light fuse for is to trigger a relay. Plus you get a little dial controller where you can tune in the brakes.

[DanStokes]

I'd call the Etrailer tech line and talk to an actual human. They were very helpful once I got them on the line.

Dan

[dave.g.in.gansevoort]

So etrailer it will be. Well as soon as the temperature drops. It's too hot in the garage to mess without anything.

I'm ordering parts for the Whatever project instead.

[DanStokes]

I have AC in the shop. Because - coastal North Carolina.

Dan

[dave.g.in.gansevoort]

They say the temperature should drop in a day or two so then back to work on one or the other projects. In the meantime I'm planning on cleaning up the garage so both projects can fit inside. That way I can work on something in the morning hours before the garage gets too hot.

Of course I have lots of little bits and bobs to make, so using the microlathe in the basement is an option.

[Russell]

I have AC in the shop. Because - coastal North Carolina.

Dan

I am very grateful that I have a shop. It's no where near my dream shop, but the central air is awesome! The previous owner used it as office / work out. After knocking down a couple walls and adding a roll up door it's workable.

A/C in the shop and race car are requirements!

[dave.g.in.gansevoort]

I am very grateful that I have a shop. It's no where near my dream shop, but the central air is awesome! The previous owner used it as office / work out. After knocking down a couple walls and adding a roll up door it's workable.

A/C in the shop and race car are requirements!

Only one racecar? First you need a drag car, then a circle track car, and of course a roadrace/track day car. And for those of you into going really fast, an lsr car of some sort. And the last time I was involved with aracecar it was a one-off hillclimb special. Now everyone also needs a vintage racecar, and don't forget to park a street racer in the garage.

Well I can dream

[DanStokes]

Actually, Russell does most of those with his 'Stang. And though his shop could be bigger it's a really nice work space - if you come visit we can run up to Russell's and say HI. Sadly, he's an engineer too, but civil (take that any way you like).

Dan

[dave.g.in.gansevoort]

Actually, Russell does most of those with his 'Stang. And though his shop could be bigger it's a really nice work space - if you come visit we can run up to Russell's and say HI. Sadly, he's an engineer too, but civil (take that any way you like).

Dan

Civil is as civil does, my mother used to say! (With apologies to Forrest Gump...).

Well maybe some day the Mini will fit some or most of those roles again.

You know Dan, we could lengthen the Mini and chop the top. And seeing as how you have experiense racing a diesel, we could go that route. Hmmm...

[dave.g.in.gansevoort]

Oh and front wheel drive. That way the drivers seat can be centered. More roomy that way