I needed to install a trailer brake controller and wire in a 7 way connector to haul a car trailer with my truck, a 1990 C1500. In this video I take you through the process of properly wiring up a trailer brake controller and 7 way connector for your vehicle. I also show how to test and verify the circuits in case you ever need to diagnose a problem with your trailer brake connection.
#ETCGDadsTruck
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Links
Trailer Wiring Info: https://www.etrailer.com/faq-wiring.aspx
HumbleMechanic: https://www.youtube.com/user/HumbleMechanic
Parts:
Trailer Brake Controller: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001P11SCM/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2
7 Way Harness Repair Kit: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MV0FG9W/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4
7way/4way Connector: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002RNS8C/ref=ox_sc_act_title_3
30A Auto Reset Circuit Breaker (x2): https://www.amazon.com/Fastronix-Automatic-Reset-Circuit-Breaker/dp/B084RGQFQX/ref=sr_1_3_sspa
30A Inline Fuse: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002KR88A/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title
12ga Wire: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01C7O82LU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title
Shrink Connectors: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01D3B4QHU/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title
Shrink/Solder Connectors: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07M5WG5KD/
Msc Electrical Connectors: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01E5ZFGCM/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title
Painless Wire Braid: https://www.painlessperformance.com/wc/70970
Label Maker: https://www.amazon.com/Brother-P-touch-PTM95-Styles-Patterns/dp/B01GQHHYFE/ref=sr_1_5
Tools
Wire Crimper: https://www.jbtools.com/sg-tool-aid-18960-ratcheting-terminal-crimping-kit/
Wire Stripper: https://www.jbtools.com/xscorpion-wsc107c-wire-stripper-cutter/
Heat Gun: https://www.jbtools.com/titan-tools-22400-vaper-heat-gun/
Power Probe: https://www.jbtools.com/power-probe-pp3csgrn-power-probe-iii-circuit-tester-clamshell-green/
Test Light: https://www.jbtools.com/equus-3410-innova-test-light-circuit-tester/
Seam Ripper: https://www.amazon.com/Dritz-638-Deluxe-Seam-Ripper/dp/B0001DSIVY/ref=sr_1_6
Electrical Tape: https://www.amazon.com/Tesas-Advanced-Harness-51036-Mercedes/dp/B01I2MLN2Q/ref=sr_1_5
Related Videos
How To Wire a Custom Instrument Cluster: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxT27VvkWfA
How To Crimp Electrical Connectors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5LBf19MqPk&t=7s
How To Solder Wires Ultimate Guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ErNVJytyNs&t=1s
How To Perform a Parasitic Draw Test: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KF1gijj03_0&t=7s
Electrical Troubleshooting Basics: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wLVu2HYtOhA
#ETCGDadsTruck Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCepnacqRuI&list=PLSzhQ6St-ov1g_GML2aVq6EN-_ShJ9G2o
The #FairmontProject Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L22GsHQi7tU&list=PLSzhQ6St-ov2nxWVKCeU14Vt7JJ_QSZvs
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Stay Dirty
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Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information.  EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video.  Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy®.
If the controller is wired directly to the battery, how does that NOT create a current drain when the truck is off?
Any thoughts on that controller? Recommended?
I don't think I've seen a trailer with back-up lights. Is that what your reverse wire powered? I'm going to use that wire to turn on my back-up camera for when I'm hooking up the trailer
what might be some issues with trailer brake not working?
you should match your fuse to your wire a 12 gauge wire should have a 20amp fuse , your 12 gauge wire would be on fire before it trips your breaker
That engine is a thing of beauty. What all did you throw in there for power? I need to beef up my 1500 Sierra 2WD for hauling a big camper.
It would be helpful if you showed how to set the settings on B, B1, B2, & B3 positions but I think the adjustment wheel is not settable for the different B settings. I think you only adjust the intensity wheel once and the various B settings are automatically adjusted B1 being the lowest breaking and B3 being the highest breaking leve.
I have the same break controller you have and I usually use the B1 setting in town and in slow stop and go traffic. When on the interstates or mountains I usually have the B setting on B3 for maximum trailer breaking.
I think the controler has a deceleration sensor to help with the applied voltage to the controller.
If you lose your wife's seam ripper, you've had it!
where did the white wire go to
That’s a short stop fuse. I like your videos, but you spread poor information
nice job! well done Eric!
Just hooked up all this same stuff on my 96 f150 it was alot easier than the Chevy ford puts a trailer brake plug under the dash below the ash tray all you do is plug your controller in and you're done wires are already there and ran only thing I had to do was wire up the 7 way plug on the back
Just had.to buy power probe 3 after watching this. Will be moving controller from old truckk to new thanks.
Great help Eric, I have a 72 GMC K1500 just had new motor, trans & transfer case installed. May opt for the fuel injection kit. I have a question if you know about the trend back then to add the auxiliary side fuel tanks. I am trying to locate an upgrade to the 4 way fuel switching between the 3 tanks. Do you happen to know of any? Classicindustries.com is no help. Thanks
Electricians don’t use lithium grease to prevent corrosion on electrical work, we use nolox . It works better. If you put it on your battery terminals it will prevent corrosion there too. No more white powder… You can get nolox at Home Depot or Lowe’s. Just a tip from a friendly electrician.😉 nice job on the install.
You are the man, Eric. I love the care you took into the install. Great quality sound and video too. There should be a two thumbs up button.
Is the brake controller drawing power even with the key off the way that is wired?
You’re best, thank you very much
I see the Fairmont whats going on with it?
Eric can you make a video on how to install this brake controler on a 05/06 honda odyssey?
That's a nice pickup Eric, well done.
nice job ..great video ..thanks.
Eric, i really want to thank you for not starting this how to with music and i had my volume all the way up when it started. your a good man sir. great how to.
Thank you Eric. Always love the vids
Truck? Call that a truck in Australia and you’d get laughed out of the pub… and let’s not get started on “thongsâ€ÂÂ. Gotta love the different lingo.
You are awesome!!! Thank you!
Very careful, thoughtful, clean install. Nicely done.
Viri nic warkðŸ‘ÂÂðŸ‘ÂÂðŸ‘ÂÂ😘😘😊ðŸ˜ÅÂ
Dude, this is so awesome and helpful. I'm doing the same job this weekend … on my 1990 chevy truck! So super helpful.
great video eric. wiring can be tricky.good job
Nice work, we will be at SEMA please check us out.
Damn, this looks like a time consuming process to install the brake controller.
What book was that you used in the video for the wiring?
6:38
You should have shown a trailer hooked up and actually working.
How to Install and Connect a Trailer Brake Controller
By Eric the Car Guy
Questions
1. I was a bit concerned that the power going to the brake controller was momentary, yet the power leading to the trailer connector was fused. Then, I saw the schematic and it showed the red wire was for auxiliary power.
2. The blue wire is the power wire for the brakes. Therefore, the ground to Vehicle wire, and the ground to Trailer wire (both White) are essential if you want to have brakes. I know you didn’t have a trailer handy, but people should know how important that the white wire is securely grounded to the trailer.
3. Did you discover why your back-up light connection was weak (purple wire)? The diagram shows that the wire can be used for back up lights or a Hydraulic Coupler. Either one of those would not work well with inadequate voltage.
4. This was an excellent video. The quality of the install and the emphasis on safety were superb.
I got lucky on my ‘95 F-250. It came prewired for trailer brakes. Bought the plug and play connectors from Curt
Posi Taps should be outlawed. Consider using open barrel crimps.
https://youtu.be/cWkLgkqMVfY
I've noticed they have wireless brake controllers nowadays. What's the verdict on those?
Quit it with the old man look🤣