Trailer wiring

[MountaineerTom]

I know some have the 4 wire leads tucked up in the wiring harness at the rear of the truck, but it you have the towing package, with the receptacle under the bumper that has to have an adapter to plug in a flat, 4 wire trailer harness, do you still have the leads tucked into the wiring harness?  I'm hoping I do, so I can wire in a flat 4 wire plug into it, so I don't have to use that plug in adapter all the time.  I keep forgetting to remove it from the receptacle on the hitch.

 

If the leads are no there already, I guess it will still be easy enough to tap into the existing wire.  Just wondering if anyone knew already before I go looking for it.  

[Shaners]

I haven't noticed it on my truck...  so I guess that is why they give you the adapter.

[Black02Silverado]

I haven't noticed it on my truck...  so I guess that is why they give you the adapter.

Same here, have not noticed any extra leads on mine

[BlueRado]

I haven't noticed it on my truck...  so I guess that is why they give you the adapter.

At least w/ the '03 half tons, they don't provide the adapter now - that's what the dealer told me.   ???

 

Tom, I found a pre-made armored (plastic) cable w/ molded ends @ my Jayco dealer (Oh GOD, am I showing my age now!!!!    ).  The Jayco end is a rectanglular 6, but I noticed they had others as well.  

 

I also have the 5th wheel camper wiring provisions, but won't likely use it, so have no experience now, except that I don't have the adapter.

 

Don't know if this helps, or not.  

[c4cruiser]

I've seen wiring harnesses for most of the trailer connector types that just plug into the existing truck harness at the rear.  I'm not sure about the trucks with the Z82 trailer package, but I would think those kits would just plug in in front of the factory harness too.

 

Look at the harness connector at the back of your truck and see if any of those kits would match up.  See if a parts store would let you match the connectors up before you buy a kit.  Splicing wires is a PITA!

[MountaineerTom]

Splicing is easy with those Scotch-lock thingies.     I've used them a lot.  

 

I just haven't had the time to look closely under the truck during the daylight hours to see it the leads are tucked up there somewhere, and thought someone may know already.

 

The adapter didn't come with my truck either, I bought it at Wal-Mart for $4-$5.  Since all I need right now, is a 4 way flat connector, I'm just going to pick up the end that's used for the vehicle at a parts store and splice it into the exsisting wiring, so I don't have to keep up with that adapter so much.  LOL

[Roofer]

Not to be a "know it all" Tom, but I advise against using scotch locks. They cause more problems with wiring than any other electrical piece ever has. I use the big plug, but I put a flat wire extension on it then to the trailer wiring. That way I have to take it off or the extension is dragging on the ground. We bought a trailer that was full of scotch locks, and after one winter the wires were useless. We got all new wiring to it this past summer.

[MountaineerTom]

I've heard a lot of people say they were not very good, but I've never had any problems with them.  I had a few on my '91 for about 7 years.  If they are on the exterior, I always put some heat shrink on them and wrap them in electrical tape.

[Shaners]

Tom, the non-trailer package trucks have the wires already there.  Maybe there is a loose set of wires taped up somewhere, but I doubt it.  However, I do think the wire harness loom to the factory plug is "split", so it should be easy enough to tap into.  Otherwise, you could get a "t-type" adapter that plugs into your tail-lights and then run your flat 4 plug off of it...

[MountaineerTom]

Hmm...have you seen one of those t connectors for the new style trucks Shaners?  I had one on my '91, but haven't noticed any for the new style trucks.  If you know of any, let me know, I'd definately use one of those again.

[firecadet613]

Hey Tom what's a "Scotch-lock"?  Is it one of those things that you put over the wire, put the new wire right next to it, push down on the metal piece, and then clip the plastic piece over the metal piece to lock it all up?

 

Thanks!

 

Joe

[MountaineerTom]

Hey Tom what's a "Scotch-lock"?  Is it one of those things that you put over the wire, put the new wire right next to it, push down on the metal piece, and then clip the plastic piece over the metal piece to lock it all up?

 

Thanks!

 

Joe

Yep, like the little pink things that come in the R&D kits.   :thumb:

 

[sonjaab]

HEY TOM....My buds 01 didn't have the factory

trailer hitch.  But tucked under the spare tire

area there was the wiring for trailer hitch

already.....geo.....check out

https://www.gmupfitter.com/secure/html/publ...bull/bull27.pdf

This will show the wire colors and other info!

[Shaners]

Check out this link Tom.  If it doesn't work, PM me and I'll get you the info.  If you can get them online, I'm sure Autozone or your local RV dealer can get them for you.

 

Click here for T-connector

[MountaineerTom]

Thanks Shane, I'll check into that.  :thumb: