Trailer hitch cover/brake light wiring question

roden001 · February 8, 2005

I'm a proud new owner of a used '03 1500 Z71 pickup, and I decided to get one of those trailer hitch covers that lights up with your brake lights. I'm not too sure how to do the wiring, though. The diagram shows a flat plug/outlet, but I don't see anything similar to that around my hitch. I do, however, see what appears to be a round connector with a flip-up cover.

Does this mean I'll have to do some splicing, or am I not finding something that's actually there?

mmou · February 8, 2005

Just getting it to work is easy. There is a 7pin round to 4pin flat adapter that you can plug and play. The adapter came with the factory tow package - available at your local parts store. The problem with that setup is there is no way to keep the thieves from making off with it... Now that I think about it, there is no way to stop a determined thief from taking the whole rig.

Oh yeah, welcome.

roden001 · February 8, 2005

Just getting it to work is easy. There is a 7pin round to 4pin flat adapter that you can plug and play. The adapter came with the factory tow package - available at your local parts store. The problem with that setup is there is no way to keep the thieves from making off with it... Now that I think about it, there is no way to stop a determined thief from taking the whole rig.

Oh yeah, welcome.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sweet. Thanks for the reply. I'll be tracking down that adapter tomorrow.

Raydon · February 8, 2005

Roden, I got one from my daughter for Christmas. Make sure you buy a locking hitch pin to use with it so you will get to enjoy it a little longer. Also don't be surprized when it also lights up with the right signal light on.

Enjoy

Taaaaaaahoe? · February 8, 2005

See this topic too:

http://www.gm-trucks.com/forums/index.php?...hl=hitch++light

I didn't like the idea if it blinking with my signal...or the idea of all the wires pluged into the back end ..looked tacky I thought.

SO I bought a 4 prong flat wire and just made my own connection up to the brake lights. So mine ONLY comes on when I am on the brake... and you can't see any wires.

Also think about a hitch lock for it too!

Good luck!

Mike

Taaaaaaahoe? · February 8, 2005

See The pics at the bottom of this page...

roden001 · February 8, 2005

See The pics at the bottom of this page...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's the one I bought!

I thought the bowtie was cool.

roden001 · February 8, 2005

See The pics at the bottom of this page...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

By the way, I think I'll just do what you did--I don't want it to blink with my turn signal. Where can I buy just the connector? (although I suppose I'll need the 7-pin unit with my '03 {right?})

Taaaaaaahoe? · February 8, 2005

See The pics at the bottom of this page...

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That's the one I bought!

I thought the bowtie was cool.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

No, no need for the 7 pin deal since your going to splice into your own area, so use the size you need. What I got was actually an extension for a 4 pin cable, and just cut off the end I didnt need. And you will only use 2 of the 4 wires on the harness anyhow . I ran mine up to my tail lamp and just spliced into it there, and then zip-tied it onto the existing wire loom that was there and brought the wire in that way. Now if I need to remove it for towing, I just un lock the pin...Un-plug it, and im done.. And no wires no mess to see!! AND it ONLY works when I WANT IT TO!

Mike

roden001 · February 9, 2005

Hey Mike,

Thanks for all the advice. Just got the job completed and it looks SWEET!

I did go to the parts store today, and I picked up an adapter to try out there at the store (wanted to see if it would work correctly before I launched into a splicing job--just in case). Anyways, the guy at the parts store acted like I was an idiot for thinking the thing would blink with the right blinker, but I hooked it up and sure enough you guys were right.

Needless to say I did not buy the adapter, I just bought the extension cable like you did, and I spliced into my left brake light.

Didn't know which wire was taillight/brakelight/ground, so I had to use my voltmeter. If anyone needs to know in the future: Blue is brake, brown is taillight, black is ground.

Used some baling wire to zip tight to existing loom, and all wires are hidden. I can also unplug easily if I need to tow a trailer. It's a nice setup.

Thanks for the help everybody!

Taaaaaaahoe? · February 9, 2005

Hey Mike,

Thanks for all the advice. Just got the job completed and it looks SWEET!

I did go to the parts store today, and I picked up an adapter to try out there at the store (wanted to see if it would work correctly before I launched into a splicing job--just in case). Anyways, the guy at the parts store acted like I was an idiot for thinking the thing would blink with the right blinker, but I hooked it up and sure enough you guys were right.

Needless to say I did not buy the adapter, I just bought the extension cable like you did, and I spliced into my left brake light.

Didn't know which wire was taillight/brakelight/ground, so I had to use my voltmeter. If anyone needs to know in the future: Blue is brake, brown is taillight, black is ground.

Used some baling wire to zip tight to existing loom, and all wires are hidden. I can also unplug easily if I need to tow a trailer. It's a nice setup.

Thanks for the help everybody!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

EXACTALTY what I did. Yep, there is no dedicated brake light wire back there!

Glad we can help!

71GMC_3/4T · February 9, 2005

Yep, there is no dedicated brake light wire back there!

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My '03 2500HD has a two pin plug hanging down back by the hitch, connected to nothing. Any ideas what that might be for? It has the factory trailer package but I don't know if this is related to it. I was hoping it would be for a third brake light, like for a topper hi-mount light or hitch light. I suppose I could get out the test light and check, but I was hoping someone would know for sure.

Bud · February 9, 2005

Just getting it to work is easy. There is a 7pin round to 4pin flat adapter that you can plug and play. The adapter came with the factory tow package - available at your local parts store. The problem with that setup is there is no way to keep the thieves from making off with it... Now that I think about it, there is no way to stop a determined thief from taking the whole rig.

Oh yeah, welcome.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sweet. Thanks for the reply. I'll be tracking down that adapter tomorrow.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Wal-Mart has the adapter too.

Shawn T · February 9, 2005

Yep, there is no dedicated brake light wire back there!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My '03 2500HD has a two pin plug hanging down back by the hitch, connected to nothing. Any ideas what that might be for? It has the factory trailer package but I don't know if this is related to it. I was hoping it would be for a third brake light, like for a topper hi-mount light or hitch light. I suppose I could get out the test light and check, but I was hoping someone would know for sure.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It is for a topper HMSL. These guys are talking about spicing wires and adapters, but they are not necessary. There is the two pin plug for the brake light right there. All you need is the male end. I don't know the part number but you can get it from GM. Tie it to your reciever light and plug it in locally. Done.