Towing Setup: Hitch, Wiring, Brake Controller

[tombstone]

Hello All!

 

I'm getting my rig set up for towing my camper this summer and have a couple of questions concerning the wiring and brake controllers.

 

First off, my truck doesn't come with the towing package, but I think I remember reading that the wiring is already in place and coiled up in split loom and secured to the frame. Is there any truth to this? The u-haul guy said there is just an adapter that they plug into the wiring harness.

 

Also, my current camper is a pop-up and doesn't have brakes. If the truck is prewired for the lights is it prewired for a brake controller? The u-haul guy said that he has an adapter for that as well.

 

I'm new to GMC and just wanted to double check all this stuff!

 

Thanks!

 

Jeff

[C & A s Dad]

Jeff, not sure what year GM you are driving but from what I know, because your truck did not come equipped with a tow pkg, you will need to buy a trlr light light kit which taps into your harness at the rear and allows you to connect to a trailer connector. Our (CARQUEST) supplier for these kits is Hoppy and to my knowledge they are the industry leader in these trlr lighting kits. They are really simple to install and will allow you to connect the trlr lights without splicing and cutting your wires.

 

Depending on the year model, your truck my have a trlr brake plug in the fuse box under the dash. However, since your Pop up does not have brakes you will not need this at this time.

 

I would strongly suggest you add a good Stacked Plate style Trans Cooler to your truck. My Pop up weighed only 1600 lbs but if you do not have a cooler at all, I would certainly add one. Be sure and get a stacked plate cooler and not the tube and fin style. The SP design is much more effiecient. I would get a min 11" x 7" x 3/4" thick. Ours are supplied by Hayden and the part # would be 77422. I would recommend the larger 11" x 9.5" x 3/4" but I see you live in Pittsburg and you could get into an overcooling situation during the winter.

Hope this helps.

[tombstone]

I'm sorry for omitting that info ...

 

It's a 2004 GMC Sierra 1500.

 

I've seen a product called a T-One wiring kit. Is that what you are referring to?

 

Also, the hitch they have in stock is a class III with a 5000lbs capacity. They also have them up in 6,000 and 10,000. My pop-up weighs in at 1600 lbs and a hybrid would be under 4K. Would it be best to elect for the 6000lb hitch just for the extra cushion?

 

I know that I don't need the brakes and controller now, but I wanted to do all the wiring at once and get it out of they way. My pop-up uses a four flat so what do I need to do to make sure I have the right connectors at the bumper for the electric brakes in the future?

 

Thanks again!

[C & A s Dad]

I am not familiar with the "t one" name but I am sure this is it. There are many companies that offer them and many of them are actually mfgd by Hoppy. You will find the kit really easy to use.

 

I am not sure what they are pricing the hitch for but I would go with the heavier unit just as a cushion. I would personally buy a Putnam XDR class V, which is far more than you will ever need for a pop up but this hitch would serve you well if you ever upgraded to travel trailer. You can find the Putnum on line for about $160.00 and even catch them with free frt sometimes. They are very solid and you can insall it in 30 minutes or less yourself.

 

As far as the brakes, I am going to have to let someone else answer this. I am just not familiar with the brake controller wiring on these trucks that were not factory equipped with a tow package. I think everything is there as far as the wiring but just am not sure.

 

Are you new to the Pop Up or have you had it a while? We camped in a PU for about 5 years until my 2 children began getting older and bigger and it simply got too tight. Sold it and bought a 29' TT. We have loved it but also have missed the Pop Up.