got a class Iv hitch installed on my father in laws truck yesterdat. It had the hidden 7 blade RV conector too, so the wiring is already done.

It's gonna be so fucking awesome to tow my junk to the trail for once.

Does anyoe know where the brake controller wiring is hidden up in the cab on an 03 silverado? I'm looking at you Hale!

I know on the 05s that have the tow package they come with a wiring harness that just plugs into the fusepanel.

Part info in this thread:

http://chevroletforum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9415

Looks like you definately need a '03 one.

Some more info here, have to check the fuse panel to make sure you get power to the breakaway box.

http://forums.woodalls.com/index.cfm/fu ... 024075.cfm

Bunch of pigtails here to plug and play the controller to the factory harness:

http://www.hitchesonline.com/brake_wiring.htm

I did not read all of Josh's links, but I have an 03 Chevy 2500 and had an 03 Tahoe and they both had the same plug and they were in the same place. It is a black plastic cover about the size of half a softball under the dash by the steering column. If you get the right plug, it will plug directly into the port that is behind that cover. There are a few ports there, but the correct plug will go right into the right spot. I bought my pigtail/plug adapter from a guy in Florida and hard wired it into my controler. The plug was like $15 delivered. I have a fairly cheap and simple brake controler and it was like $75 I think. It has never failed me and works like a charm. If ya need me to, I can take a pic w/ my phone and send it to ya. I dont have your # Nate, but if ya want you can PM me.

If you've got the right stuff to begin with, have some common sense, and know your primary colors.......you should be good to go. Mine is an 05' and the plug is basically above the drivers left foot.

It is nice to know you'll get the Jeep home. Not to sound like a parent but, towing brings with it more stuff to keep an eye on. Don't forget about it. I always take a walk around and "kick the tires" at every stop. Before I had my trailer, I borrowed one. One in particular always had an issue with the lug nuts backing off. I'd snug them up with a 4way every time we stopped.

I'm not a total towing newb, the trip to moab with a 36 ft trailer was definitely a learning experience.

I'm borrowing the trailer from a family friend, and using the brake controller that he used to use, as it came with the van that Dad had bought from him when he was towing around race cars. Looks like I'm heading up there Sunday to pick up the trailer, I'll inspect it all then, so I'll have a few days to fix any issues that it may have. He's going to show me how to setup the brake controller with the trailer, since it all used to be used together I don't thikn I'll have a problem.
Right now this fuel pump bullshit from summit is my single biggest headache.

Not to sound like a mechanic, but you're not doing it right if they're backing off all the time.

I'm guessing he just likes "snugging" nuts

so, went and picked up the trailer today.

guy I'm borrowing the trailer said
"how much does your truck weigh"
about 3800 lbs
"you'll want this drawbar then"

and came out with a reese WD drawbar and springs.


score!

so looks like I'm totally legit on this, WD hitch, cleass IV receiver, 3.73 geared half ton.

You should be good to go then. Just don't get in a hurry and you should get decent mileage (for what you've got). I average ~12mpg but my trailer is heavier than average and the XJ is 4750lb.

Maybe you're right!


I don't know what the deal was with that trailer.......odd. It didn't matter how tight I got them, they'd always back off.

My first guess would be a pretty serious tire imbalance. I know nobody balances trailer tires, but it sounds like you had a nice vibration loosening them.