Chevrolet Silverado 2021 Series Trailering Manual page 6

TRAILERING BASICS – WIRING HARNESS AND TRAILER BRAKES
Wiring Harness This allows you to connect the electrical components of your trailer,
such as turn signals and brake lights, to the trailering vehicle. Select Silverado
models and all Suburban and Tahoe models feature a 7-pin wiring harness to
streamline hookup of trailer lighting and brakes.
Trailer Brakes These are required above a 2,000-lb. trailer weight on Silverado,
Suburban and Tahoe, and above a 1,000-lb. trailer weight on all other models. (Brake
requirements vary by state; consult state laws for actual requirements.) The most
common trailer braking systems are surge brakes (found primarily on boat trailers)
and electric brakes (often used on travel trailers, horse trailers and car haulers).
Surge brakes are a self-contained hydraulic brake system on the trailer, activated
during deceleration as the trailer coupler pushes on the hitch ball. An electric trailer
brake system uses a brake control unit mounted inside the trailering vehicle; it
operates by sensing the vehicle brakes and then applying the trailer brakes.
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