Trailer Brake Controller

MDSilverado · October 17, 2009

Hey...I am buying a camping travel trailer with electric brakes and need to add a brake controller to my 09' Silverado. I don't know much about these or the electric brakes in general. Years ago when I pulled trailers they were all hydraulic and they were enabled through the mechanism in the trailer tung. On the TT forum most recommended the Prodigy. I am looking for some information on how this installs in the Silverado and what model you recommend? Is my truck prewired to connect the controller under the dash somehow? I have a Z71 with tow package.

Thanks for any input you all can provide!

compulynx · October 17, 2009

Tekonsha Prodigy

Here is all you need to do it. These guys did a magnificent job on instructions. I even made their bracket. I love it in that position. I can see it easily while driving.

Prodigy Install Manual

It is a PDF, so you need acrobat reader installed.

This is assuming the 2009 is the same as the 07 and 08 GMT900...Someone here can verify that. I am also assuming you got the tow package with the 7 wire connector already in the bumper. If so, it is pre-wired. However, you do have to install some fuses and connect some wires under the hood. But it is an easy job if you follow their instructions. I would say about 1 hour. You are going to need to go to the parts store and get a couple of nuts for the terminal posts...(GM was too cheap to put them on)

Print it out (21 pages) and lay it in front of you while doing the job. Makes it a piece of cake.

C

2COR517 · October 17, 2009

The Prodigy is very good, but the P3 is best.

MDSilverado · October 17, 2009

Thanks

Do you have a recomendation for a place to buy?

compulynx · October 17, 2009

Here is where I got mine, but you can Google and maybe find it cheaper.

http://www.rvwholesalers.com/catalog/prodi...ha-17-0101.html

By the way, you do not need the GM brake control harness. That is for older trucks. It comes with a connector with pigtail leads to hook to your trucks wiring.

C

2COR517 · October 17, 2009

Thanks

Do you have a recomendation for a place to buy?

Your local trailer dealer.

Kon Man · October 17, 2009

I have a question.....Is the factory trailer brake controller option a plug and play ordeal. I ask because my 09 didn't come with the TBC, but I have one available to me if it will work. I would like to have it, just in case.

thearborbarber · October 17, 2009

There was a post about a month or so ago about retro fitting the factory unit. It did not sound like it was a plug and play type of deal. Maybe MS3Dale will chime in.