Brake Controller Question

Cbarnett1 · June 23, 2011

I have a 2010 1500 z71 crew cab with a 6 speed transmission. I recently bought a 12 ft tandem axle trailer with brakes to haul a couple 4 wheelers. I really don't need the brakes on it but it had em and the trailer was a good price. Anyways to my question....Do I need to install a brake controller in order for the brakes to work? Sorry for the dumb question but I'm a noobie to any wiring

Debo511 · June 23, 2011

If the trailer has anything but surge brakes you will nead a brake controller. Electric or Electric over hydraulic brakes will nead a brake controller.

pwall · June 23, 2011

You will need to install an aftermarket brake controller, unless your truck is equiped with the integrated brake controller.

Many choices out there, my recommendation is the Tekonsha Prodigy controller. A little more expensive, but worth the price.

http://www.tekonsha.com/content/default.aspx

Fobroader · June 23, 2011

I have a Tekonsha P3 and the thing is awesome!! Easy to use for a newbie like me and work awesome, a little more but well worth it

nickvrebel · June 23, 2011

trailers over a certain weight by law have to have brakes installed (I forget the weight). Either way it's nice to have brakes on a trailer instead of making the truck do all of the work.

without factory brake controller you'll need to add an aftermarket controller.

The P3 in the Tekonsha link above is what I have, very nice unit and works flawlessly. Easy setup and looks nice too.

pwall · June 23, 2011

In Ontario (as an example):

The law requires brakes on trailers that weigh 1360 kg (3000 lb) or more.

wavery · June 23, 2011

ooooops

wavery · June 23, 2011

trailers over a certain weight by law have to have brakes installed (I forget the weight). Either way it's nice to have brakes on a trailer instead of making the truck do all of the work.

without factory brake controller you'll need to add an aftermarket controller.

The P3 in the Tekonsha link above is what I have, very nice unit and works flawlessly. Easy setup and looks nice too.

In the US..... every State has different laws for brake requirements on trailers. However, it is always better to have them then not.

Here is a list of laws by State but check with your DMV website to verify. I know that some of these are inaccurate.

http://www.towingworld.com/articles/TowingLaws.htm

The Prodigy brake controllers (P2 or P3) are well worth the $...

http://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Brake_Controller.aspx