Aftermarket Brake Controller

[Btreyu09]

Oh so that's what that is in my glove box. I was wondering why I had it when I didn't have a controller.

[Silver space ship]

First off I don't know jack about trailer brakes but I just bought a small 3600# camper with electric brakes and don't know if I need a brake controller or will the 7 pin harness send a signal and I just need a controller if I want to use the camper to slow the truck? I live in flat land so I really don't need the trailer to slow me down. I drove home with the camper and thought it was easy to stop but I want to be legal of coarse.

[anthony2558]

A brake controller is optional, but a plus to have. The brake controller allows the trailer to utilize its own brakes to assist in stopping. This helps to alleviate excessive brake wear and heat build up on your stock brakes. Allowing you to stop faster and safer.

 

If your truck came with the stock brake controller above the light switches there is no need for you to purchase a aftermarket brake controller. If not check out the website etrailer.com for a ton of products and info. You'll need the GM harness quoted in some of the above posts (or pre-made harness from another company) in order for your aftermarket brake controller to utilize plug and play capabilities. If you do get an aftermarket brake controller and the GM harness (or pre-made), then all you need to do is insert the trailer plug into your 7 pin outlet and your good to go.

 

 

 

Tapatalk via Moto X

 

[Silver space ship]

So basically since I don't have the stock controller above the light nobs and haven't done the harness I have no working brakes at all on my trailer?

[chuckl1218]

Correct. There is nothing to control the trailer brakes. The trailer towing package comes with the wiring (plug at bumper) that you use to control the trailer lights and the hitch. Etrailer.com has excellent info about trailer brake controllers.

[Silver space ship]

Ok just found a z82 harness in the glove box.

[chuckl1218]

First off I don't know jack about trailer brakes but I just bought a small 3600# camper with electric brakes and don't know if I need a brake controller or will the 7 pin harness send a signal and I just need a controller if I want to use the camper to slow the truck? I live in flat land so I really don't need the trailer to slow me down. I drove home with the camper and thought it was easy to stop but I want to be legal of coarse.

Not exactly "optional". State motor vehicle laws govern whether you need a trailer brake depending upon weight. For instance in Texas, a auxilliary brake is required over 4500 lbs. Under the stated weight limit, it would be optional. You can read more at this site or your state's DMV.

http://www.readybrake.com/state_laws.html

[redwngr]

Trailer Brakes

A loaded trailer that weighs more

than 900 kg (2,000 lb) needs to have

its own brake system that is

adequate for the weight of the

trailer. Be sure to read and follow

the instructions for the trailer brakes

so they are installed, adjusted, and

maintained properly.

[Delta Tango]

I really recommend the Tekonsha "P3" after market controller. The technology they packed into that little device is amazing. All for $169.00 or so! Read up on it through some reviews first, then see. The hardest part of installation was where to put the bracket. I chose a little to the right of the emergency brake pedal. Then you can glance down and see the control screen and what's going on through the spokes of the steering wheel if you need to.

[gbieber05]

I'm interested in seeing pictures of the places people have mounted their aftermarket controllers. This would help me get a better idea of what looks/functions better.

[tower11]

Will get pic later but with my bench seat setup in my truck I mounted my controller on the storage compartment/ash tray door that is located down low above center hump. Compartment door still works and controller is out of your way. Had to mount it to the far left side of the door to make it work. Won't work if you have a console though.

[gbieber05]

Thanks eaglelake.

[PMattras]

After reading this topic, on 4/17/2014 I went to my dealership where I purchased my truck. I told them I have the trailer towing package and did not get the harness (P/N23184088 that goes for $34.00). They just gave me a free one without even asking my name. I also had my VIN to verify my claim if it was needed. Thanks for the information on this topic. You saved me $34 plus tax for this item.

 

Now I just have to get a controller to complete the job. I would like to see where people mounted it to get a better idea for mine. Please show some photos. Thanks again.

[Tower111]

[Tower111]