Adding OEM Integrated Brake Controller ?

[gtstricky]

The video on the link shows how easy it is to hook up the aftermarket controllers.

 

Harness from etrailer is $15 and it looks to take about 10 minutes. Remove cover behind e brake. Plug in harness in the open slot. Close cover. Attach and plug in controller.

 

http://www.etrailer.com/tv-install-tekonsha-prodigy-p3-trailer-brake-controller-2014-chevrolet-silverado-1500-90195.aspx

[TJay74]

Why would you want to take it out to put a hole there? I think it looks "nicer" with it in.. More buttons, more fancy lol.. I haven't used mine yet, but will be as soon as I can find the trailer I like.. I have the air bags installed, the WDH bought, and the trailer I like gets sold out from under me... Oh by the way, I sat in a 15 LTZ Tahoe today and it too had the brake controller.. Also the Mylink and the screen in the cluster are updated and look a lot nicer/newer

 

Explain to me how it "is nicer, more fancy" again???

 

I am not after options I don't need nor will I ever use. The odds of me ever towing a trailer with my truck are very low, even lower it would be a trailer with trailer brakes. I would rather have the cubby hole instead as I will actually use it.

 

Found out also on the trucks with the controller installed from the factory you cant just unplug the controller. It will trip 2 warning message on the DIC and puts the gain at an automatic 1.5 on the controller output. Asked the dealer and they said there is no way to program it out of the BCM. Luckily there is enough room behind the pod to shove the controlled plugged in behind the cluster pod.

[PMattras]

Good video on installation on this brake.

[anthony2558]

Very good video. Very simple and quick. But did anyone notice the truck at the end of the video got a year older at completed install. :-)

[PMattras]

I am new to towing and just installed the off market brake control. Everything is working fine. I am confused on the settings when you tow something. How do you know if you have the right settings or is it automatic or do you make adjustments etc.? Is there a rule of thumb on certain weight?

[chuckl1218]

The theory is pretty much the same between controllers, but actual steps may be different. Here is a link for a Tekonsha P3 that may help...

http://www.etrailer.com/question-27084.html

[PMattras]

The theory is pretty much the same between controllers, but actual steps may be different. Here is a link for a Tekonsha P3 that may help...

http://www.etrailer.com/question-27084.html

 

Thanks for your help. Still a little fuzzy. What do they mean by power and boost? I guess I have to try towing something to get a feeling on the right setting. I got the Activator II (5500) by Draw-Tite, electronic trailer brake control.

[chuckl1218]

Thanks for including your controller model info. Each one is a little different, although the same general principles apply.

 

On the Tekonsha P3, there is a normal power setting that you would use for normal operation using the manual handle adjustment as was described (pick a setting and use the manual handle until wheels lock up and then back off slightly). The boost would then be used when there is additional weight added to aid in stopping under other conditions as they describe in the Tekonsha set up guide.

 

Looking at the installation and setup guide for your controller, it uses different terms. Just follow the set up steps and it will be fine. Not trying to be vague here, but I always adjusted based upon feel. Towing a heavier load normally requires an adjustment of the "output" a little higher so that you can tell the brakes are working. The Sync setting is the relationship between the tow vehicle and trailer. You normally would want the trailer brake to engage just after you press the truck pedal so that you don't feel a lag. Likewise, you would not want to feel the trailer brake before you feel it the truck start to brake.

 

I've had both of these controllers and when new I took my rig to an open, flat parking lot to test the feeling in different settings. You will want different settings for lighter, unloaded trailer vs. heavier, full trailer.

 

N5500 install and ops.pdf

N5500 install and ops.pdf

N5500 install and ops.pdf

N5500 install and ops.pdf

[PMattras]

Thanks for including your controller model info. Each one is a little different, although the same general principles apply.

 

On the Tekonsha P3, there is a normal power setting that you would use for normal operation using the manual handle adjustment as was described (pick a setting and use the manual handle until wheels lock up and then back off slightly). The boost would then be used when there is additional weight added to aid in stopping under other conditions as they describe in the Tekonsha set up guide.

 

Looking at the installation and setup guide for your controller, it uses different terms. Just follow the set up steps and it will be fine. Not trying to be vague here, but I always adjusted based upon feel. Towing a heavier load normally requires an adjustment of the "output" a little higher so that you can tell the brakes are working. The Sync setting is the relationship between the tow vehicle and trailer. You normally would want the trailer brake to engage just after you press the truck pedal so that you don't feel a lag. Likewise, you would not want to feel the trailer brake before you feel it the truck start to brake.

 

I've had both of these controllers and when new I took my rig to an open, flat parking lot to test the feeling in different settings. You will want different settings for lighter, unloaded trailer vs. heavier, full trailer.

 

N5500 install and ops.pdf

Thanks for your help! I been doing some more internet follow up and getting a better idea what I have to do. Here are some additional websites with videos.

 

http://www.ehow.com/how_7849879_instructions-drawtite-activator.html

 

https://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Controller/Draw-Tite/5500.html

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9w33nGmzm_s

[chuckl1218]

If you are new to trailering, there's a lot of good stuff out there. The folks at eTrailer.com are very helpful too and you can reach out to them with specific questions. Their videos are on their site and YouTube as well. I've had several types/lengths of trailers, been a member of a couple of RV clubs and done short and long haul trips. Can be a lot of fun when you are driving safely.

 

Happy Trailering!

[block8head]

GM sent me this today. Is this for use with aftermarket TBC. Where do you connect it to?

 

[frenchsquared]

I bought a 2015 a couple days ago. When I picked the truck up on the seat was the above wiring harness.

So either 2015 come with this or my dealer remembered to get me one. They know I wanted the trailer towing package.

[TheBigGrabowsky]

GM sent me this today. Is this for use with aftermarket TBC. Where do you connect it to?

 

My 2015 Sierra had this harness in the glove box. I'm also assuming this is needed to connect an aftermaket brake controller. Can anyone confirm this? I was hoping I could add the integrated controller, but it appears that's next to impossible.

[chuckl1218]

My 2015 Sierra had this harness in the glove box. I'm also assuming this is needed to connect an aftermaket brake controller. Can anyone confirm this? I was hoping I could add the integrated controller, but it appears that's next to impossible.

 

Yes, it IS to connect the aftermarket brake controller.

[dbcooper748]

Yes, it IS to connect the aftermarket brake controller.

 

Where does this harness plug in? I have one too