Thoughts On Break Controller & Driver Alert Options?

ASW · November 27, 2013

Hey guys,

So I found the truck I want but it does not have the integrated

break controller or the driver alert package.

I would like to know what are your thoughts on these two features,

must haves or can live without?

Thanks!

delmandi · November 27, 2013

Depends on what and how often you tow.

FYI if you want to add the brake controller later, forget about it(at least adding the stock controller) is not an option. I learned the hard way and ended up returning the truck. Driver alerts on mine are pretty convenient.

chuckl1218 · November 27, 2013

I have both, but read on Chevroletforum.com earlier today under the Silverado section about the question of connecting an aftermarket brake controller. It seems that the 2014 does not have the wiring stubbed in like the '11 that I had previously. I understand that this ended with the '13 and you really can't put the integrated brake controller afterward due to involvement in the master cylinder and other systems. However, one member said his service manager checked and ther is a bulletin out with parts list and instructions for the service dept to make a harness that plugs into the fuse panel to supply the needed signals. His service dept ordered the parts and made it for him free under waranty.

My thought is, if you think you might need one, find a deal that has the integrated unit or get the harness workaround in writing.

I like the safety features too.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

MikeNH · November 27, 2013

Driver alert seems like a waste to me, I have no use for the nanny stuff. If you tow at all I'd look for the brake controller, you can't add it after and would have to go aftermarket.

mzodarg · November 27, 2013

Driver alert seems like a waste to me, I have no use for the nanny stuff. If you tow at all I'd look for the brake controller, you can't add it after and would have to go aftermarket.

I thought the same thing, until I used it. I have the option to shut it off, but choose to leave it on. It will keep you honest or at least aware that your drifting. Just my 2 cents.

Mike

crushNchowda · November 27, 2013

There's an option that controls the truck from breaking!?! Sign me up!

mcnwil · November 27, 2013

I trailer often and it was a requirement for me. I love the access of it and it seems to function better than the prodigy I used before. I found fully loaded trucks missing the controller and I passed on them. I think as cheap as it is they should make it standard on V8 trucks.

mzodarg · November 27, 2013

I trailer often and it was a requirement for me. I love the access of it and it seems to function better than the prodigy I used before. I found fully loaded trucks missing the controller and I passed on them. I think as cheap as it is they should make it standard on V8 trucks.

I agree, my truck is a 2lz LTZ without the brake controller. I don't tow often, but live by the moto "it's better to have and not need, then to need and not have". Eventually I will add brake controller, just waiting to see what the most practical approach for me will be.

Mike

BringTheRain403 · November 27, 2013

I've never heard of a break controller either...

Sent from my SCH-I535

fondupot · November 27, 2013

Depends on what and how often you tow.

FYI if you want to add the brake controller later, forget about it(at least adding the stock controller) is not an option. I learned the hard way and ended up returning the truck. Driver alerts on mine are pretty convenient.

You returned the truck over the fact that you couldn't get the OEM brake controller installed? Jeez talk about nit-picky. An aftermarket unit would do the job fine.

My truck has the brake controller, but I honestly probably wont ever use it.

bearman95 · November 27, 2013

To the Op: I would never again buy any vehicle unless it had all the exact options that I wanted. I have been there and done that and was never satisfied with the vehicle. As far as the drivers alert, it works great and is well worth the money to me and my wife. We also have the brake controller on both of our Silverado's as well as driver alert. Seems like I see many people on this forum and others not satisfied with their vehicle and wishing they had bought this or that option and now wanting to add it.

Cap'n Pete · November 28, 2013

I may never use the BRAKE (not break!?!) controller in mine, however, the sales manager strongly encouraged getting it ... for the ~$250 or whatever it cost (yes, more than an aftermarket unit) he said the benefit of the integrated controller is that it's tied into the truck's "stability control" system, so if you were towing a trailer and got into a skid/slide/tail-wagging-the-dog, the system will automatically apply the truck AND/OR trailer brakes, as required, to get the whole works back into line. An aftermarket unit does NOT offer that ability.

Say what you will about GM, but they DO "do their homework" on many things, and IMO, their active handling / stability control systems is one of them (...I know from my experience with my '06 Z06 ... that car could almost literally "drive itself" if you got it out of shape!).

Just figured I mention that bit of info about the integrated brake controller, since I don't think it's a well advertised feature (I didn't know until I was told!). So it's probably worth it if you EVER have plans of towing a heavy trailer.

delmandi · November 28, 2013

You returned the truck over the fact that you couldn't get the OEM brake controller installed? Jeez talk about nit-picky. An aftermarket unit would do the job fine.

My truck has the brake controller, but I honestly probably wont ever use it.

Nit-picky yes, I'm active duty and for the past few years I have had some unfortunate tendencies to carry my attention to detail into the things I purchase. I also am a huge Toyota guy and since this was converting to GM,(one of the primary reasons is the integrated brake controller) I requested the stock controller be installed on the truck I wanted as part of the deal, the dealership agreed and we went with the deal, when I took it in for the install I found some POS bolted to the bottom of the dash. I don't know about you but this is the most money I've ever paid for a truck and since I'm not 20 years old anymore I didn't want aftermarket crap bolted on, I let them know that that controller was not part of the deal. I have my FJ40 to bolt crap onto and I can do that myself. So the communication failure resulted I them purchasing the truck back and me having a pissed off wife for having to do paperwork all over again.

Over all I am pretty satisfied with my first non Toyota purchased but will give a better opinion in a few months.

So nit-picky, yes, it's my money, I earned it, and I want what was promised