Jump to content

Thoughts On Break Controller & Driver Alert Options?

ASW

Recommended Posts

ASW Enthusiast

ASW

Posted
Posted

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 Enthusiast

delmandi

Posted
Posted

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 Senior Enthusiast

chuckl1218

Posted
Posted

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 Senior Enthusiast

MikeNH

Posted
Posted

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 Senior Enthusiast

mzodarg

Posted
Posted

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

mcnwil Enthusiast

mcnwil

Posted
Posted

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 Senior Enthusiast

mzodarg

Posted
Posted

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

fondupot Senior Enthusiast

fondupot

Posted
Posted

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 Enthusiast

bearman95

Posted
Posted

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 Enthusiast

Cap'n Pete

Posted
Posted

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 Enthusiast

delmandi

Posted
Posted

 

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

delmandi Enthusiast

delmandi

Posted
Posted

GM has rigged the 2014's to stop this. You just can't add an aftermarket unit yet.

You can add aftermarket, just have to mod the harness

Blue2500CC Enthusiast

Blue2500CC

Posted
Posted

Our '13 has the factory brake controller and all I can say is it is worth it as mentioned!!!

 

As for being standard with a v8, I think maybe with the tow pkg since some v8's don't have the tow pkg (for some crazy reason!).

 

Good luck finding the new truck!

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Forum Statistics

    250.6k
    Total Topics
    2.7m
    Total Posts

  • Member Statistics

    343,007
    Total Members
    8,960
    Most Online
    Brendan C
    Newest Member
    Brendan C
    Joined

  • Who's Online   1 Member, 0 Anonymous, 1,065 Guests (See full list)

  • Latest Articles

  • Posts

    • richard wysong
      Electrical Problem - solved

      By richard wysong · Posted

      Thanks for posting, I'm sure it will help someone
    • Brendan C
      2026 6.6 L5P oil cooler leaking oil at 4,000 miles

      By Brendan C · Posted

      New to diesel trucks. I happened to find my oil cooler leaking oil externally with only 4,000 miles on the truck. I didn’t realize this was an issue until I started researching it. Dealer is going to replace it under warranty but I’m wondering if there’s anything GM is working on to fix this issue. I’ve heard the oil filter used is the same as they use on their V6 motors and that’s what is causing the problems. Should I switch to a bigger filter or keep using the OEM recommended? 
    • Vu1can
      Seems to be Missing a lot of Updates

      By Vu1can · Posted

      So, GMCustomerService:  Judging by the Update History pictured above, is this truck missing any updates that it actually needs. If it's just for the infotainment system, the radio is working fine and no trouble with SeriusXM. and Android Auto is working fine wirelessly with my phone. Some months ago, an update notice was sent to my truck. I approved the update and it finished saying that the update was successful, but it seems that whatever that update was, it didn't actually get installed - at least not if I'm to go by the Update History shown above.   So, again, are there any updates that this truck really should have? I've checked with my dealer but they're reluctant or commit to anything and if I want them to check, they require a $200.00 fee just to check it out and then I'd have to pay for the actual update(s).    Ignorance is bliss, and if none of the updates goes to fixing any mechanical discrepancies, I'll just leave things as is.  
    • CNH-320
      Electrical Problem - solved

      By CNH-320 · Posted

      Hey everyone, I recently had an issue with my 07 2500HD GMT900. My DRL’s stay on at all times. Right front turn and right mirror turn signal indicator stay on solid at all times. By “at all times” I mean the only way to make them go off is disconnecting the battery. I tore the headlight assemblies out, tried disconnecting the harnesses to eliminate bad wiring at the harness, I unplugged the headlight switch, no change and the mirror turn signal still stayed on. My first thoughts were : Bad bulb and/or socket somewhere, under hood fuse panel bad, bcm bad, tail light or trailer wiring problem, or some random short to power in the harness.  Possibly a bad ground but unlikely. I had a big clue in the fuse panel, it had a burnt smell. I started pulling every fuse that had to do with DRL or right turn/park lamp. Nothing made the right directional turn off but pulling the DRL2 fuse made the DRL’s go out.  After studying wiring diagrams, I found that both problems had that fuse panel in common, the bcm also controls both problems but knowing the fuse panel had a burnt smell I removed and disassembled the fuse panel and found a little corrosion on the printed circuit board.  I ordered a new fuse panel from Amazon for like $260. When it arrived I installed it, and put everything back together, the problem was fixed. I figured the fuse panel needed to be replaced anyway so that was a logical place to start. Hopefully this story helps someone in the future. Regretfully I didn’t scan for codes before I did everything.
    • 2022LtTbZ71
      Service 4wd, ESC light, traction control light on, Service charging system (vehicle may stall)

      By 2022LtTbZ71 · Posted

      That stinks. I’m sitting on the side of the road right now with the same issue. Never had an issue before taking it in for the ground strap recall. Now I’m outside of warranty and they’ll probably want $200 just to diagnose what they already “fixed”. 

  • GM-Trucks.com Clubs

  • Popular Contributors

×
×
  • Create New...