Pulling a enclosed trailer, trailer brake

[Brandon32689]

Hey guys I have a 2014 gmc 1500 5.3 with z71 package. Im heading to pick up a new enclosed trailer tomorrow 8.5x20. I want to add a brake controller and weight distribution hitch. My buddy gave me a voyager brake controller, but I'm guessing I need a harness to get it to the truck. Any input you guys have let me know thanks.

[00Silverado4x4]

What are looking to find out or want to know?

[Brandon32689]

How do I hook the brake controller up and where and is there anything else I need to know? , sorry guess I wasn't really clear on what I was asking either.

 

Is there a certain weight distribution hitch to get. Never used any of this stuff so new to it all.

[lsorah0001]

You will need a harness that plugs into the port under the dash. One should have came with your truck. They weren't ready for the early year models and I had mine delivered at no cost from the dealership when GM released them. You should be able to get one for free from your dealership if it didn't have one to begin with.

[00Silverado4x4]

As far as hooking up the controller specifically. I had a camper place hook mine up. The truck should have come with the harness that plugs into the truck under the dash. Your owners manual should tell you exactly where. If you do not have the harness stop by a dealer and they should have it in stock. As far as a weight distribution hitch you will need to know the GVWR of your trailer and get a set up that will match that. You will want to always maintain about 10-15% tongue weight. So when loading your trailer you'll want somewhere around 60% weight up front and 40% in the rear. The receiver on your truck is already rated for anything your truck can pull so no worries there. Also along with the hitch you may want to get a anti sway device as well, unless that's already built in, again not sure about the '14 trucks. If you have a trailer or camper place they should be able to help you with the specifics on different style W/D hitches. Also how much experience do you have with towing trailers? That's a pretty good size trailer. Do you have tow mirrors? Your truck with handle differently with a trailer (loaded and unloaded) compared to without. Also cornering is much more exaggerted when towing something. As in wider turns. Acceleration/Decceleration will also take longer. If you knew all this already I apologize, just want to make sure your experience is a pleasent one.

[Brandon32689]

As far as hooking up the controller specifically. I had a camper place hook mine up. The truck should have come with the harness that plugs into the truck under the dash. Your owners manual should tell you exactly where. If you do not have the harness stop by a dealer and they should have it in stock. As far as a weight distribution hitch you will need to know the GVWR of your trailer and get a set up that will match that. You will want to always maintain about 10-15% tongue weight. So when loading your trailer you'll want somewhere around 60% weight up front and 40% in the rear. The receiver on your truck is already rated for anything your truck can pull so no worries there. Also along with the hitch you may want to get a anti sway device as well, unless that's already built in, again not sure about the '14 trucks. If you have a trailer or camper place they should be able to help you with the specifics on different style W/D hitches. Also how much experience do you have with towing trailers? That's a pretty good size trailer. Do you have tow mirrors? Your truck with handle differently with a trailer (loaded and unloaded) compared to without. Also cornering is much more exaggerted when towing something. As in wider turns. Acceleration/Decceleration will also take longer. If you knew all this already I apologize, just want to make sure your experience is a pleasent one.

Thanks for all the input guys I will look into the harness and see if it has it already I bought my truck in December of 2013.

 

I have hauled trailers for about 4 years off and on usually flatbed a though no bigger then 20feet, I've hauled a calf trailer a few times but never a full enclosed trailer.

 

This is why I'm coming to you guys, when the trailer is empty are you going to want to run the brake controller or only when there is a load ?

 

This is the wd hitch I'm looking at says it's good for up to 10,000 pounds. Most I'd prob ever have is 6k-7k max. I'll be towing some off road toys.

[C6 Doberman]

I have an E2 Equalizer WD hitch and love it. I bought the 10K. I pull a 36ft travel trailer with a 8400 LBS dry weight. Truck sits just a little lower than empty and I still have all of my steering.

[00Silverado4x4]

That set up should be good for your trailer as I'd imagine 10k lbs is about what the trailer is rated for already. You will want the brake controller active anytime the trailer is connected for safety, plus it stayed plugged into the truck all the time so it will be working anytime the truck is connected so that is a moot point. What kinds of things will you be hauling in the trailer? I know I always have plenty of cargo straps and bungee cords handy for when I'm towing/hauling since I never know what going to happen day to day. I also keep a 7 pin to 4 pin adaptor in the truck for when I haul a cargo trailer vs my travel trailer.

 

I must say I'm rather jealous as I would like to own an enclosed trailer myself. I'm looking for one that's probably a little smaller (I prefer the 7' width).

[Brandon32689]

Yeah I figured it would be more then enough. Okay so I called my dealer. In 2014 they did not come with the cords and you have to get it separate 15 bucks online or 44 at dealer part number 23184088.

 

I will be hauling a rzr in it, I plan on fixing it up with ac and a fold out bed or toy, kinda make my own toy hauler.

[lsorah0001]

I thought it was included for free with a new truck...check this thread...

[Brandon32689]

I thought it was included for free with a new truck...check this thread...

Man we'll maybe I just got screwed.

[Brandon32689]

Okay I called the dealer I got my truck from 1 hour away he said that I can have one. But the locall chevy house wants to charge me for it.

[Brandon32689]

Looks like I may be towing this trailer home without breaks. Won't have the harness or dw hitch till next week. It's a 5 hour drive home with it so I'll just take it easy, I should be okay since trailer is empty.

[KMGZ400]

Looks like I may be towing this trailer home without breaks. Won't have the harness or dw hitch till next week. It's a 5 hour drive home with it so I'll just take it easy, I should be okay since trailer is empty.

Keep in tow haul and manual mode and downshift when you have big stops.

[00Silverado4x4]

With no load you'll be fine without brakes and the w/d hitch. I wouldn't pay for a part that was suppose to have come with my truck either. Just make you keep in touch about the trailer once you start towing with it. Also be ready for the mpg hit, the v nose will help but still it's going to be heeeeavy load to pull.