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Factory trailer brake controller versus aftermarket

Scott P

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Scott P Enthusiast

Scott P

Posted
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I am getting very close to buying a leftover 2014 Sierra and am getting hung up on one stupid option, the integrated trailer brake controller. This is my first truck and I plan on keeping it for several years. I don't have anything to tow right now, but I do anticipate getting a 20-something foot camper within the next year or two. So, I will probably need a trailer brake controller or some sort.

 

I like the look of the factory integrated controller. I like that it is tied into the Stabilitrak system (as I have been told). But, I am finding it not present on many trucks that I am finding. I know I can install an aftermarket controller like a P3, but then i'd have a box under the dash where it would look tacked on and possibly be something to ram my knees into all the time.

 

My question basically is this. How valid are my concerns. Aside from the stabilty connection, they are pretty much cosmetic. For those that went aftermarket, how does it look? Does it get in the way or look simply tacked on?

ChrisNJ Enthusiast

ChrisNJ

Posted
Posted

IMO, don't sweat it. It's more important to get the truck you want. In my case a 6.2 SLT, which is/was hard to find. My last '11 had the integrated unit and it worked great. However, I finally found the '14 truck I wanted and it didn't have it, so I just put in my old Prodigy in and it works great too. I can remove it with a plug, so I never even notice it.

It is pretty dumb, IMO, for dealers not to order this with the majority of trucks.

giantrules Enthusiast

giantrules

Posted
Posted

I installed an aftermarket controller. My truck has the Z82 option which makes installation a breeze and you are wired up for a 7 pin. I would suggest that option if possible but like ChrisNJ said...get the truck you want.

Scott P Enthusiast

Scott P

Posted
  • Author
Posted

IMO, don't sweat it. It's more important to get the truck you want. In my case a 6.2 SLT, which is/was hard to find. My last '11 had the integrated unit and it worked great. However, I finally found the '14 truck I wanted and it didn't have it, so I just put in my old Prodigy in and it works great too. I can remove it with a plug, so I never even notice it.

It is pretty dumb, IMO, for dealers not to order this with the majority of trucks.

 

I never thought about removing it when not needed. That is a great idea. I think I could figure out a way to make it easy enough to remove with minimal work. So the wires just plug into the back of the unit?

Ventilator Senior Enthusiast

Ventilator

Posted
Posted

For the $230 it cost to have as an option, I made sure it was in my truck. I currently don't haul any trailer with brakes, just small utility trailers, etc,. But, I don't plan on working for the rest of my life either, and a small travel trailer could be in my near future.

 

If you are looking for a leftover, it may be a little tougher finding one in the vehicle you want, but surely not impossible. See if your dealer can locate one and do a dealer trade. They are out there, but the pickins will get slimmer and slimmer from here on out with the end of model year incentives.

 

I got the exact truck I wanted, and you should too.

ChrisNJ Enthusiast

ChrisNJ

Posted
Posted

 

I never thought about removing it when not needed. That is a great idea. I think I could figure out a way to make it easy enough to remove with minimal work. So the wires just plug into the back of the unit?

My old Prodigy has a quick disconnect plug on the back, and the unit mounts in a holder, I don't know the P3 unit. So the holder stays down on the right near my knee, and I just tuck the truck-connected wires up. I store the Prodigy in the center console. I really wouldn't even notice it, physically, if I left it installed, I just don't like that it lights up even when not in use, so I just remove it.

Scott P Enthusiast

Scott P

Posted
  • Author
Posted

What are the benefits of the integrated one being tied to the Stabilitrak system? I figure if I am towing the potential camper in weather conditions that may warrant Stabilitrak kicking in, I'd probably be driving carefully already. I am in Houston, so snow is not an issue. Will sudden stops or lane changes cause it to kick in?

EXSlider400 Senior Enthusiast

EXSlider400

Posted
Posted

And for whatever it's worth, 2014's that do NOT have the integrated factory trailer brake controller still have anti-sway control when towing.

Did not know this..i thought if it didn't have the built in controller to communicate with bcm and the braking systems it could not. Interesting though. I guess it could go through the tow/haul mode.

 

I still say get it and I like mine.

chuckl1218 Senior Enthusiast

chuckl1218

Posted
Posted

And for whatever it's worth, 2014's that do NOT have the integrated factory trailer brake controller still have anti-sway control when towing.

Yes, the truck has anti-sway, but the integrated brake controller extends it to integrate with the trailer's brakes as well, I believe.

bert wise Enthusiast

bert wise

Posted
Posted

Hi there

 

I've just completed a 3 week, 5,000 km trip towing a 8,500lb 28 ft trailer with my 14 CC with max tow (which includes the integrated brake controller). I did the same trip 10 years ago with a 3,500lb 21 ft trailer and a 2000 Astro van with an aftermarket, time-based brake controller. I LOVE the integrated brake controller. Braking was so smooth it was difficult to tell that I had a trailer behind me. With the previous aftermarket controller I always had to worry about long braking distances and locking my trailer tires. Not once on the recent trip did I have that concern. For me, I will not go back to an aftermarket controller.

 

Bert

Crf450r420 Enthusiast

Crf450r420

Posted
Posted

The factory one is great. Get it unless you can't wait. The price is very reasonable for a factory option. It's like it's not even there unless you needed it. Adjustment is done in the DIC. You won't use that part of the dash for anything else anyways.

DaveInPickerington Enthusiast

DaveInPickerington

Posted
Posted

My 2014 has the built in controller. I have also used the Prodigy P2 and P3 in previous vehicles. They all perform the same. Both Prodigys slip into a holder and are easy to disconnect and move out of plain sight.

 

I do like the built in controller because the "emergency braking paddles" are easy to reach without looking down to where an aftermarket unit would need to be mounted.

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