Non-Z82 code Trailer Brake Installation possible with easy wiring harn

[rex121]

I have a 2005 Chevrolet 2500HD without the Z82 code for heavy duty towing. Looks to be aftermarket trailer hitch and wiring. I want to install trailer brakes with the easy under the dash "Brake Controller Pigtail". I havent been able to find the answer if i have to do a lot of wire splicing, or i can order a brake controller harness that fits under the dash. I do not have the Hd trailer towing package and dont want to order anything till I know if the job is easy or i will need to hire someone. Please help a noob!

[davester]

First, you need to find out if your hitch can support the weight of whatever trailer you are planning to haul. If you can't find out [manufacturer make/model of hitch not on the hitch somewhere, can't find the rating because it's rusted off], I would suggest assuming you need to find another hitch that is rated for the trailer. Last thing you want is the trailer cruising down the highway beside you or heading off into the ditch because the hitch broke.

 

You should have a small (about 6" x 6") panel of relays & plugs in the drivers footwell, just to the left of the brake pedal. It has a plastic cover with a long plastic/metal bolt in the middle of it holding the cover in place. That panel has the place where you plug in a 'standard' GM brake controller. I would stay away from a brake controller that has you cutting into your wiring harness. I believe the cover should indicate which port the brake controller plugs into.

 

Now, if you have an aftermarket harness/plug at the back of your truck, you'll also have to figure out if it supports the trailer brake or not, and if you can make it work or if you have to get another one. If it doesn't work, maybe see if you can go to a junkyard and score an OEM one off a wrecked truck, that plugs into the factory harness. You probably can also score another hitch there if you need to [after checking what it's rating is].

[rex121]

I've been trailer one with this aftermarket hitch for years now. I just wasn't sure if using the gm brake controller wiring harness and brake controller would instantly give me trailer brakes or if since I don't have factory towing, using a wiring harness and controller under dash would not work. I think your saying it would if I had a oem plug?

[davester]

You can either use a GM or a third-party brake controller with the factory socket in the cab. I wouldn't use a third-party brake controller that has you cutting into your wiring harness directly.

 

With a third-party trailer plug in the back, you'll have to figure out if the trailer brake is hooked up or not back there. Maybe check if the brake connector on the plugin at the back is connected to a wire and where that wire goes...

 

Since you are going to a trailer with trailer brakes, presumably your load is also increasing over what you towed before. Make sure the hitch and hitch mount supports the increased load.

[nekkidhillbilly]

I have one of the plugs to fit one of these trucks if you are interested id sell for a small fee. it was in my old truck and I cant use it on the new.