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Brake controller advice

ShortCrew

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ShortCrew Enthusiast

ShortCrew

Posted
Posted

I just bought a 2500HD, CC, SB, 8.1L Allison. I noticed that the truck comes with a plug under the dash for a trailer brake controler. What, if any, brands are out there that I can just plug right it, or install with ease?

 

Thanks

Shaners Senior Enthusiast

Shaners

Posted
Posted

I'm not real sure about the '03 HD's, but on the '01-'02 trucks, there was a pigtail that was in the glove box, or that was supplied by the dealer for the trucks that had the towing package.

 

The pigtail plugged into the fuse block behind the E-brake (top row second spot from the left). The wires on the pigtail, had to be spliced in with the wires on the brake controller, and the "maxi" fuse needed to be installed in the electrical center under the hood.

 

I would think the procedure would be the same with the '03 trucks, except I believe some people here had to switch 1 wire on the 7-prong plug on the back of the truck for the brake controller to work 100% correctly.

 

I hope this is enough info to give you the idea, and I'm sure an '03 owner will step iin and give you the rest of the details.

 

Welcome to the forum!!! :)

Bob G. Enthusiast

Bob G.

Posted
Posted

A co-worker just bought a new 2003 1500 with factory tow package and he did not receive the brake controller pigtail and the 7 to 4 adapter. I received both in the glove box.

 

Bob G.

MarkD Senior Enthusiast

MarkD

Posted
Posted

I received both on my '02 as well. I have mine soldered to my brake controler, easy in, easy out.

2M3Bill Enthusiast

2M3Bill

Posted
Posted

They don't come with the 03. The wiring is different from 02 and 03. The difference is the blue and brown wires are reversed in the pigtail. Switch them and it works perfectly. I did that on my 03 with the pigtail from my 01.

 

:sigh:

DMAX Daddy Enthusiast

DMAX Daddy

Posted
Posted

I shamed my dealer into giving me the pigtail and the 7-4 adapter for $10. I know it cost them more than that, but they couldnt give it to me for free, and I specifically asked about it when I ordered my truck.

 

Most places you can get the brake from can get you the harness, or at least the parts to make it.

f7_ditch_jumper Enthusiast

f7_ditch_jumper

Posted
Posted

If you want a good brake controller, I would pick up the Prodigy from Tekonsha. No Leveling, 2 Boost control settings for "natural" braking. For only 7 dollars more it comes with the wiring harness that plugs directly into the electrical box under the dash. If used mine for 9 months now and it works great.

hsum Enthusiast

hsum

Posted
Posted

I have the Prodigy and would recommend it. Just make sure you buy the pigtail meant for a 2003. You'll spend more time figuring out where you want to mount it, than installing it, it's that easy. :jester:

 

If you're pulling a travel trailer, you'll also need to buy a fuse to replace the orange plug in the fusebox under your hood. Otherwise, the battery won't charge while you tow it.

BDBWTE Senior Enthusiast

BDBWTE

Posted
Posted

I back the prodigy I have it.. or any other Tekonsha product will do good get at least a two axle controller I have a 4 axle controller.

ShortCrew Enthusiast

ShortCrew

Posted
  • Author
Posted
If you're pulling a travel trailer, you'll also need to buy a fuse to replace the orange plug in the fusebox under your hood. Otherwise, the battery won't charge while you tow it.

Can you tell me more about this fuse I need to change? What do I need to do, install a higher amperage fuse? Please advise.

 

Thanks

DMAX Daddy Enthusiast

DMAX Daddy

Posted
Posted

It isnt a fuse you are replacing, its a blank. Open the under the hood fuse box on the drivers side. The top left blank (I think its in the stud 1 location) needs to be replaced with either a 30 or 40 amp "fuse". It isnt a regualr fuse, its a goofy looking one. Best bet is to go to a parts store, open the hood and take out one of the goofy looking fuses from inside the box, and go inside and buy some spares.

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