Brake controller advice

[ShortCrew]

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]

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!!!

[ShortCrew]

The pigtail setup sounds good. I'm pretty good with wiring so it should be easy.

[Bob G.]

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]

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

[burgundyz71]

For 03 you have to buy it from the dealer guess they figure giving those pigtails was gonna break the bank.

[2M3Bill]

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.

 

[DMAX Daddy]

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]

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.

[ShortCrew]

F7,

 

The Prodigy is a sweet piece of equipment. I'm ordering one Monday.

 

Thanks for the tip

[hsum]

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.

 

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.

[MarkD]

I have the Prodigy as well.

 

Prodigy page

[BDBWTE]

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]

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]

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.