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Brake Controller Install locations

A_Ninja_Racer
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A_Ninja_Racer Enthusiast

A_Ninja_Racer

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Hello Guys,  I recently got a 2016 Silverado LT Crew Cab It has the Bench like seat option instead of the huge Center console thing.  It didn't come with the integrated Brake controller So I'm looking to install one.  Now I'm not a Fan of mounting it down at the bottom of the Dash how most of the install videos show.  I'm not afraid to do a little Cutting and modding as long as the final product looks clean.  Here is a link of my set up on my 2008 Toyota Tacoma. It was a great location because I could hide it away when I wasn't towing but could also easily access it to make adjustments on the fly when needed.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hidden-brake-controller-mod.176750/

 

So I'm curious to see if anyone on this forum has come up with something similar.  This time I plan to use a much better controller like a tekonsha.  I almost wish someone could come up with one of those Pods that people use to mount those power programmers up on the top left  side of there dash. Like something similar to this: https://goo.gl/images/6M9Qcy

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Lgetz
Lgetz

Another user mounted his P3 inside the cubby as shown.   If I were to mount mine again this is where I would do it.  Hated banging my knee on controllers with other trucks previously.  The 2014 All Te

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HoosierZ Enthusiast

HoosierZ

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Posted

Yesterday, I installed a Reese Compact IQ controller in my truck. The controller is mounted behind the dash near the parking brake pedal and I mounted the adjuster dial and indicator LED in a panel over the pocket above the 4wd selector dial. 

AE7AA4EA-84E7-4628-883F-0BAF574042B2.jpeg

C78F68D8-68E2-4333-9E5D-04AD85EB6437.jpeg

Donstar Senior Enthusiast

Donstar

Posted
Posted

I looked for months for various installation and product options.  I finally had to rush because I made a deal on a trailer.  I went to my dealership and bought the one they recommended and had the technician place it where he/she believed was the best position.  I am very pleased with the result.  It is under the dash on the right side of the steering wheel.  It is very accessible and out of the way.  It may look like an add-on but that's what it is!

A_Ninja_Racer Enthusiast

A_Ninja_Racer

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13 hours ago, silveradosid said:

i put the hopkins insite in my truck 2 years ago no problems with it http://www.hopkinstowingsolutions.com/products/brake-controllers/47297.html

IMG_20160505_0813148 (768x1024).jpg

So After looking at this product Did you drill a hole in the back of the pocket to run the cable through for the display and then run the cable for the brake activator switch through the opening of the steering column?

HoosierZ Enthusiast

HoosierZ

Posted
Posted
20 hours ago, snowbrdd said:

That looks good but does it have a manual brake lever? I can't tell.

Pressing the red dial is the manual override. I haven’t had a chance yet to try out the controller. I had originally planned on the Hopkins Insight but I liked the Reese better since I couldn’t find a way to make the Hopkins not look like an afterthought. The pics above look like the best option for mounting the display and manual override. 

rlosson Enthusiast

rlosson

Posted
Posted
On 11/4/2017 at 8:52 PM, A_Ninja_Racer said:

Hello Guys,  I recently got a 2016 Silverado LT Crew Cab It has the Bench like seat option instead of the huge Center console thing.  It didn't come with the integrated Brake controller So I'm looking to install one.  Now I'm not a Fan of mounting it down at the bottom of the Dash how most of the install videos show.  I'm not afraid to do a little Cutting and modding as long as the final product looks clean.  Here is a link of my set up on my 2008 Toyota Tacoma. It was a great location because I could hide it away when I wasn't towing but could also easily access it to make adjustments on the fly when needed.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/hidden-brake-controller-mod.176750/

 

So I'm curious to see if anyone on this forum has come up with something similar.  This time I plan to use a much better controller like a tekonsha.  I almost wish someone could come up with one of those Pods that people use to mount those power programmers up on the top left  side of there dash. Like something similar to this: https://goo.gl/images/6M9Qcy

I'm in the same boat. 

 

I bought the P3 and have have been thinking of where to put it for a while.  Under the steering wheel is out since I'm 6'5".  There isn't much room for my knees (with how I like to sit) so putting something there is a no go.  I wanted to mount it on the top of the dash to the left of steering wheel.  I got a ram mount set up and kind of like it.  It's now just a matter of how to run the cable, since I'd take it down when I'm not towing. 

 

Over the weekend I had a thought to take out the "ash tray" compartment (similar to what you did) but haven't gotten around to seeing how it comes apart.  The P3 won't fit in it as is, but could replace it if it comes out without too much pain.  When I go to trade it in later on, I could just put that compartment thing back and you'd never know.  I really don't want to drill into anywhere visible on the dash.

 

Ryan

macrepairboy New Member

macrepairboy

Posted
Posted

I installed a Hopkins 47297 INSIGHT brake control inside the ash tray compartment (I think this was intended for an ashtray). I drilled a hole in the rear of the door for the cables. Clean look since 95% of the time I'm not towing a trailer. 

IMG_2506.jpg

IMG_2507.jpg

A_Ninja_Racer Enthusiast

A_Ninja_Racer

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1 hour ago, macrepairboy said:

I installed a Hopkins 47297 INSIGHT brake control inside the ash tray compartment (I think this was intended for an ashtray). I drilled a hole in the rear of the door for the cables. Clean look since 95% of the time I'm not towing a trailer. 

IMG_2506.jpg

IMG_2507.jpg

That's not a bad option either.  I think I'm definitely giving up on the prodigy and aiming for one of these Hopkins controllers.

bcbz71 Enthusiast

bcbz71

Posted
Posted

I put my P3 right where my right knee would hit if I slide the seat all the way forward.   The metal bracing behind the plastic trim is tricky with a bunch of angles that made drilling into the metal a little dicey.    Felt horrible drilling 2 holes in my new truck, but once mounted, I don't even realize it's there except when I need it.  I have never knocked it off with my knee.     Easy reach for operating the manual slide for checking your trailer brakes too.   Drilling the holes took the longest as I bought the plug and play harness.  Good luck getting that electrical box cover off by your right foot to plug in the controller!!   

  • 6 months later...
A_Ninja_Racer Enthusiast

A_Ninja_Racer

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Posted

You guys with the Hopkins brake controllers.  Can you please tell me how you wired it up?  I got mine in the other day and set out to start connecting the wires but there wiring diagram stops at 2013 and the wire colorings don't match and neither do the descriptions of what each wire is supposed to do. 

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