Where to mount a trailer brake controller and towing input

[tbmaciii]

My 2016 Sierra AT is a 5.3 v8 with a 3.43 gear ratio, says I can tow 9,100 lbs and I have a 1,496 lb payload. 
 

I bought a 6,400 pound travel trailer with an Anderson weight distribution hitch. Everyone says towing a TT with a half ton is dangerous but if I’m careful I think I’ll be ok. 
 

My truck doesn’t have a brake controller so I was going to get the P3 everyone talks about. My question is where do you mount it? I see some mount it low but that doesn’t make sense to me. 
 

any help is appreciated. 

[Donstar]

25 minutes ago, tbmaciii said:

Everyone says towing a TT with a half ton is dangerous but if I’m careful I think I’ll be ok. 

 

My truck doesn’t have a brake controller so I was going to get the P3 everyone talks about. My question is where do you mount it? I see some mount it low but that doesn’t make sense to me. 

Many of us find towing a TT with a half ton very safe.  Stick to your truck's specifications, use proper equipment and you will enjoy your trailering experience.  I faced the same dilemma you are with installing a brake controller.  I asked my dealer to install it where "most" people put theirs.  They placed it under the dash over the gas pedal area.  It is easy to see, use and never in the way. Don't overthink this.  I've had mine in for three years now and forget that it is there!  Enjoy!

[tbmaciii]

23 minutes ago, Donstar said:

Many of us find towing a TT with a half ton very safe.  Stick to your truck's specifications, use proper equipment and you will enjoy your trailering experience.  I faced the same dilemma you are with installing a brake controller.  I asked my dealer to install it where "most" people put theirs.  They placed it under the dash over the gas pedal area.  It is easy to see, use and never in the way. Don't overthink this.  I've had mine in for three years now and forget that it is there!  Enjoy!

Thank you for your input. I started reading on towing forums and so many people slam those towing with 1/2 tons and urge you to try a 3/4 or 1 ton. I am not upgrading my truck, I love my HT. 

[JimCost2014]

7 hours ago, tbmaciii said:

My 2016 Sierra AT is a 5.3 v8 with a 3.43 gear ratio, says I can tow 9,100 lbs and I have a 1,496 lb payload. 
 

I bought a 6,400 pound travel trailer with an Anderson weight distribution hitch. Everyone says towing a TT with a half ton is dangerous but if I’m careful I think I’ll be ok. 
 

My truck doesn’t have a brake controller so I was going to get the P3 everyone talks about. My question is where do you mount it? I see some mount it low but that doesn’t make sense to me. 
 

any help is appreciated. 

A lot on the site have done this method, if you have the opening in your dash.

[scraejtp]

You can get a hidden brake controller for a similar price to keep a cleaner look. Look at the Reese Compact IQ.

 

I installed mine and the only visible portion is the knob and an LED. Mounted the controller on the accelerator pedal mount.

[Neal Lanham]

A lot on the site have done this method, if you have the opening in your dash.

What brand is your brake controller? I would like to mount one in same location and most of them are to large to fit that opening. The only I seen close is draw tite.
Thanks.

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[JimCost2014]

17 hours ago, Neal Lanham said:

What brand is your brake controller? I would like to mount one in same location and most of them are to large to fit that opening. The only I seen close is draw tite.
Thanks.

Sent from my SM-N960F using Tapatalk
 

I have the factory controller. That is just a picture of an example I found online.

 

There are a few posts on here about members installing (picture if probably from this site) controllers in different spots.

[Beer Belly]

I had the same issue when looking at purchasing my Sierra. I just couldn't find a location I liked. So, I had a choice of two trucks, one had the back up camera, the other a factory brake controller......I opted for the factory controller and do miss having the camera. I kept the P2 controller just in case.

[YukonXL04]

I have the hopkins insight controller. It works great. 

https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-47297-INSIGHT-Simple-Control/dp/B00C5THYIK

 

I got the plug in adapter for our truck as well so its basically plug and play. I mounted the display in the cubby where the factory control could be above the headlight switch

Mounted the controls in the side pocket of my center console so its hidden but easily accessible. And the brain is behind the panel of the console next to the gas pedal.

 

As far as towing, I own a travel trailer 27ft weighs 6k on the scales and my 6.2 tows it great. I use a distribution hitch with sway bars as well. It does help if you air your tires up to their max capacity as well. Rides stiffer but feels much more controlled

[Superman_XCI]

I have the hopkins insight controller. It works great. 
https://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-47297-INSIGHT-Simple-Control/dp/B00C5THYIK
 
I got the plug in adapter for our truck as well so its basically plug and play. I mounted the display in the cubby where the factory control could be above the headlight switch
Mounted the controls in the side pocket of my center console so its hidden but easily accessible. And the brain is behind the panel of the console next to the gas pedal.
 
As far as towing, I own a travel trailer 27ft weighs 6k on the scales and my 6.2 tows it great. I use a distribution hitch with sway bars as well. It does help if you air your tires up to their max capacity as well. Rides stiffer but feels much more controlled

That's really clean I may do this when/if I put breaks on my trailer.

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[YukonXL04]

Thanks. It turned out good. 

Funny I never thought I would need a trailer brake controller, all of our trailers dont have brakes and the boats have surge brakes... but I messed it all up when I bought a travel trailer.