trailor brake

tthomass · April 30, 2006

I've got a 2002 2500HD.....I just bought a 10k gross weight dump trailor to pull behind it. The hookup for the lights etc is already there but I need to setup the trailor brake system on the truck.

I know I need the controller but is there already a wire run to the back for brakes or do I need to run that also? The only place I looked (happened to be there) was Wal-Mart for the controller and it was about $52 for the controller (no wires) and handled up to 6 wheel brakes, I need 4 for my trailor. Particular brand I need to look for or is there a www that someone can point me towards to get one for less $$$.....I figured its a conrtoller, not that difficult or need to be brand specific really as why I consider what Wal-Mart has on its shelf.

Thanks!

Shaners · April 30, 2006

You'll need a controller for sure. I have a Tekonsha because I think they are the best. They are a little more money, but I think they are worth it.

The controller will wire into the fuse block behind the E-brake. You will either have to buy the pigtail to plug into the fuse block, or hopefully you'll find it in the glove box (if you have the towing package).

The Tekonsha controllers have an optional direct connect (no splice) wire harness that makes it super simple. All you have to do is install the maxi-fuse under the hood in the electrical control center.

tthomass · May 1, 2006

i've got the towing package (receiver and plug-in) but hte glove box is empty, bought the truck used......

mmmikkke · May 1, 2006

Look under your seats and by your jack.

Shaners · May 1, 2006

i've got the towing package (receiver and plug-in) but hte glove box is empty, bought the truck used......

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

For some reason, there were a couple of model years, that the trucks didn't come with the pigtail. Your dealer, or an RV dealer will have them and they are about $15.

mitchntx · May 1, 2006

2001 GMC 2500HD ....

There is a panel, under a cover, to the left of the brake pedal and mounted to the firewall.

The pig tail should plug into this panel and then connect it to the brake controller.

I too use a Tekonsha and am extremely happy with it.

I mounted mine beteen the comm port and e-brake release. I had to move the comm port over a tick to get it to fit.

Burbman · May 1, 2006

I use a Tekonsha Sentinel and am very happy with it. This is one area where it doesn't pay to buy cheap, there IS a difference is brake controllers. A better controller will have better electronics that 1) give you better control over the trailer and 2) give you more mounting options. Cheaper ones usually have to mounted within x degrees of level. I have mine mounted on the bottom lip of the dash panel, directly under the steering wheel. There were two holes already there which fit the bracket perfectly.

If you get the pigtail from the dealer, it will plug directly into the connector under the dash, about a 15 min install. If your truck has the towing package, then you have a 7-pin RV-type connector on the back, which includes the electric brake wire and a 12v + wire for charging the battery on the trailer. In order to activate the charging circuit, you need to get a 40A maxi fuse and put in the slot marked "Stud #1" in the underhood fuse panel. They shipped with blanks, so it may look like there's a fuse already in that slot....take it out and see if it's really a fuse.

Roofer · May 1, 2006

To make it easy, buy the Tekonsha Prodigy online. Do a search. Get it with the wiring harness that plugs into it. Got mine free with controller a few weeks ago. Plug it in where already mentioned and mount it. Make sure you have the fuse installed, and your done. Had mine installed in 10 minutes.

hoghead096 · May 1, 2006

OK, I am really Having a hard time, First off I have a 96 Silverado, It did come from the factory with all the wires run on the outside of the truck.

I am told the brake controller has to be hard wired I cannot seem to find where the wires from the controller need to be connected, I am really wondering if I have to run wires from inside directly to the Battery and Ground. I have a Blue Wire under the hood that runs all the way to the rear and I have it connected to the 7 pin Plug, But it needs to connect to the Controller somehow, I am at a real loss & am beginning to think about Drilling a hole through the firewall & just running the wires.

Any Help would be appreciated.