Installing a Brake Controller on a 1990 GMC Pickup 6 Foot Bed

Question:

I need to know what I will need besides the brake controller itself to connect to my vehicle. I have a 4 wire connector at the back bumper. will I need to run any other wires to enable the controller other than the 4 wire connector at the rear of the vehicle? If you can please furnish me a general description of all necessary steps to install the brake controller on my vehicle.

asked by: LARRY M

Expert Reply:

In addition to the brake controller, you will will need a 5, 6, or 7-Way connector to match the connector on the trailer. Trailers equipped with brakes will have one of those 3 kinds of connectors. The most common is a 7-Way. If the trailer you are wanting to use has a 7-Way, you will need part # ETBC7. This kit provides everything you will need to complete the installation of a brake controller. Once you have a 7-Way installed, there are adapters available so that you can connect a 5 or 6-Way trailer to your 7-Way.

If your trailer is going to be towed by multiple vehicles, the Tekonsha Prodigy RF, part # 90250, would be a good choice. That brake controller mounts to the trailer and not in the vehicle. It is designed primarily for fleet vehicles so that a brake controller does not have to be purchased for each vehicle.

If you will not be towing your trailer with multiple vehicles, I would suggest an in-cab brake controller like Tekonsha Prodigy Proportional Controller, part # 90185. They are simpler to use and they are less expensive than trailer mounted units.

Since you have a 4-Way already, you would need part # ETBC7 to complete your installation for the in-cab Prodigy. If you want to do the trailer mounted Prodigy RF, I would just use part # 30717 and run the yellow wire to the battery for a 12V power source.

We have some FAQ/Help pages and videos on brake controller installations that I will provide links to below.

expert reply by: Patrick B