Brake Controller and Trailer Wiring Recommendation for a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado Z71

Published 12/31/2016

Question:

looking into buying a brake controller for my 2016 Chevy Colorado Z71 four door shortbed V6. Do I buy one thats Plug and Play or do I get one that I have to hardwire? The Dealer doesnt know

asked by: PAUL M

Expert Reply:

Luckily we are located right across the street from the GM Plant in Wentzville, MO that makes the Colorado and Canyon, so I have a lot of information that will help you make your purchase. GM did not offer a plug-in connection for a brake controller on the Chevy Colorado and GMC Canyon. Instead, GM ran the wires for a brake controller down the drivers side kick panel and taped them off. Check out our brake controller installation video that I attached on a 2015 Chevrolet Colorado. This will be the same setup on your 2016 Z71.

The brake controller that I strongly recommend is the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Brake Controller, # 90195, because of the customizable display, easy to read diagnostics and the proportional braking. This is the top brake controller on the market and this is the brake controller featured in the installation video I attached.

If your Colorado came with the factory tow package, then you will not need to purchase anything else. The brake controller comes with all of the wiring and hardware needed to complete the installation. If your truck did not come with the factory tow package, then I also recommend picking up the Hopkins 7-way and 4-way Socket and Wiring, # HM40975-11998. All of these trucks are prewired for the tow package, so the tow package wires will be present behind the bumper as shown in our second installation video I attached.

expert reply by: John H