What Brake Controller Is Recommended For 2001 GMC Sierra 1500 Towing A 24 Foot Tandem Trailer

Published 02/10/2011

Question:

GOT 01 GMC SIERRA 1500 WITH TOWING PACK AND GOT PROBLEM WITH MY ENERGIZE BRAKE CONTROLLER.LOOK BUYING A NEW ONE BUT DO NOT KNOW WHAT IS BEST :PROPORTIONAL OR TIME DELAY, WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE.I TOW AN OPEN TRAILER 24` FOR A RACE CAR. TRAILER GET 2 AXLES WITH ELECTRIC BRAKE.

asked by: MARTIN R

Expert Reply:

The brake controller I would recommend for your 2001 GMC Sierra is the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Proportional Brake Controller, part # 90885. The Prodigy 2 brake controller is our best selling model. It can be mounted in a 360 degree vertical range and will level itself automatically. It is a proportional brake controller which means that the brakes are applied to the trailer at the same time and same strength as the brakes on your vehicle. It can be used on trailers that have up to 4 axles (8 brake assemblies).

You will also need the Tekonsha Wire Harness, part # 3025-P. This will plug into the back of the Prodigy brake controller and the other end will plug into the factory brake controller port that is located in the electrical junction box on the drivers side, left of the brake pedal.

I am including a link to the instructions on the Prodigy P2 brake controller.

A Proportional brake controller senses how quickly the tow vehicle is stopping and applies the same amount of braking power to the trailer. With a Time Delayed brake controller when you step on the vehicle brakes a predetermined amount of braking power is sent to the trailer and then there is a delay as the unit ramps up to full braking power.

The proportional brake controller has smoother braking action, reduces brake wear by spreading the braking evenly and provides an additional level of safety because the proportional brake controller will go to full power if the tow vehicle has to make an emergency stop.

I am including a FAQ page on brake controllers that will contain a comparison of the proportional and the time-delayed models.

expert reply by: Jeff D