Will Aftermarket Trailer Brake Controller Interface with Stabilitrak and TSC on 2016 Chevy Colorado  

Question:

Expert Reply:

A proportional brake controller, like the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195, uses a few different features to activate the brakes on your trailer. First of all it has an inertia sensor inside that helps it determine how much braking power needs to be applied. the second part of activating the brakes involves the stop light switch on your 2016 Chevrolet Colorado. Once you press your brake pedal the stop light switch will send a signal to the brake controller to activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as the brake pedal in your Colorado. All of this together helps to create a seamless braking system.

In regards to how it operates with the Stabilitrak and TSC on your Colorado; they will not affect it at all. In fact, Ford and Jeep have similar systems on their vehicles and it doesn't affect the brake controller. Those systems are run separately from the stop light switch wire that is used at the brake pedal where the brake controller receives the signal from.

With that being said, the P3 # 90195 will work great with your Colorado, but I do not recommend relying on the integrated TSC for your trailer. It is not as effective as a Weight Distribution (WD) system with integrated sway control. We recommend using WD systems when the trailer is at least half the weight of the tow vehicle. If that is the case for you just let me know and I can make a recommendation for a WD system.

I have also attached an installation video of the P3 being installed on a 2015 Chevy Colorado for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G

0

Dan S.

10/25/2017

Now that you have educated me on the Trailer brake controllers, how about advise me on WD ans sway control hitches. You look them up on RV forums and everyone has their own opinions on which is the best. I was leaning on the Equalizer 4-way..... please advise.... thx

Jon G.

10/25/2017

When choosing a WD system you want to choose one that has a Tongue Weight (TW) range that the Total Tongue Weight (TTW) of your towing setup falls in the middle of. You can find your TTW by adding the Tongue Weight (TW) of your fully loaded and ready-to-go trailer along with the weight of any cargo behind the rear axle of your 2016 Chevy Colorado.Keep in mind that a properly loaded trailer will have a TW that is 10-15% of the loaded weight of the trailer. Once you know what your TTW is then you can choose the proper WD system for your setup. The Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control options, like part # EQ37100ET, are very popular and have received great reviews from our customers. Part # EQ37100ET that I referenced has a TW range of 600 lbs - 1,000 lbs, comes with a shank that is compatible with a 2 inch hitch receiver, and has a 2-5/16" hitch ball. If this system does not have the correct TW range then let me know what your TTW is and I can recommend one that will be best for your application. I have attached a review video as well as some helpful articles that you can reference as well.