Comparing Factory and Aftermarket Trailer Brake Controllers for a 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500

Published 04/18/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(1676)

$290.00

Redarc Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers

(171)

$27.00

Question:

my truck has the trailer package and no trailer brake controller can I add a factory one in the dash will that work.

asked by: Bryan D

Helpful Expert Reply:

The brake controller I recommend for a 2016 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 is the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller part # RED44FR which when paired with the Redarc Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers part # 331-TPH-010 will be plug-n-play.

The reason I recommend this route over a factory brake controller is because the factory brake controllers are very finicky and error prone. We are constantly troubleshooting issues with them which usually result in sending our customers to the dealer for expensive repairs so you'd really be shooting yourself in the foot installing one instead of an aftermarket option which will perform far better and be much more reliable. In fact, many customers come to us to replace their factory brake controller with an aftermarket one. The main draw of the factory brake controller is the clean install look which you will get with the option above as well.

expert reply by: Conner L