Installing a Trailer Brake Controller On a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Published 10/14/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller - Dash Mounted Knob - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional

(409)

$259.95

Zinc Plated Hex Flange Nut - M6

(52)

$3.42

Zinc Plated Hex Flange Nut - M8

(68)

$1.56

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6614)

$173.60

Question:

Do you have a brake control adapter to plug right in to my panel, not using butt connectors? I want to purchase a brake controller. I have a 2011 silverado with towing package

asked by: Renee A

Expert Reply:

For your 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 there is not a pigtail adapter as the wiring does not have a connector. The 4 wires are terminated without a connector and coiled up behind the OBD2 port on your Silverado. I have linked a video showing where the wiring is and how to install a Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195 below.

You will need a M6 Hex Flange Nut # 185916 and M8 Hex Flange Nut # 185917 to attach the power wires in the engine compartment to the studs in the engine compartment fuse panel.

I saw that you were looking at the Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller # C51170 and you will need their Universal Wiring Harness # C51515 to be able to connect it to your Silverado.

With either Tekonsha or Curt the wiring will be the same. The Black wire from the controller will connect to the Red/Black wire on your Silverado. The White wire from the controller will connect to the White wire on your Silverado. The Red wire from the controller will connect to the Light Blue/White wire on your Silverado. And the Blue wire from your controller will connect to the Dark Blue wire on your Silverado.

Personally I prefer the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 over the Spectrum as it is customizable with an LCD screen that provides you more information and is easier to read quickly.