Recommended Trailer Brake Controller For a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 With Factory 7-Way

Updated 02/02/2025 | Published 08/28/2022

Products Featured in This Question

Zinc Plated Hex Flange Nut - M6

(52)

$2.85

Zinc Plated Hex Flange Nut - M8

(68)

$1.85

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

(6679)

$161.44

Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 10,000 lbs GTW, 1,000 lbs TW

(843)

$637.23

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional

(2574)

$217.00

Question:

Ill be purchasing a travel trailer in Nov., and just making sure I have all my ducks in a row before I pick it up. I spoke with the RV rep and she recommended this is the email she sent me: You will want a brake controller installed in the truck. Make sure they give you a charge line as well, to charge the batteries while going down the road. The brakes on the trailer are self adjusting electric drum brakes. Does this model brake controller have the charge line? Or is that something separate? Thank you for your help in this matter, I do appreciate it very much.

asked by: Jeffrey B

Expert Reply:

I recommend installing the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED52VR on your 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. This controller is proportional and takes up much less room than the Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller # 58-8 you found. This will make is easier to reach and give you a much cleaner look with the brake controller.

I have linked an installation video below for the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195 that will accurately walk you through all the steps necessary to install a brake controller as well as the connections needed under the hood. You may need the M6 Nut # 185916 and M8 Nut # 185917 it the wires have never been connected to the battery source. One of the wires sends power to the brake controller and the other is for the charge line on your factory 7-way. Be sure to check that you have the correct working fuses for these circuits as well or you can find them at your local auto supply store.

Be sure to find a good weight distribution hitch like the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System # EQ37100ET. This will make your drive safer by reducing the amount the trailer sways from wind gusts and keeps your truck level with the extra weight so you are not white knuckle driving. If you can tell me the exact camper you are looking at I can recommend the correct system to match your weight ratings.

expert reply by: Bud M

Corey

2/2/2025

Can I ask a question

Robin H.

2/2/2025

@Corey you can.

Corey

2/2/2025

@RobinH hi purchase and receive the brake controllerkit for a 2013 toyota tundra crashed it total loss never installed controller.now picked up a 2011 chev 1500 can I still use the unit on the chev if purchase the wiring kit to hook it up.or do I gotta buy the whole controller again

Robin H.

2/2/2025

@Corey I'm sorry to hear that, totaling a car is no fun. Is this the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty # RED24FR? I'm assuming you already had some sort of wiring harness to install it in your Tundra. The 2011 Silverado doesn't have a port to plug in a wiring harness but it does have the necessary wires under the dash. All you need to do is splice in your existing wiring harness to make it work with the Silverado. If you had a custom wiring harness for the Tundra you can cut the plug off the end to splice it in.