Does Tow Vehicle Factory Tow Package Need a Brake Controller for Trailer Brakes to Work

Updated 01/02/2025 | Published 10/03/2022

Question:

Hi, I was told by a trailer manufacturer that pretty much all trucks from Ford, GM, Dodge that have a factory 7-pin tow package are wired to provide a signal to the electric brakes of a trailer. He said they send a non-adjustable equivalent of about 2.5 setting on a controller obviously would depend on the controller. He said engaging the tow mode button will increase the boost a bit. Does this make sense? Obviously a brake controller gives you much more control and extra features...

asked by: Eric

Expert Reply:

It makes sense....sort of.

The trailer brake circuit won't be active on your tow vehicle unless you have a brake controller - even with a factory tow package. What I'm guessing they meant by this is that a brake controller will send a small amount of power back to the 7-Way to check and see if there is a trailer connected. Brake controllers are not designed to be constantly applying the brakes though.

Brake controllers will have different boost levels and other settings but it definitely depends on the controller. The boost settings have to do with how aggressive the brake controller is to sending power back to the brakes. For example, the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 has 3 different boost settings for different trailer sizes and then you can save up to 5 different pre-sets so if you tow different trailers you can switch to the setting for each trailer instead of having to set it up each time.

Hopefully this helps straighten things out! I've attached a review video of the Prodigy P3 for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G

1/1/2025

I’m trying to see if the 2023 suburban trailer harness for the controller is just a plug and mount type of deal or if you have to cut and crimp wires on it at any point. Thanks.

Jon G.

1/2/2025

@Js I checked the online manual for your 2023 Chevy Suburban and it states there are wiring provisions, but it didn't go into any specifics as far as if it's a plug or just a bundle of wires. If you have the tow package, then the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Kit # TK57HR comes with a wiring harness that plugs in under your dash and right into the controller for a quick and easy installation. If you don't have the tow package, then you can still use the same Prodigy P3 # 90195, but it may need to be hardwired into a bundle of wires under your dash, and you may need to install the Wiring # 30955 at the back of your vehicle. Check under your driver's side dash to see if there is plug for the brake controller, and at the back of your vehicle to see if there is already a trailer socket that exists and that will give you a good idea of what parts you need.