How to Install a Trailer Brake Controller on a 2009 Chevy Silverado

Question

Question:

which wire plug do i need for 2009 chevy truck from the brake controller to under dash

asked by: Tim

0

Expert Reply:

On the 2009 Chevy Silverado there is no port to plug in a brake controller. Instead GM put a tow package wire bundle under the dash. You would use the harness with the blunt cut wires that comes with the brake controller and splice into the tow package wires.

The wire bundle is located under the dash, to the left of the steering column, held together with a white tag.

The wire functions as as follows:

Truck red/black to brake controller black for 12 volt power
Truck white to controller white for ground
Truck light blue/white to controller red for brake light signal
Truck dark blue to controller blue for out to trailer brakes
Truck orange is not used

I have included a link to a help article that explains installing a brake controller on a 2009 Silverado. There may also be some connections that need to be made under the hood.

For a brake controller I recommend the P2, # 90885 because it is easy to set up, easy to use, and its reliable.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

Scott S.

2/16/2025

My 2009 Silverado doesn't have the wire bundle for the trailer brake controller is there a port for it

Kate F.

2/17/2025

@ScottS Hello Scott, I am going to turn this into it's own question so I can attach an image.. Please look out for second email.

Thyrus P.

5/2/2026

I bought a brake controller for my 08 avalanche but it has a 8pin connection. What wire harness will work for me

Jerred H.

5/4/2026

@ThyrusP That depends on what brand and model brake controller you purchased and I do not see an order number so I can't tell you which one you need. There are no custom fit adapters for your Avalanche because GM did not install a brake controller port in them. You'll need to use a universal wiring harness that matches the brand of your brake controller.

Answer 1

The Taskmaster tire #TTWPRG235R16 and most of all special trailer tires are manufactured by a couple companies that are based in China. The tire must meet the same DOT specifications for tires to be sold in the USA.

view full answer...

Answer 2

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

view full answer...

Answer 3

For a tandem axle trailer rated for 7000 lbs, you can use either a Load Range C or D tire. Each axle will be rated for 3500 lbs so you need a tire that will carry 1/2 that capacity. That would make your minimum load range before limiting your system…

view full answer...

Answer 4

On the 2009 Chevy Silverado with the wiring completed to the bumper. There should be a factory knock out plug on the rear bumper. To remove that cover, there should be a tab that you can depress and turn the cover counter clockwise. With the cover…

view full answer...

Answer 5

To connect your Tekonsha Voyager #39510 to your 2004 Ford F-250 you will need the Adapter #3035-P which connects to a plug under your driver side dash. Typically the OEM connector can be seen pretty easily but for your vehicle you actually have to…

view full answer...

Answer 6

To answer your first question, spare-tire bike racks, including the Thule Spare Me 2 Bike Rack #TH963PRO, is designed specifically for use on vehicles with a spare tire mounting plate that attaches to a vehicle door, and as such they are likely not…

view full answer...

Answer 7

For a 12,000 lb. electric car trailer winch like the Bulldog Winch Trailer Winch part #BDW10040, I recommend a standard 12 volt lead acid battery rated up to at least 650 cold cranking amps (CCA). As long as the battery is rated up to 650 CCA then…

view full answer...

Answer 8

The easiest first step here would be to try the trailer on a different truck, and see if the same problem occurs. If the trailer brakes are free until the trailer is plugged in, I suspect that something is mis wired. I would suggest examine the…

view full answer...

Answer 9

The port for installing the brake controller is located in a junction box behind the emergency brake pedal. Remove the black lid from the junction box, the brake control adapter is plugged into the second slot from the left on the top row. If you…

view full answer...

Answer 10

The Draw-Tite Activator IV #5504 will work with a wiring harness adapter like part #20127, for your 2009 Chevrolet Silverado. This means you will need to splice into the brake controller wiring under the driver's side dash in order to install the…

view full answer...

Answer 11

For a 2009 Chevy Silverado 1500 Z71 the Draw-Tite Max Frame Trailer Hitch #75521 will be a great replacement for the factory hitch. It does require the factory bumper and factory bumper brackets for the correct fit. It will have the factory…

view full answer...

Answer 12

As it seems you already know, when installing a trailer brake controller on your 2007 GMC Yukon you will need to locate the two wires under the hood that need to be connected to fully activate the vehicle's tow package. One is the power wire to…

view full answer...

How to Install a Trailer Brake Controller on a 2009 Chevy Silverado

Featured Help Information

Miscellaneous Media

Continue Researching