Recommended Brake Controller and Procedure for Installing Brake Controller on 2013 Chevy Silverado

Updated 06/04/2014 | Published 06/03/2014

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(755)

$76.60

Replacement Brake Control Plug-In Harness for Tekonsha and Draw-Tite Brake Controller 12" Long

(725)

$16.33

Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional

(2156)

$90.04

Question:

I have a 2013 silverado and I do not have a plug and play setup, do I need to buy the universal wiring harness or does this controller come with the plug to splice into my current wires hanging under my dash?

asked by: Wes

Expert Reply:

The 2013 Silverado will not have a plug under the dash for connecting a brake controller, the controller would wire directly into the tow package wiring located to the left of the steering column. Look for a bundle of wires that has a white tag taped to it.

Instead of the Voyager brake controller you referenced, I'd recommend the Tekonsha Primus, part # TK90160. The Primus is only a few dollars more than the Voyager, but its digital display and self-leveling feature make it much easier to use. The wiring harness included with the Primus would wire to the tow package wiring as follows:

Red/Black Striped Tow Package Wire to Black Wire on Controller
Dark Blue Tow Package Wire to Blue Brake Controller Wire
Light Blue or Orange Tow Package Wire to Red Wire on Controller
White Tow Package Wire to White Controller Wire

To install the Voyager, you'd need the # 20127 harness, which would wire as outlined above.

I've linked you to an article that outlines the installation process, as well as a video showing the Primus brake controller being installed in a 2011 Silverado. The procedure shown in the video would be the same as for your vehicle.