Brake Controller For Towing A Landscaping Trailer With A 2016 Chevy Silverado 1500
Updated 03/25/2026 | Published 03/19/2026
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Question:
I have a 2016 Chevy Silverado and looking to get a landscape trailer for towing my tractor. The trailer comes with electric brakes. What will I need on the truck to connect the trailer brakes? Thank you.
asked by: Brendan K
Expert Reply:
Hi Brendan, cool truck! I have the same one. ^___^
I think your best bet will be the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional # RED26CR. This can handle 1 to 2 axles, works with electric and electric over hydraulic braking systems, and plugs right into a port under your dash. Super easy install. The only thing you will need to do is drill a hole somewhere in your dash where you want the knob to be mounted (I would probably go to the left of the steering wheel near the light knob).
If the trailer you are looking at ends up having 3 axles, you will want the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles # RED69CR instead. Everything is the same, but this one is a bit more powerful and can handle the extra axle. It also has an off-roading feature, which is cool, but not super applicable to your needs.
Other than the Redarc brake controllers being super reliable and hardy, not having a box in your foot well is one of the biggest draws for me. I'm 6'5" and have always smacked my knees on the more traditional brake controllers. Yes you have to drill a hole, but I really thing they are worth it. If I were replacing the factory controller that came in my Silverado, I would go with one of these.
With all that being said, to my knowledge, all of the Silverado 1500s for the 2016 model year came with the factory 7-way on the rear bumper, so that is all you will need to get the trailer connected. You will also have a port under your dash (see included image) that an aftermarket brake controller will plug into. In the off chance you do not have a factory 7-way, just let me know and I can get some other options for you.
Is this your everyday truck or is it going to just be a work truck? We have some other stuff that you might be interested in as well!
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Plug-In
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Behind-Dash
- Up to 2 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Single Trailer Only
- Redarc
more information >
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on Trailer Brake Controller
James
3/25/2026
I installed the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty brake controller into my 2015 Chevrolet 3500 4x4 HD. I bought the unit from etrailer with the custom cable setup for the truck and the install was a piece of cake. I had to buy a 1'' hole saw to properly mount the switch panel which I also bought from etrailer and the outcome is a professional installation with the look of factory finish. It solved a problem I was having where the original factory brake controller setup constantly beeped an alarm indicating faulty wiring on my dual-axle camping trailer. I am really happy with this product.