Best Plug And Play Brake Controller For A 2017 GMC Yukon XL  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Welcome back, Joseph!

We can definitely help you get a brake controller for your 2017 GMC Yukon XL SLT 4WD with the 5.3l in it. That said, being able to just plug one in will depend on if you have the factory towing package or not (you will need to contact a local GM dealership to have them run your VIN if you are unsure). Redarc brake controllers are the best ones on the market currently and they look the most stock once installed. They are the way to go and will be what I am recommending. I have not had very good luck with the wireless Curt brake controllers and really try to steer people away from them. Don't get me wrong, Curt makes some very good stuff. Their wireless controllers just hasn't been very reliable lately and I really hope they get their act together.

Now, if you do have the factory towing package, you will need the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles # RED69CR. This includes that custom fit pigtail harness that goes right into that port under your dash and you are good to go! I included an image of where this is, but it's in a black electrical junction box under the dash, to the left of the steering column. Just remove the box cover and locate the empty connection point.

If you do not have the factory towing package, there is no plug is present under the dash. However, the needed wires are already run and you will just need connect the brake controller wiring with the vehicle wiring (it's blunt cut for this very reason). That wiring is included with the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Off-Road Mode - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional # RED44FR and is also blunt cut to make everything nice and easy. The wiring on your vehicle should be in a similar location to where the factory port is in the picture that I included, but it can be kind of taped up and a little hard to find. Just be patient and find the bundle that has the exact same colors as the pigtail harness (red, white, blue, and black).

If you don't already have a 7-Way on the back as well, you will need to grab the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way and 4-Pole Flat Connectors # C55774 to complete the install. It plugs into the USCAR connector present on all full size GM vehicles for this model year. If you already have one though, skip this part.

The last step to getting either of these installed is mounting the knob. This require a small hole for the post to go through, so make sure you are sure it's where you want it to be before drilling said hole. Also make sure there isn't an airbag where you are going to drill. That would probably be bad.

What are you going to be towing with your Yukon? And do you have a spot in mind for the knob?

Oh and if you prefer a wireless option, Redarc does have one of those as well. I'm just a bit of a caveman and prefer to have the knob to make adjustments and use the manual override. If you wanted to go that route, you would want the Redarc Tow-Pro Link Bluetooth Brake Controller - Off-Road Mode - 4 Axles - Proportional # RED57AR. If you don't have the factory towing package, you will again need the Curt 7-Way # C55774 to complete the install (this just Ts between the USCAR plug on your Yukon and the back of the 7-Way). If you already have the 7-Way, you can just grab the controller. This has been out for a while now and I can honestly say I have not personally heard a bad thing about it. Like all Redarc brake controllers, it just works.

expert reply by: Lazer S

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Factory Port Location - 2017 Yukon XL
(click to enlarge)