Can The Hopkins Brake Force Brake Controller Be Hardwired To A 2020 Chevy Tahoe?

Updated 07/21/2026 | Published 07/16/2026

Question:

I have a 2005 Cev. Tahoe with a Hopkins Brake Force Timed controller. I tow a medium sized enclosed trailer and it has worked well. I am purchasing a 2020 Tahoe with a factory towing option but no controller. I dont know it this has a built-in connector or open-ended wires. CAn this controller be hardwiored? If not what recommendations do have for a new controller? Thank you.

asked by: Gerald G

Expert Reply:

Hey Gerald, thanks for reaching out. Yes, the Hopkins Brake Force controller can indeed be hardwired. That said, if your 2020 Chevy Tahoe has the factory tow package, it will have a brake controller plug under the dash. What you'll need to do it cut off that plug, cut off the connector on your brake controller and splice the wires together. There isn't a custom pigtail from Hopkins available for a Tahoe anyway, so hardwiring the controller would be your only option for re using it.

If you don't want to cut and splice anything, you can do a new controller like the Redarc # RED26CR which comes with a custom pigtail for the Tahoe tow package.

How did you like the Hopkins Brake Force controller? What do you usually haul in your enclosed trailer?

expert reply by: Jesse M

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty RED26CR
(click to enlarge)

Gerald G.

7/20/2026

Hi Jesse Thank you for the very useful reply. I had the Hopkins for 10 years and never had a problem. My 6X12 trailer is used mostly for carrying RC model airplanes, although I use it occasionally to carry lawn tractors, furniture, etc. . The Tahoe has also pulls an open car trailer every so often. Although satisfied with the Hopkins, I’ll consider the Redarc as an upgrade to a proportional controller. Gerry

Jesse M.

7/21/2026

@GeraldG Nice! Yea a proportional controller will more consistent, responsive braking. The Redarc is great too because it installs behind the dash and the control knob takes up very little space so it has a nice factory look. Let me know if any other questions pop up. You know where to find me now :)