Using Aftermarket Trailer Brake Controller on 2014 Chevy Silverado with Factory Brake Controller
Updated 09/11/2014 | Published 09/10/2014
Question:
I have a integrated trailer brake controller and it seems to have problems recognizinginch various trailers. I have solved this problem on one of my trailers by putting in a load resistor. However, this is a pain because I have 4 trailers in my life that I pull on a regular basis. I never had any trouble with my aftermarket Reliance controller and I am wondering about maybe just installing an aftermarket controller in my truck. How hard is this and what do I need? Thanks.
asked by: Steve S
Expert Reply:
It is not at all uncommon for owners of trucks with factory brake controllers to switch back to the aftermarket units like the Tekonsha PowerTrac # 39523. Convenience is great but solid performance is much better!
If you have a Silverado 1500 you can use a quick-connect brake controller adapter # 3016 to plug in a unit such as the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885, which is among the most reliable and easy to use proportional controllers we offer, to the under-dash port. It works both with electric and electric-over-hydraulic (EOH) brakes. I suggest you select a proportional unit since these deliver superior performance to the time-delay types like the PowerTrac. The linked article further explains the advantages of a proportional controller.
If you have a 2500 or 3500 series truck there will not be a connection port under the dash so you'll just do a hard-wire install using the existing wiring under the dash. The linked article includes detailed instructions and photos. In this case you'll just need to controller unit itself plus enough wire to reach from the cab to the 7-way. We offer # 10-1-1 for this purpose.
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