Brake Controller suggestions

[Dale1995]

Just pulled the plug and purchased a 2013 Silverado Crew Cab, Couldn't pass up the deals with all the incentives being offered, and my old silverado had 150,000 miles on it. Will be taking delivery on Monday, and am wondering what you guys out there might suggest for a brake controller for this truck. I pull a 18' car hauler, with my 2320 and all its toys now and then, plus I also use it for my z930 zero turn to mow a few properties. Whats out there and what is everyone using. Appreciate your input on this matter.

 

[Case485Guy]

I have a Prodigy 3(I think 3), does good. My next one will be this one. There was a discussion a month or so ago on this one.
MaxBrake™ - Hydraulic over Electric Variable Brake Controller

 

[crazyal]

Is there a price range? If money is no object then the MaxBrake is the way to go. If you are trying to stay near the $100 mark then the Tekonsha prodigy controllers work very well. I have the P2 and it works great.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Get the dealership to install the factory controller or get a different truck with one in it. Anti lock brake technology and just a much better and safer controller.

Nothing less on a new truck!

Chris

 

[Monster5601]

Get the dealership to install the factory controller or get a different truck with one in it. Anti lock brake technology and just a much better and safer controller.

Nothing less on a new truck!

Chris

+++ factory controller if you can otherwise the Prodigy hands down. I use the P2 in my wife's Tahoe but made sure I got the factory brake controller in my new truck.

 

[crazyal]

Get the dealership to install the factory controller or get a different truck with one in it. Anti lock brake technology and just a much better and safer controller.

Nothing less on a new truck!

Chris

How much will that set you back? A proportional based aftermarket controller will work just fine with ABS. If buying a new truck I would opt for the option but I wouldn't avoid a truck that didn't have it. I've even read people on RV forums say that some manufacturers do not recommend installing a factory controller at the dealer on trucks that didn't come equipped with it. That if you do you any mishaps are solely the responsibility of the dealer and the MFG will not stand behind it.

 

[Diamondpilot]

How much will that set you back? A proportional based aftermarket controller will work just fine with ABS. If buying a new truck I would opt for the option but I wouldn't avoid a truck that didn't have it. I've even read people on RV forums say that some manufacturers do not recommend installing a factory controller at the dealer on trucks that didn't come equipped with it. That if you do you any mishaps are solely the responsibility of the dealer and the MFG will not stand behind it.

BS. The factory controller can be added to trucks without any dealer issues. My uncle paid about $350. For a Ford they are about $160 if ordered with a truck new. They beat any Prodigy or aftermarket controller hands down. The only thing close is the Max Brake.

Chris

 

[crazyal]

A quick search turned up this.

GM does not recommend installing the factory brake controller to the system. It is more complicated than just some electrical connections.

#PIT4729C: Adding Intergrated Trailer Brake Controller RPO JL1 - (Aug 18, 2011)


Subject: Adding Integrated Trailer Brake Controller RPO JL1


Models: 2007 - 2012 Chevrolet Silverado

2009 - 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche, Suburban, Tahoe

2007 - 2012 GMC Sierra

2009 - 2012 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL




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This PI was superseded to update recommended field. Please discard PIT4729B.


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The following diagnosis might be helpful if the vehicle exhibits the symptom(s) described in this PI.

Condition/Concern:
Some customers may request the factory Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (RPO JL1) be installed on their Full Size pickup/utility when the vehicle was not ordered with the option.

Recommendation/Instructions:
This is to advise you that if the vehicle does not have the option (RPO JL1) it cannot be added to the vehicle.

Note: Bulletin 07-08-45-001F or later advises how to install an aftermarket trailer brake controller.

I have no clue if it's true, just repeating what I've read.

 

[JJZ 109]

Just going through this issue with a brand new F150. With Ford, it's my understanding that as long as you have a factory trailer tow package (both 4 & 7 pin connectors and hitch receiver from the factory) that you can install Ford's brake controller and have a dealer reflash the computer and you're all set. The wiring harness is already in the glovebox.
Ford brand controllers can be bought online for anywhere from $128 to $175 that I've found. I'll be speaking to my service manager today to see what they have to say and how much they'll hit me to do it all.
Words from an ebay auction about how the factory controller works with features already on the truck:
"Trailer Sway Control builds on the F-150's AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control system to help maintain trailer control through selective wheel braking and reduced engine power."

 

[Diamondpilot]

Just going through this issue with a brand new F150. With Ford, it's my understanding that as long as you have a factory trailer tow package (both 4 & 7 pin connectors and hitch receiver from the factory) that you can install Ford's brake controller and have a dealer reflash the computer and you're all set. The wiring harness is already in the glovebox.
Ford brand controllers can be bought online for anywhere from $128 to $175 that I've found. I'll be speaking to my service manager today to see what they have to say and how much they'll hit me to do it all.
Words from an ebay auction about how the factory controller works with features already on the truck:
"Trailer Sway Control builds on the F-150's AdvanceTrac with Roll Stability Control system to help maintain trailer control through selective wheel braking and reduced engine power."

Yes, its not a big process on a Ford. Dont monkey around with a aftermarket controller, the factory one is the only way to go.

Chris

 

[JJZ 109]

Yes, its not a big process on a Ford. Dont monkey around with a aftermarket controller, the factory one is the only way to go.

Chris

Was at the dealer today discussing this. The truck is going to be there all day anyway in a couple of days for some add ons included in my Saturday deal. I'm all set up now to just have them do it and be done.

 

[Diamondpilot]

Was at the dealer today discussing this. The truck is going to be there all day anyway in a couple of days for some add ons included in my Saturday deal. I'm all set up now to just have them do it and be done.

Smart move. You will love it.

Chris

 

[JJZ 109]

Smart move. You will love it.

Chris

I've had a couple of trucks with factory controller already. I did like it. A much neater installation. Plus the gain was displayed in the dash and I didn't whack my knee on the hardware.

 

[deepNdirt]

a factory installed tow package is the way to go, There is much more than trailer brakes involved, For auto tranny there will be a good quality transmission cooler installed, as well as separate fuse's & relay for the component/wiring,
I really like the factory ones, However, the aftermarket actuators do have another benefit, while traveling on downhill grades you can use the under dash lever to manually apply the the trailer brakes without having use the brakes on the tow vehicle, can use it to apply the brakes a bit harder on the trailer to assist in adjusting the downhill speed, anyone who ever has towed in the mountains knows what I'm talking about, I'm not sure if the factory installed brake controller has to be setup through the computer to give a stronger apply to the trailers brakes, But with my f-250 it's seems to be adjusted out equally when towing our 24 ft camper, when I towed with my older Ramcharger with drum brakes I had an aftermarket brake control,( Shelton ) I would use the lever/button to help apply the brakes on the trailer,although there are settings on the controller to custom adjust the pressure being applied but sometimes it felt like it needed a bit firmer or quicker stopping like being caught at a caution light about to turn red,

 

[DutchHenryBrown]

I'm having the Ford dealer install the factory brake controller in my new truck....they had to order the kit seems to be taking for ever to get here!! I talked with the sales manager and they are going to install it at no charge I just have to pay for the kit $360.00. Seems high to me but my after market controller in my old Dodge cost me $265.00 and that was a few years back.

 

[Diamondpilot]

a factory installed tow package is the way to go, There is much more than trailer brakes involved, For auto tranny there will be a good quality transmission cooler installed, as well as separate fuse's & relay for the component/wiring,
I really like the factory ones, However, the aftermarket actuators do have another benefit, while traveling on downhill grades you can use the under dash lever to manually apply the the trailer brakes without having use the brakes on the tow vehicle, can use it to apply the brakes a bit harder on the trailer to assist in adjusting the downhill speed, anyone who ever has towed in the mountains knows what I'm talking about, I'm not sure if the factory installed brake controller has to be setup through the computer to give a stronger apply to the trailers brakes, But with my f-250 it's seems to be adjusted out equally when towing our 24 ft camper, when I towed with my older Ramcharger with drum brakes I had an aftermarket brake control,( Shelton ) I would use the lever/button to help apply the brakes on the trailer,although there are settings on the controller to custom adjust the pressure being applied but sometimes it felt like it needed a bit firmer or quicker stopping like being caught at a caution light about to turn red,

You need to go out and look at factory controllers???? Both the ones in our Ford's have manual levers, gain controls, and work better than any of the nearly 100 aftermarket controllers I have installed. That includes 2 Max Brake Controllers.

Chris

 

[deepNdirt]

I've been under the dash a few times when wiring up accessories, never have I noticed a brake control module, I have read in the owners manual that my truck has integrated trailer brake control,and it does have the 7 pin hookup, and it does stop my trailer's, so I assume somehow the computer controlled it, Now that you say there is a control module under the dash I'll be doing some research to find it, any idea where it's located? if not under the drivers side, '99 f-250 SD

 

[Diamondpilot]

I've been under the dash a few times when wiring up accessories, never have I noticed a brake control module, I have read in the owners manual that my truck has integrated trailer brake control,and it does have the 7 pin hookup, and it does stop my trailer's, so I assume somehow the computer controlled it, Now that you say there is a control module under the dash I'll be doing some research to find it, any idea where it's located? if not under the drivers side, '99 f-250 SD

There is no way you have a factory brake controller. Ford was the first to have it and it was not a option till 2005 on the Super Duty. If your brakes are working on your trailer there is only one of three possibilities.

Surge brakes.

Improper trailer wiring. (Brakes tied to stop lamps)

Aftermarket controller

Chris

 

[JJZ 109]

I'm having the Ford dealer install the factory brake controller in my new truck....they had to order the kit seems to be taking for ever to get here!! I talked with the sales manager and they are going to install it at no charge I just have to pay for the kit $360.00. Seems high to me but my after market controller in my old Dodge cost me $265.00 and that was a few years back.

The parts guy wanted to start out at $220 for a factory controller for me yesterday. I bitched because I just bought the truck there 2 days before. ( I know, I should have been thinking earlier to make it part of the truck deal). He knocked it down to $190. Not sure what they're going to charge for the reflash of the computer. I'll be in the service manager's office if they try to spank me too hard.
I found the controllers on ebay for anywhere from $128 to $173. But they were slightly different parts numbers, so that's something to be careful of.

 

[Slackdaddy]

Only 2 ways I would go,
True factory proportional controller with a manual over ride lever,
Or a MAX Brake controller.
The rest are just timer or pendulium gimicks.

Slack