Trailer Brake Controller - 2011 GMC 1500??

[WilliamBos]

In the market for a Trailer Brake Controller for my 2011 GMC 1500. Which kind/brand and why?

 

[mikesee]

I have a Tekonsha P3 and it works very well. Has multiple boost settings so you can vary the boost based on trailer weight. All messages are written in words not error codes. Will display voltage and amperage supplied to the brakes.

 

[George2615]

I'd highly recommend ordering and installing a factory brake controller but I'm sure it would cost way more than an aftermarket under dash unit. My 2013 Chevy has the factory controller and it works great. On my other older truck I bought and installed a Reese digital brake controller (under $100). After getting the controls set properly it works very well. Tekonsha Voyager and Prodigy controllers are very good too.
Check the Etrailer link below for controller info and models they sell.


Trailer Brake Controller Information | etrailer.com

 

[Diamondpilot]

I'd highly recommend ordering and installing a factory brake controller but I'm sure it would cost way more than an aftermarket under dash unit. My 2013 Chevy has the factory controller and it works great. On my other older truck I bought and installed a Reese digital brake controller (under $100). After getting the controls set properly it works very well. Tekonsha Voyager and Prodigy controllers are very good too. Check the Etrailer link below for controller info and models they sell. Trailer Brake Controller Information | etrailer.com

I second the factory unit. Nothing else compares. I did some on Fords and it was about $150 for the controller and $40 at the dealership for the 1/2 to reflash the computer. It's a 3 minute install on a Ford.


Chris

 

[WilliamBos]

Thanks. Im going to email my dealer, from what Ive read since I do not have the RPO JL1, the factory controller cannot be installed.

 

[Billrog]

I second the Tekonsha P3 easy set up works smoothly with all of my trailers best one I've owned.

 

[Panik]

I know with the '14s on up the factory brake controller cannot be retro-fitted... I too am using a P3 and have been very happy with it.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I know with the '14s on up the factory brake controller cannot be retro-fitted... I too am using a P3 and have been very happy with it.

That makes no sense. That's taking 10 steps backwards!

Chris

 

[WilliamBos]

That makes no sense. That's taking 10 steps backwards!

Chris

You must order it with the truck. Different main wiring harness, JL1 RPO includes a ton of things.

They should remove a standard yuppie option and make the integrated controller standard.

 

[Diamondpilot]

You must order it with the truck. Different main wiring harness, JL1 RPO includes a ton of things. They should remove a standard yuppie option and make the integrated controller standard.

I agree.

I know Fords and on them they all have the wiring. If you opt to not get the controller, a $150 option, they put a cubby in its place in the dash. You simply remove two screws, remove the cubbyhole plug the wiring harness into your purchased factory controller, slide it in the dash, and secure with the two screws.

You must then run it by a dealership to have them flash the computer in most cases but not all. Takes about 10 to 20 minutes to do but my dealer has a half hour minimum, about $40.

Chris

 

[WilliamBos]

I agree.

I know Fords and on them they all have the wiring. If you opt to not get the controller, a $150 option, they put a cubby in its place in the dash. You simply remove two screws, remove the cubbyhole plug the wiring harness into your purchased factory controller, slide it in the dash, and secure with the two screws.

You must then run it by a dealership to have them flash the computer in most cases but not all. Takes about 10 to 20 minutes to do but my dealer has a half hour minimum, about $40.

Chris

That's the way it should be. I hear the factory controllers are leaps and bounds better than aftermarket. My next truck will have the factory controller.

 

[timswi]

That's the way it should be. I hear the factory controllers are leaps and bounds better than aftermarket. My next truck will have the factory controller.

I've had the GM factory controller in my last 2 GMC's and they are great...They do take a short run to get used to since they are proportional and not binary like many of the aftermarket units are but once you get the hang of it, they are fantastic.

 

[Billrog]

I would not go out on a limb and say factory controllers are leaps and bounds better than after market . A good after market can be easily set for any load and work very smooth under every condition.
There have been a few in the coffee shop complaining about their factory controllers.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I would not go out on a limb and say factory controllers are leaps and bounds better than after market . A good after market can be easily set for any load and work very smooth under every condition. There have been a few in the coffee shop complaining about their factory controllers.

I will disagree with you. I have installed better than 100 aftermarket controllers and have used the Dodge and Ford factory ones. By far the factory ones are better by a large margin with the Brake Max being the only aftermarket one that was even close in function.

Chris

 

[TractorGuy]

I can't imagine a factory controller working any better than the Tekonsha. I've had the Tekonsha Prodigy in my F150 for 10 years and never a moments trouble. It is easily adjustable and brake application is silky smooth. I never knew drum brakes could operate as smoothly as this controller applies them.

 

[C4Ranch]

I gotta side with the Prodigy. I have a factory one now and prodigy in my other vehicles.. I actually prefer the prodigy because of the boost feature.

I also found the angle by which it's mounted matters and affects the power.

 

[Diamondpilot]

I can't imagine a factory controller working any better than the Tekonsha. I've had the Tekonsha Prodigy in my F150 for 10 years and never a moments trouble. It is easily adjustable and brake application is silky smooth. I never knew drum brakes could operate as smoothly as this controller applies them.

They do. They are ran by pressure, not electric input. No comparison.

Chris

 

[Billrog]

The Tekonsha Prodigy is a true proportional brake controller that is simple and works flawless.

 

[BoylermanCT]

Ditto on the Tekonsha Prodigy P3. It's ability to boost output with 1 button makes towing different trailers a snap. Highly recommend. Way more features than the Ford controller on my father in law's F350.

 

[MAX28HST]

I went Prodigy too! Zero issues.