Trailer brake controller

[enjoytheride]

Hello!

I’ve recently upgraded my trailer to a 1997 2horse steel Sundowner Charter (8800 fully loaded). I’m purchasing a 2004 Silverado 2500HD.

I am vaguely certain that the year of truck does not come with an integrated brake controller (although it has a rear hitch and 7 prong plug). What brake controller do you like best?

I have a controller in my 1500 that I’m happy with but since it’s a bigger rig I want to make sure I buy safe. My current truck has a controller you set to your desired level of stop and then it adjusts itself to always brake in that manner. I’d like something similar.

I’m looking at the Tekonsha Primus or the Tekonsha prodigy (2 or 3)

[clanter]

not even vaguely familiar with any of this but did work in industrial electronics but I would be looking at the amp load rating of the switching device … physical size really does not, at least to me, as the primary deciding factor.

I would want to know how many amps do the trailer brakes require then make sure the brake controller is designed to handle that amp load

I would assume, which usually gets me into trouble, that any brake controller should be able to handle a set of horse trailer brakes with two axles …those with three axles I am not even sure they have brakes on all three axles

[moving_to_dc]

If the truck already has a 7-prong plug, I would make sure it doesn’t have an aftermarket controller mounted somewhere in the cab. Some people put them in crazy places, so look all over within arm’s reach of the driver seat. If there isn’t a controller (the seller may have taken it out), I would look for the wiring harness, and hopefully it was left in place. I do not know if trailer brake controllers have universal wiring harnesses or if they are brand specific, maybe take it to an installer to find out what controller will work with the wiring harness. You will save yourself some money if you DON’T have to run new wiring…

Tekonsha is a good brand, well known with a great reputation. We used Prodigy(s) in all our trucks before we bought newer models with integrated controllers. 8800lbs is NOT a big trailer, so you should be fine.

[Equibrit]

Information here; https://www.etrailer.com/question-9003.html

[enjoytheride]

Yep. I have 2 in my cart at e trailer. Just need to pick one.

[Equibrit]

You might look at that information. It tells you where to find wiring and all that.

[enjoytheride]

Right. There’s a difference between being wired for a plug n play controller and a dash integrated system.

I am looking for opinions on different brands of plug n play controllers.

[hosspuller]

I have a Prodigy 3. I’ve been well pleased. It will handle your Sundowner. Chevy has a factory wire harness for factory towing packages. (sounds like your truck is so equiped.) It connects the brake controller with the brake switch and trailer connector at the back of the truck. No running wires or splicing into the truck wiring required… (except for installing the towing fuse)

Check around the truck, the harness is included with the factory tow package. sometimes, it’s hidden under the dash or behind the seat. Even in the glove box.

[enjoytheride]

Thanks! I ended up ordering the Prodigy 3. It was cheaper than the 2 with more options. It was more expensive than the Primus, which I already have and like.

However, I liked that I can have different settings “bumper pull” “gooseneck and pony” “gooseneck and pony and 17hand TB”