Brake Controller Recommendation and Parts Needed to Install Brake Controller On 2016 GMC Terrain

Question

Question:

I have a 2016 GMC Terrain with factory tow package. I WILL be needing a brake controller for what I will be towing currently my boat doesnt have brakes. There is the factory 4 pin connector on the back now. HOWEVER, every one of the brake controllers cites without factory wiring. What should I look for to add a brake controller to my car? Do I need to get one of the install kits to add it or is there a way to plug into the factory harness and add a 5 or 7 pin socket at the back? Thanks

asked by: Mike R

0

Expert Reply:

Since brake controllers are not vehicle specific, any of the brake controllers you found listed in the fitguide for your 2016 GMC Terrain will work for you. The note about "without factory wiring" references that GMC did not pre-wire the Terrain in the factory for a brake controller to be installed.

For an electric brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195. This is our most popular brake controller for your Terrain. The Prodigy P3 features a customizable, easy-to-ready LCD display, 3 boost levels, 5 storable settings for multiple trailers, battery protection, and has continuous diagnostics. I have attached a review video of this controller for you.

Since factory wiring isn't available for installation, to add a brake controller to your Terrain you will want to use the etrailer.com Universal Installation Kit # ETBC7. This kit will provide you with a 4- and 7-way vehicle-side trailer connector, as well as all of the hardware needed to install the connector and brake controller.

The trailer connector that comes with the ETBC7 kit will plug into the existing factory 4-way connector on your Terrain. The blue wire from the connector will need to be ran to the inside of the cab to connect to the blue wire at the back of the brake controller. The black wire on the trailer connector will be routed to a circuit breaker, and then to the positive post on the battery. The white wire will need to be grounded. The purple wire can be connected to the vehicle's reverse lights, auxiliary 12V power, or can be tucked up and out of the way if it is not needed. I have attached the installation instructions for the # ETBC7 kit for you.

At the brake controller, connections in addition to the one at the blue wire will also need to be made. The black wire from the brake controller pigtail will need to be routed to another circuit breaker and then to the positive post on the vehicle battery. The white wire will need to be grounded at the negative post on the vehicle battery. The red wire will need to be connected to the stoplight wire at the back of the brake pedal. This will be the wire that only has signal when the brake pedal is pressed and can be found by testing the wires with a circuit tester, # PTW2993. I have attached a help article on installing a brake controller from scratch for you.

I have attached an installation video of the ETBC7 kit and similar brake controller being installed on a 2010 GMC Acadia for you.