Brake Controller & Installation Parts Needed for 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe with 4-Pole Trailer Wiring

Question:

I need everything to add electric brakes to my 1996 tahoe lt I have existing 4 way and will still need the 4 way also. I see you have a coupl different boosters can you explain the difference and give me a parts list of what else Ill need. Thanks

asked by: Scott

Expert Reply:

We can get you all set with a trailer brake controller for your 1996 Chevrolet Tahoe.

Since you already have a working 4-pole flat trailer harness all you'll need, apart from the brake controller itself, is our installation kit # ETBC7. For a versatile and easy-to-use controller that has been proven to be very reliable I suggest the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885. This controller will work perfectly with both standard electric drum brakes and also with electric-over-hydraulic braking systems.

The P2 is a proportional type controller, preferred for most applications, because it will slow the trailer in direct relation to the deceleration of the Tahoe. It senses the rate of braking and applies an equivalent signal for the trailer. This delivers smoother performance than the time-delay type, which always applies the same amount of power, and which can cause a bit of the 'tug-of-war' feeling between the vehicle and trailer. You can refer to the linked brake controller article for more.

Installation of the # ETBC7 kit is shown in the linked article and video. The trailer connector included in the kit has both 7-way and 4-pole receptacles so you'll still be able to connect both types of trailer wiring to the one connector.

expert reply by: Adam R