Brake Controller, Trans Cooler & Weight Distribution Recommendations for 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer

Question:

Im looking to outfit my 2004 Chevy Trailblazer for towing a roughly 3,000lb trailer over the mountains. The truck has a 4.2L engine, and rated towing capacity is 5,100lb. I intend to purchase a transmission cooler, a proportional brake controller, and a weight distributing hitch, and I would like to know if you would recommend specific items from your ion. Thank you.

asked by: Mr. P

Expert Reply:

We can help you ready your 2004 Chevrolet TrailBlazer for towing your 3K-lb trailer through mountainous terrain.

For a brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 proportional controller. This advanced and reliable controller includes many user-friendly features such as an easy-read display, automatic leveling and storable settings. These are why this unit is so highly-rated by our customers.

If your TrailBlazer has a factory-installed 7-way trailer socket at the rear bumper then you will not need any other parts to install the P3. If you do NOT have the factory 7-way then you will need to first install a 4-pole harness # 118384 and use our brake controller install kit # ETBC7. An article and video on the ETBC7 kit are linked for you.

A transmission cooler is a worthwhile addition to your towing set up as it will prolong the life and performance of your transmission. You can use Derale Class III cooler # D13503 and hose fitting kit # D13035. I have linked an install video showing this cooler installed in a 2004 TrailBlazer.

Selection of a weight distribution/sway control (WD/SC) system for your trailer requires you to confirm your trailer's fully loaded road-ready tongue weight (TW). Load the trailer with all supplies and gear just as it will be when you head out, and to that weight figure add the weight of anything in the vehicle that sits behind the rear axle, such as a loaded cooler or generator. You can measure TW with a scale # e99044 or by one of the other methods outlined in the linked article.

Once you know your total TW you can choose a WD/SC system that will provide the desired shift of TW forward onto the front axle. Ideally your total TW will fall right in the middle of the system's operating range. You can use the linked page to view systems; simply click on your total TW figure.

Let's say your total TW ends up at 600-lbs. In this case the system I recommend is the Reese Strait-Line # RP66083. This is arguably the best system on the market; it actually prevents sway from starting (instead of trying to fix it afterwards) and it provides excellent ground clearance thanks to its trunnion style bars. This system's operating range is for TW from 400- to 800-lbs, so a 550-650-lb TW will be an ideal match. It is compatible with electric trailer brakes and allows you to back up the trailer without having to disconnect anything. All you need to add is a hitch ball, either 2-inch ball # A-90 or 2-5/16-inch ball # 19286.