Trailer Brake Controller Installation in 2002 Chevrolet Silverado
Question:
Your website shows several brake controllers for use on the 2002 Chev Silverado. Some say with 7 lead wiring some without the harness but the picture shows a wiring harness that is exactly the same. My truck came from the factory with a pre-wired harness no brake controller that I am aware of and trailer hitch. What do I need, if anything, to pull a 5,000lb trailer with 2 axles. What does the 90195 controller with 3025-P harness do that the less expensive controllers dont? I also have a question about the Husky 4500R trailer jack. There is a lever of some sort shown in one of the pictures. What is its function?
asked by: Dennis
Expert Reply:
On our brake controller page for your 2002 Silverado we note the different ways a vehicle can be equipped because this affects the parts required for installing a brake controller.
The term "with factory 7-way" means a vehicle that has 7-pole trailer wiring installed by the factory (not by the dealer or end user) since this also means the factory installed a quick-connect port under the dashboard for connecting the controller using a harness like # 3025-P. This brand-specific harness works with Tekonsha brand controllers like the P2 # 90885 and the P3 # 90195. Such a truck needs only the controller unit itself and the harness # 3025-P as shown in the linked video.
Other versions not equipped with factory wiring will need additional parts, such as a 7-way socket # PK11898 or part # 30955 (if the truck has a round plug with a cap instead of a bundle of wires above the spare tire). The drop-down menu tool at the top of the linked page will let you choose how your truck is configured so that you get the parts you need without any that you don't.
The P2 and P3 are among the best controllers available, and they offer the same functional performance. The costlier P3 includes a nice display, slightly easier set-up and the ability to store settings for different trailers, but the actual braking performance of the two is the same. Either one is an excellent choice for a trailer with electric brakes or with an electric-over-hydraulic brake actuator. Both are proportional-type controllers that will slow the trailer right along with the truck, without the tug-of-war feeling that can happen with budget time-delay type units. The linked article will explain in detail.
The DISCONTINUED Husky a-frame jack you referenced had a manual crank handle to allow operation without electrical power. If you send me trailer information I can recommend a tongue jack for you.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - GM
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Replacement Custom Multi-Tow 7-Way and 4-Way Trailer Connectors
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Pollak 7-Pole, RV-Style Trailer Connector Socket w/ Wiring Harness and Mounting Bracket
- Trailer Wiring
- Trailer Connectors
- Vehicle End Connector
- 0 - 5 Feet Long
- Plug and Lead
- 7 Round - Blade
- Pollak
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
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