Recommended Brake Controller for 2008 Chevy Sliverado  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Brake controllers are not vehicle specific, just about any controller can be used on any vehicle.

This being said, some controllers are better than others. There are two types of controllers, time delayed and proportional. The Activator controller # 5504 you referenced is the time delayed type. A time delayed controller will always send the same pre-set amount of voltage to the trailer brakes, regardless of the braking input on the towing vehicle. In other words, the controller will not be able to tell the difference between a quick tap on the brake or a full out panic stop.

Proportional controllers use an internal accelerometer that can determine how quickly and with what intensity the tow vehicle brake are being applied, and will then send the appropriate amount of voltage to the trailer brakes so that the vehicle and trailer stop at the same rate. This has the benefit of safer and more predictable braking, as well as causing less wear and tear on the trailer and vehicle brakes.

A time delayed controller is still a legitimate choice, but I would recommend it for someone that was only going to use it occasionally.

The Tekonsha Prodigy P2, part # 90885 is an example of a proportional controller. It is our best seller, primarily because it is so easy to set up as well as being extremely easy to use.

Beginning with the 2007 model year, GM eliminated the plug in connector from under the dash. There will be a bundle of wires with a white tag attached to it under the dash, above the emergency brake pedal that will wire directly to the controller as follows: The red tow package wire will attach to the black wire on the controller, the dark blue tow package wire will attach to the blue controller wire, the light blue tow package wire connects to the red controller wire and the white tow package wire attaches to the white wire on the controller.

If your Silverado does not already have the 7-way connector at the rear bumper, you will need part # PK11916. This connector will plug into the harness located above the spare tire. There also might be some final connections that need to be made under the hood. This is explained in the FAQ article mentioned below.

We have some excellent online resources to assist with your install. Click on the links provided to see some FAQ articles as well as an install video.

expert reply by: Mike L

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