How to Install a Brake Controller on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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Question:

I have a 2017 Chevy 1500 LT 4x4 with factory tow package but no break controller. My question is, do you have to do anything else like connect up the break wire or is it plug and play?

asked by: David

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

To install a brake controller on your 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT 4x4, you will just need the vehicle specific plug-in adapter. These adapters are usually brand specific. For example, if you go with the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 brake controller, # 90195, which is one of the top brake controllers on the market, then you will want to use their adapter, # 3016. I've attached an installation video of this setup on a 2017 Silverado for you to check out.

If you are undecided on a brake controller yet, then you can purchase the GM brake controller pigtail, # 3016-S, which comes with the vehicle side connector for your truck and 4 blunt cut wires to splice into any brake controller you choose. Pretty much all brake controller follow an industry standard color code (black, white, blue, red), so you would just splice color to color.

Another brake controller that I highly recommend is the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite, # 331-EBRH-ACCV2. This is a premium brake controller that was brought to the United States from Australia's top brake controller manufacturer Redarc. This brake controller can install directly into your dash using a blank switch panel or anywhere on your dash or consol where you have space. This is much more concealed than traditional box style brake controllers and it provides a more factory look. I attached one of our customer submitted photos on a Silverado for you to see where other customers have installed this controller and how it looks. This brake controller will use the GM pigtail, # 3016-S which will splice in to the brake controller wiring color for color.

expert reply by: John H

1

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Answer 1

Based on my research the issue with installing a factory brake controller on your Silverado (post-factory) has to do with the factory harness and programming on the truck. Chevy's official stance is that it cannot be added after the fact.…

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Answer 2

To determine why you do not have any power on the blue brake output wire, I recommend starting at your brake controller. First, make sure the brake controller is on and receiving power. Most brake controllers have 4 wires, blue (brake output to…

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Answer 3

The blue wire on a trailer is typically the output wire to the electric brake assemblies. If this is the case on your trailer then the wire should only have power when you are hooked up to the tow vehicle and are applying the brakes, either by…

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Answer 4

You can absolutely install an aftermarket trailer brake controller to your 2021 Chevy Silverado 1500 with the factory tow package, so whoever told you that had some bad info. And since you have the factory tow package you can simply add a plug and…

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Answer 5

Yes, to control the brakes on your trailer you have to have a brake controller. Without one there's no safe way to activate the trailer brakes. So for your 2017 Chevy Silverado I would recommend the Prodigy P3 Brake Controller part #90195. This…

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Answer 6

The factory brake controller port on your 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500 is in your vehicle's junction box underneath the dash, to the left of the steering column, just above the carpeting. If you take a look at the accompanying photo you can see…

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Answer 7

Since your trailer has the bracket #FRCBRKT-BL that would mean your trailer has the Furrion pre-wiring which is very common for newer RVs. The part #FOS43TASF is a fit for this and would be a really easy install. This gives you a monitor with a 4.3…

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Answer 8

The Curt Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver #C31069 provides the most ground clearance out of the three available for your 2017 Chevy Silverado 1500. To give you a better idea of how low each hitch would sit once bolted to your frame I have attached…

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Answer 9

Don't worry, I can help. You will want to plug the brake controller plug #3016 into the junction box on your 2015 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 just below the blue and white plug to the very left of the junction box. I have linked two pictures to this…

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Answer 10

Out of the available front mount hitches that fit your 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 I recommend the Draw-Tite #65064. In all honesty it has the same weight ratings as the Curt #C31069 but it is a little more popular and has more reviews. Either one…

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Answer 11

When using the #3016 to install a Tekonsha or Draw-Tite brake controller on your 2018 Chevy Silverado 1500, you're looking for the 2 plugs on the left hand side and you will install the controller adapter in the upper one; there should be a…

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Answer 12

The only pin that should be continuously showing 12V power on the 7-Way connector on your vehicle is the 12V power circuit which is normally the black wire but not always. In 7-way wiring the 12V auxiliary power feed is carried on the contact at the…

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How to Install a Brake Controller on a 2017 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

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