Brake Controller Recommendation for a 2005 Chevy Silverado 1500 with Factory Tow Package

Question:

I have a 2005 Silverado 1500 with the 7 wire plug installed. with the trailer package. The truck has a wire harness in the glove box p/n Z68185418. Do I need to install this harness and a brake control to have trailer brakes?

asked by: Jim C

Expert Reply:

If the trailer you plan to tow has electric brakes and you want them to work, you will need a brake controller for your 2005 Chevy Silverado. The wiring harness you found is possibly for a brake controller. If it is, it will plug into a port underneath the dash.

To the left of the brake pedal in the corner under the dash is an electrical junction box with a black cover. Remove the cover. There should be an empty port on the top row, second from the left. Check the harness you found to determine if it fits into this port.

If it does, you can use it with a brake controller. The wire colors on your harness may be different than those used for a brake controller so follow the function and wire location from the back of the plug to hardwire a brake controller.

Wire coming from the bottom right is ground and connects to the white wire on a brake controller. Wire coming from the left center is 12 volt power and it connects to the brake controller black wire. The wire in the top left location is output to trailer and it connects to the blue wire on a brake controller. Last, the wire in the top right position is input from the brake light signal and it connects to the brake controller red wire.

If there are other wires on your harness, they will not be used by the brake controller so they can be taped up and stowed out of the way.

The other option, which may be easier, is to use a brake controller and vehicle specific wiring harness together so you can just plug everything in. I recommend the Tekonsha P2, # 90885, and wiring harness # 3015-P that you have referenced. The brake controller is one of our best sellers because it is easy to set up and use. The harness plugs into the truck in that same port and into the brake controller for a quick and easy installation. I have included a link to a video showing a typical installation for you.

I have also included a link to the brake controller instructions and an FAQ article that covers brake controller installation on your generation Silverado. Since your truck has the factory tow package, you may not need to perform any of the underhood connections mentioned in the FAQ. I hae also added an FAQ to brake controllers.