Best and Easiest to Transfer Trailer Brake Controller for Two Trucks

Question:

That system looks great ... but Dear Ol' Dad doesn't have a smart phone and doesn't want one. After talking to him, He'd rather just equip each vehicle. So, that said, he's on his own! :) What do I need to set up the '99 Suburban? It's been suggested to me that I want Prodigy p3 "if you can afford it." Cost is always a factor. I'd like to keep the materials under $200, if I can. But, of course, I even more want to not die in a fiery crash!

asked by: Michael K

Expert Reply:

The best option - by far - for an easily transferable brake controller that you can use in both your 1999 GMC Suburban and 2009 Chevy Silverado 2500 is the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180. Just pop it in and out of the 7-way on both vehicles and that's all there really is to it. Just use your smartphone to set it up on both and has a memory so you can save your profiles, meaning you don't have to set it up more than once per vehicle.

It truly is the perfect option for your situation, though if your 2009 Chevy Silverado 2500 has a 7-way round (as opposed to the far more common 7-blade), you will need a 7-blade, the 7-Pole Round to 7-Way Blade Adapter # HM47425.

Finally, all you need to do is install the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation # ETBC7L on your 1999 GMC Suburban to use the Echo. You will then need the Pollak 7 Pole to 4 Way Connector Adapter # PK12716 to continue to use the 4-way on your other trailer and you're set.

To recap, you will need:
- Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller # C51180
- 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation # ETBC7L (for '99 Suburban)
- 7-way to 4-Way Adapter # PK12716 (for connecting to 4-way on other trailer)
- 7-Pole Round to 7-Way Blade Adapter # HM47425 (if your 2009 Silverado 2500 has a 7-round)

I have added links to video reviews of these parts for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Kyle S

Michael K.

1/23/2020

Kyle S.

1/23/2020

Totally understandable, and we can get your 1999 Chevy Suburban with a 4-way totally set up. All you need is the the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7, which will give you a 7-way connector, circuit breakers and the rest of the hardware needed to install a brake controller. You will be able to plug your other trailer's 4-way into this as well. For a brake controller, the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195 you mentioned is the best option for a high-quality brake controller, and I highly recommend it. The P3 is going to give you smooth braking, has the best display and is both very easy to use and also has continuous diagnostic checks. So if there is a problem with your wiring, for example, it will immediately alert you with easy-to-read test displays as opposed to the sometimes confusing codes that other controllers give you. Another option that is a solid brake controller is the Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller # TK90160. It is going to get the job done and is a good controller if you want a more budget-friendly option, but does not have the display and its button layout isn't as user-friendly as the P3. I have added links to video reviews of both brake controllers for you to check out. So, to recap, all you need for your 1999 Chevy Suburban is: - Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7 - Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195 (Recommended) or Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller # TK90160