Brake Controller For a 2016 Chevrolet Colorado With a Factory Tow Package
Question:
I have a 2016 Chevy Colorado WT with 3.6L engine and factory trailering equipment package. Will the subject Redarc brake controller work on my truck? If so, is there an adaptor cable available for my vehicle that that could be used with the Redarc to make installation a little easier?
asked by: Steve M
Expert Reply:
On the Chevrolet Colorado trucks there is not a factory plug under the dash however, the vehicle is pre-wired for a brake controller if it has the tow package. To connect the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional Item # RED44FR the wires are located behind the left kick panel and will be taped to the existing bundle of wires. Extending the wires may be necessary depending on where you choose to mount the controller.
If you have to extend the wires I recommend Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 12-10 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Yellow - Qty 5 Item # DW05745-5.
If you are looking to ever tow the trailer with another vehicle and keep the inside of the vehicle free of a brake controller I recommend Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller - Trailer Mount - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional Item # 3430001. This controller mounts on the trailer in any orientation. Has five wires that connect to the corresponding wires on the trailer plug. As long as the vehicle towing it has power to a plug at the back it can be towed with any vehicle that can handle the weight of the trailer. There are three settings on the main unit for different weight on the trailer. The only thing needed in any vehicle when towing the trailer is the key fob which not only allows you to fine tune the braking pressure on the trailer but also has a manual over ride in the event of a trailer sway situation. The different weight settings range from 3500 lbs for setting 1, 3500 lb -6900lbs on setting 2, and 6900 lbs - 12000 lbs on setting 3.
I have provided a link to a review video on the autobrake so you can take a closer look at how it works. I have also provided a link to a video instillation on a 2016 Colorado with a different brake controller and how to wire it. The wiring will be the same for the Redarc.
Products Referenced in This Question
Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller - Trailer Mount w/ Remote Fob - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Remote Control
- Trailer Mount
- Up to 3 Axles
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Autowbrake
more information >
Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 12-10 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Yellow - Qty 5
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Butt Connectors
- 12-10 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 2 Braking Modes - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Hidden
- Up to 3 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Redarc
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Stability Plus Stabilizer Helper Springs - OEM Leaf Springs Above Axle
- Video: Stability Plus Stabilizer Helper Springs Review
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: REDARC Tow-Pro Liberty vs Tow-Pro Elite
- Q&A: What is Difference Between Redarc Tow Pro Liberty and Elite
- Article: 2005-Current Volkswagen Touareg, Audi, or Porsche Cayenne
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Spectrum Brake Controller to Redarc Tow-Pro Elite
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between the Redarc Tow Pro Elite V2 and v3
- Q&A: Potential Brake Controller Harness Location on a 2023 Nissan Frontier
- Q&A: Which Blue Ox Weight Weight Distribution System for Lance 1475 Trailer
- Q&A: My Vehicle has a 4-Pin Trailer Plug, but Trailer has 7-Pin Trailer Plug