Brake Controller Recommendation for 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 to Bypass OEM for EOH Brakes

Question:

We have a 2018 Chevy Silverado 2500HD w/ in dash factory brake controller. We purchased a 2015 Lifestyle 38foot 5th wheel w/ elec over hydraulic brakes. My factory controller apparently does not see the trailer brakes. I have read installing 1 or 2 elec brake magnets into the system can cure this problem or installing a Prodigy brake controller. How would I go about either and what are the pros and cons of each. We are full timers and this is our only home. Thank you,

asked by: John D

Expert Reply:

The brake magnet trick can work but we know that it's not always reliable so for a full-timer it would not be what I would recommend. I would highly recommend a brake controller that is perfectly compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes like the Prodigy P2 part # 90885 that you referenced.

In order to bypass your factory installed controller and install an aftermarket brake controller like the Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller, # 90885, with Plug-In Wiring Adapter, # 3016, you will have to make a couple of cuts and connections. The # TA05-028 is not the correct adapter.

You will then take a length of wire, # 10-1-1, and connect it to the blue wire you removed from the connector.

Route the blue wire through the firewall, under the truck, and to the trailer connector. Avoid hot or moving parts like suspension and exhaust.

At the trailer connector, remove the wire in the 7 oclock position (looking at the back of the connector where the wires attach). Tape it up and stow it out of the way. Then attach the wire you ran to the 7 oclock position. This will bypass the factory controller without causing any dash lights/error messages to appear.

The 10-1-1 wire is sold in lengths of 1 foot. So if you needed 20 feet you would put 20 in the quantity box.