Purpose of Brake Controller and How to Install One on 2002 Chevy Suburban

Question

Question:

What is the brake control used for and how do I use it? I drive a 02 Chevy Suburban if that helps.

asked by: Brandon G

0

Expert Reply:

If you are towing a trailer that has electric brakes and you want them to operate, you would need to install a brake controller on your vehicle.

There are two primary types of brake controllers, the older time delayed type or proportional. A time delayed controller will always send the same pre-set amount of voltage to the trailer brakes, but the time between when the vehicle brake pedal is pressed and when the voltage is sent to the trailer brakes is adjustable. The major disadvantage of time delayed controllers is that they cannot differentiate between a quick press on the brake pedal or a full-out panic stop. A proportional controller can be adjusted so that the trailer brakes actuate at the same speed and intensity as the tow vehicle brakes. This leads to safer, more predictable and reliable braking. I will also help your brakes last longer, as neither the vehicle nor the trailer are doing all the work.

The Tekonsha Primus, part # TK90160 is an example of a high quality, reasonably priced proportional brake controller.

If your Suburban already has a 7-way trailer connector, installing a controller will be pretty simple. If you use a Tekonsha controller, you can use a wiring adapter, part # 3025-P. One end would plug into the rear of the controller, the other would plug into the connector under the dash as shown in the FAQ article I have linked to. If the controller you use has bare wires exiting the rear, you can use the same harness, but cut off the black connector and wire it color for color to your controller.

If you do not have the 7-way, one can be installed using part # 74682 which would plug into the connector located on the drivers side frame rail or above the spare tire.

expert reply by: Mike L

0

Answer 1

According to the owner's manual for your 2003 Chevrolet Suburban with the 5.3L engine and 3.73 gear ratio, the towing capacity of the vehicle is 7,400 lbs if you have a 2WD or 7,100 lbs of you have a 4WD. In order to tow a trailer with your…

view full answer...

Answer 2

It is possible that the trailer is simply too large for a 1/2 ton SUV. The weight is borderline of what I would be comfortable towing with a 1/2 ton, but the length I think is a bigger concern. That is an awfully long trailer not to be use a 3/4 or…

view full answer...

Answer 3

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 5

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Answer 6

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The Prodigy P3 trailer brake controller uses a 4-wire hookup. The white wire is to be grounded to the battery negative terminal; the black power wire connects to the battery hot terminal through a circuit breaker; the red wire takes in the brake…

view full answer...

Answer 8

The two sizes you mentioned are pretty similar and fit many of the same 15 inch wheels. The 205/75-15 fits rim widths of 5 inch to 6-1/2 inch whereas the 225/75-15 fits widths that are 5 inch to 6 inch. The 205 is 27.1 inches tall and the 225 is 28.4…

view full answer...

Answer 9

It is important for any trailer to be level when hitched, whether a bumper-pull or a 5th wheel, and it is also necessary to have enough clearance at the bed rails for the trailer's overhang. The linked diagram shows the recommended minimum…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Since wire color codes are NOT universal, we always recommend wiring by function, rather than wire color. If you look at the Trailer Wiring FAQ article I have linked you to, you can see some diagrams showing the proper way to wire a vehicle and…

view full answer...

Answer 11

For sag from towing a trailer the best recommendation I can make is actually a weight distribution system. Suspension enhancement will help level your truck while towing. But the advantage to a weight distribution system is that it levels the vehicle…

view full answer...

Answer 12

If you are just looking for a new converter, the Replacement Converter for Parallax/Magnetek or WFCO RV Power Centers part #PD4635V will be a direct upgrade for the Magnetek Converter Series 6300 Model 6332 that you have now.

view full answer...