Installing a Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller on a 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche  

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Yes, the Tekonsha Voyager proportional brake controller can be installed on your 2012 Chevy Avalanche. From my research, I have found that your 2012 Chevrolet Avalanche has a factory installed tow package that includes a 7-way wiring vehicle connector. It also has the wiring prep package for a brake controller installed under the dash of your vehicle. Both of these factory options simplify the installation of an aftermarket brake controller.

To begin the installation of the Voyager, you will need to locate and access the wiring prep bundle that is under the dash on the drivers side and to the left of the steering column. It is typically indicated by a white tag that lists the functions of the wires. You will need to connect the vehicle wiring to the proper functions of the Voyager brake controller. Those connections are as follows:

Avalanche Wire Connects to Brake Control Wire and the Function
White connects to White - Ground
Light Blue with White Tracer connects to Red - Brake Light Signal
Red with Black Tracer connects to Black - Power
Blue connects to Blue - Brake Signal output to Trailer
Orange Wire on Avalanche is not used for brake controller installation - Center High Mount Stop Lamp (CHMSL)

Please make sure that the Voyager is mounted in the correct orientation and direction of travel. It must be mounted in a level horizontal plane and must be lined up with the direction of travel for the internal sensor to function properly. The Voyager can not be mounted less than a -20 degrees or more than 70 degrees relative to the horizontal orientation. Please refer to the installation instructions that I have included.

After the wiring connections have been made, you will need to make two connection points on the under hood fuse box. One is the power to the Voyager, the other is the power for the 12V accessory wire on the vehicle 7-way. The wires and connection points are already there you just have to make the connections. The brake controller power will connect to the silver stud, and the 12V accessory wire will connect to the black stud.

It is possible that your Avalanche has a factory installed integrated brake controller. If this is the case you can only run one brake controller at a time, trying to use both the aftermarket and the integrated brake controller will result in damage to one, or possibly both, of the brake controllers.

I have included a helpful article that explains the installation of an aftermarket brake controller on a vehicle with or without a factory integrated brake controller, and a video of a similar product installed on a slightly newer Chevy Avalanche for your reference.

expert reply by: Rachael H

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