Audiofn

I purchased a 2014 Chevy 1500 a while ago not even thinking that it would be an issue adding a factory brake controller. When I went to the dealer they said it was not possible. They said it would be 2,000 dollars because you have to replace all kinds of wire harnesses in the car and also computers. I was bummed out and figured I would just put in an after market one. Then I looked at the dash and just can not bring myself to mess up the dash and also any place that I can put it will hit my legs. There is a spot I could put it in the center console but it would be vertical and I don't think that they would work that way? Does anyone know of a brake controller that has a remotely mounted set of buttons? I found ones by Redarc and GSL electronics that look interesting One of the others I have looked at is the Tekonsha RF units. Has anyone tried one of those? They seem like a nice way to go because I could move it from truck to truck if some one does not have the electric set up already... Last I could put a unit apart and hook up factory controllers but that sounds like more work then I want to do... Any ideas?

shunter2005

I did a lot of research about this a few months ago, when I was going to convert to an EOH system and as far as I could figure, a factory controller cannot be added. There are several aftermarket controllers that are ok to use, but if you don't want to drill into your dash or bust your knees, you might take a look at the Hopkins In Sight Flex mount controller. It's small and every thing can either be screwed in or you can use double side tape to secure the 3 parts.

Audiofn

I saw that one and I am going out to look at locations to mount the controls and display. The other one I saw was this one http://www.redarc.com.au/products/product/tow-pro/

Baja170

iTrader: (1)

Tekonsha is the same as Prodigy. Excellent brake controllers.

I had a 2008 2500HD with the factory brake controller in it. The sensor they have to remove the complete master cylinder to replace went out three times on it. I now have a 2012 3500HD Dually with factory brake controller and a 2014 1500 double cab with factory brake controller. The 2012 dually has already had that sensor go out once in less than 35K miles.

I would not pay for a factory brake controller. Go with the Tekonsha or Prodigy and all the have to run is I am pretty sure two wires. Next time the sensor goes out on either of my current trucks, I am going to go with a Tekonsha or Prodigy instead. I think they are superior brake controllers as well. I have over 100K miles + on the factory controllers and I had a Prodigy in my 2004 2500HD and it was a lot more consistent brake controller than the factory ones. You are going to need to go to a trailer specialist that knows how to wire the Prodigy or Tekonsha properly. I believe they have to run one wire to your trailer plug and one somewhere else, hard to remember, it was 2010 when I looked into it.

Symptoms of the factory controllers I don't like.
1. Same trailer, one day it takes a given setting, the next time you hook it up, it takes a different setting.
2. Slower to react to inertial changes when stopped and starting and during hard braking. That is the whole reason to have an inertial controller so it only applies as much braking as you need, not enough to jerk you to death in your tow vehicle.
3. Faults and says check trailer wiring sometimes when the plug gets wet. I use dielectric grease to help with this problem. It still happens once you get enough wear on the plug.
4. When the sensor on the master cylinder goes, you have no trailer brakes at all.
5. No all dealers believe it or not keep a sensor in stock. I have had one go out while out of town and we had to stay an extra day. At that time I was pulling over 15K 5er and definitely not without brakes.
6. I will think of more. If both my trucks did not come with the factory controllers, I would have Prodigy's or Tekonsha's in them now.

shunter2005

Thanks for the info. I like the small unobtrusive knob in the cab vs. the bulky knee breaking controllers that hang under the dash. If I decide to one day go to electric over hydraulic brakes and not to use my factory controller I will certainly consider using the tow pro.

For me, it just becomes a matter of space, looks and usability. Room in the cab is paramount. There is never enough of it, but drilling into the lower dash and hanging a controller is just something that I don't want to do. Personally, I think that most all the brake controllers (when hanging under dash) look kinda cheesy. I know they work, but I just hate seeing them there. JMO....

Tekonsha, Hopkins and most of the others use a simple three wire hookup. Your truck should have the wiring harness from the factory up under the dash. Looked at a couple of install vids on the tow pro and it looks similar to any of the others so if it is compatible, it should be a fairly simple process to connect.

Baja170

iTrader: (1)

On the 2014 there is plenty of room to hide it in the center not where my knee is. I have a 6.2 SS model. Not so easy in the 3500 because of the Allison transmission and center console.

Audiofn

I have a 1500 LTZ and there is no place on the center console at all except for back inside the arm rest. That is a possibility and my last resort if I need it.

shunter2005

Neither does my 09 GMC 2500. I don't know about you, but I want to be able to get to the controller easily if I have to.

US1 Fountain

iTrader: (1)

Maxbrake isn't inertia operated, has no required mounting orientation. You could mount it in the glove box if desired, but you'd loose the ability to control the manual override.
Just happen to know where one is for sale...
http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...ontroller.html

shunter2005

Man, I looked everywhere (except here) for a Maxbrake controller last year before I decided not to go EOH and now the new trailer is straight surge. Too bad I don't need it now or I would jump on it.