Trailer brake control with remote display
 

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?

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.

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Yeah, kinda hard to find these days. These controllers are night and day difference from the standard controllers. No experience with the factory equipped trucks. I see a lot of talk about Maxbrake on the towing message boards, but you gotta join and put in several posts before you can sell items. Thought I'd give it a try here 1st.

Those look like the way to go but it still does not fix the issue of something being down by my legs? That is really the only location I am can mount it.

Never heard of them but I am interested. If it not a inertial controller how does it keep you from being jerked to hell and back when pulling 16K+?

gotcha. dont know of anything other than factory that will work if under dash is only location you can mount. You can hang this one from your sun visors or overhead console. :)

It works off your brake line pressure. And only that. The harder you push on brake pedal, the higher the voltage output. Makes no difference if you are moving or stopped., forward or reverse. That's what's nice about these, you have 100% trailer brakes when backing down the ramp.
They only made these a few yrs, but then trucks started coming out with factory controllers, thus the demand wasn't enough to stay afloat. Plus they were $400???? vs the $150 inertia units available today. Do a search in the desiel forums for towing large trailers,
They are basically the same as the old controllers used back in the 70's, HK????

look at this:
http://www.direclink.com/direclinkne.html

Well, if you are going to have to drill holes and mount it at the bottom of the dash, you might as well use the best controller you can find. You certainly couldn't go wrong with the Maxbrake that US1 has and it's pretty easy to install.

Here is another high $$ system. I don't know much about them, but the RV people who have them, love them. It interacts with your vehicle computer.

http://www.brakecontroller.com/direclink.htm

Dang it!! Wally beat me to it.

If I was dead set on NOT having a controller mounted on the bottom of the dash (I was), I would most likely buy the Hopkins Flex Mount. It mounts most anywhere. Granted, it's not greatest, but it's less than a C-note, an hour of time for install and by all indications, works pretty well. If you find that you don't like it, you don't have a bunch of money invested or holes in your dash.

That looks like something worth checking out! I knew some one would show me something new... At least I have something to do tonight now.

A Tekonsha P3 with the plastic mount can be put in where the ashtray would be on earlier trucks.
Closed:
http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/...ps3zwf3jpk.jpg

Open with controller unhooked http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/...pst4xgcsuq.jpg

Open with controller plugged in
http://i1342.photobucket.com/albums/...psvqllurhf.jpg

I'm not sure if the LTZs are set up the same as the LTs...I know some of the higher trim levels in the Sierra line have a full console instead of a middle jump seat.

LTZ's have the full console in the middle. I don't even think I have a ash tray.

http://image.trucktrend.com/f/573677...-dash-view.jpg

Get the maxbrake, i have it and love it. Mount it anywhere, set it and forget it.

I have the MaxBrake that US1Fountain is advertising, and it's the best one out there, period. But it's not out there anymore. Used is the only option. I'm considering buying his just to have a spare for my F-350; and I also had it wrapped in woodgrain vinyl to match my dash. In my second truck, I have a Tenkosha Prodigy P3. It also works well, but it's an inertia based controller, so not my favorite.

The DirectLink is the new controller from the folks that made the MaxBrake. It get's brake system pressure electronically from your OBD-II system, and sends the signal to the trailer. Some folks have added a second OBD-II port to there truck, or installed a Y-cable, just to mount the controller up out of the way under the dash, with the remote then routed somewhere more convenient.

I see a price increase coming about :D

Jon, did you end up buying this for your Chevy? http://www.brakecontroller.com/direclink.htm

If so, how does it work?

The GF is bringing home an ML350 Bluetec Diesel, and we need something for her vintage camper with electric brakes.

Brian, I have not purchased it yet. Once I ran into the structure issue with the boat it kind of got side tracked. Boat is a lot lighter with out power in it! GRRRRR Anyhow I did a TON of research and the seem to be very well regarded and I am not anticipating any issues. This will be what I get when the time is right.

Actually , I purchased this for my Ram 2500 diesel to tow my Manning EOH trailer under my Top Gun - so far seems to work extremely well.