Nick Willi

Greetings, all:

I recently purchased a 2018 Colorado to pull a 3500 lb camper trailer. The truck is equipped with the towing package and has the hitch and 7 point plug installed. From what I know, it looks to be good to go for towing.
Our previous tow vehicle did not originally come with the 7 point plug and it was installed along with a trailer brake controller under the dash in front. I never really used it for anything except looking at the numbers change.

Do I need to have a brake controller installed on the truck before I tow the camper? Doesn't one of the wires in the 7 point plug manage the trailer brakes?

Thanks for the advice!

Sincerely,
Nick

tech2

if the truck isn't factory equipped with a brake controller...you will need one to power the electric brakes. consider getting a factory controller if its an option... as it incorporates sway control using the abs, yaw sensors already present with the stability control system. it will also fits into the knee bolster neatly. aftermarket controllers do not incorporate sway control.

Nicholas Willi

Thank you very much for the information. That's what I was looking for. I've seen the aftermarket controllers but found this factory controller: https://www.gmpartsstore.com/oem-par...662?origin=pla
According to the page, it fits the 2015 - 2019 Chevy Colorado, except for 2018 and that seems weird to me. I'll keep looking or do you have a suggestion?
Thanks again!

tech2

that is not a factory controller. Its made by curt.
call the dealer parts dept. and get a quote. maybe factory controller are not an option for a Colorado.

rmclin

I have a 2018 with a factory electric brake controller. I might be wrong but it's my understanding that a factory unit cannot be retrofitted since the wiring is not installed unless the truck came with the brake controller from the factory. An aftermarket unit would work but as noted the anti-sway would not be available.

tech2

It may be a dealer install accessory. Gm parts would know. I have done them on the 1500's. It comes with a controller, wiring harness and then must be dealer programmed.