Lets say you ordered a suburban and it came with the K5L Heavy Duty trailer package BUT it did not come with the JL1 (integrated) trailer brake controller?

How would you get this brand new car the integrated brake controller? The genuine factory one NOT an aftermarket unit.

The guys at the dealership told me you would have to tear out the dashboard and install a completely different wiring harness. This must be false...

 

You could get the controller and wiring harness from parts dept and try it yourself. Would recommend getting the FSM from Helm, Inc for guidance.

BTW you'd have to order the controller as it is a separate option. And there is an opening in the lower left dash panel for the controls.

 

you'd also have to flash the BCM as the display is part of the DIC.


I knew I wanted to tow a jeep on a trailer and my boat (that, yes has ELECTRIC) brakes...

so I got one w/it.

LOVE it.

 

So it sounds totally doable.

Why on earth Chevy would make a car with a special rear end for towing and heavy duty transmission cooler all designed for towing then have the break controller be a separate order is unfathomable to me! On an LTZ ta boot! $170 item!

It about like building a car but not including the wheels. Oh, you wanted those too?

 

for the same reason remote start is an OPTION on a $55,000 caddy... because they get to screw you just a bit more

 

I've searched everywhere and still haven't found anyone who has successfully done this. Except for the guy who spent $1000 in parts. I just bought a 2011 Tahoe LT with trailer package but no controller. I'm hoping that since they are now available as an actual option, that most of the parts would be the same. It looks like you need the knee bolster, switch and brake relay. My only problem is that I can't locate the plug near the back that goes into the relay. So I'm thinking you may need a whole new wire harness?

Has anyone else come up with any new information? Thanks!

 

Nope, I verified all the options before buying.

Sorry...

My check list was SatNav, Towing.

So I got an LTZ lol. Even has power lift gate and BLIS.

 

I guess you need a whole new wiring harness and remove the dash etc etc. DONT DO IT.

I made them install an aftermarket brake controller which is actually better and had them wire it into the center console box. I still cant believe they would have a different wiring harness for "brake controller" and one without. Amazing they dont have one harness that fits everything.

GM you suck!

 

Yea, my friend bought a $55k Caddy... no remote start...

can't add it.

GM can't / won't add it. 2011. they just... wouldn't.

Sales guy said they would / could.

 

My dealer let me order my 2011 Tahoe the way I wanted it in June of 2010 before pricing was available (no obligation to buy). I ordered the towing package only and was surprised to find when it came in in early September that it included the brake controller as part of the towing package and the cost of the towing package had increased by $200 which was the same as just the controller before. I verified on Chevrolet's "build your own" that it was now part of the towing package. A month or so later I noticed that it was changed back to a separate item. I don't know why they included it for a few months and then chaged it back to a separate item. I didn't need it as my boat trailer has surge brakes but I guess it's good to have if i ever need to tow a trailer with electric brakes.