Do I Need a Brake Controller for a 2007 Chevy Tahoe with Tow Package Towing a 2017 Jayco Baja
Question:
My Tahoe came with a tow package. Do I need a brake controller too?
asked by: Paul W
Expert Reply:
Assuming your trailer has brakes, you may still need a brake controller. GM started putting factory brake controllers in their trucks and SUVs in 2007, but it was an option. The factory brake controller did not come standard with the tow package. If you have a factory brake controller, you will see a black square with a horizontal lever and two buttons (+ and -) just below your light controls to the left of your steering wheel.
If you don't have that, then you will need to add a brake controller and it will have to be spliced into the brake controller wires that are bundled up under and behind the dash. You should see a group of 5 wires with a white label wrapped around that gives the color and function of each wire.
For a brake controller, I really like the Curt Spectrum Brake Controller, # C51170, because it leaves a very small footprint and provides a more OEM look compared to the traditional box style brake controllers. You will also need their wiring adapter, # C51515, to connect to the factory brake controller wires under the dash.
If you plan on doing the installation yourself, I've attached a brake controller installation video on a 2008 Tahoe, which will be the same on your 2007 model, that we made to give you an idea of what will be involved.
Products Referenced in This Question
Universal Wiring Adapter for Curt Trailer Brake Controllers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Universal
- CURT
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller - Dash Mounted Knob - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Hidden
- Up to 4 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Up to 360 Degrees
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Tekonsha Voyager iD Brake Controller - Dash Knob - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Article: Installing an Electric Brake Controller on 2007-2013 GM Full-Size Truck or 2007-Present GM SUV
- Shop: Universal Wiring Adapter for Curt Trailer Brake Controllers
- Search Results: 331~tpsi~001
- Video: How to Install: Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller on your 2010 Chevrolet Silverado
- Shop: Curt Echo Under-Dash Bluetooth Brake Controller w/ Plug-In Harness - Up to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Curt Spectrum Brake Controller w/Universal Harness - Dash Mounted Knob - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Tuson DirecLink Base Model Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional
- Shop: Universal Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Q&A: Brake Controller Installation on 2007 Chevy Tahoe
- Search Results: c51170
- Search Results: curt 51170
- Search Results: 90195
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Performance Chip Tuners
- Video: Complete Breakdown of the Vesper Steel Modular Trailer Wheel
- Search Results: 2~5/16 " balls~14000 lbs
- Search Results: 2~5/16 " ball
- Search Results: ball
- Q&A: Can Two Hitch Extenders Be Used Together
- Q&A: Can a Trailer Ride With the Tongue at an Upward or Downward Angle
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Finding the Right Trailer Wiring Harness
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
on Trailer Brake Controller
