Installing a Trailer Brake Controller - 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Long-Term Road Test
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Installing a Trailer Brake Controller - 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Long-Term Road Test
Our 2015 Chevrolet Colorado has a tow rating of 7,000 lbs., but we needed to add an aftermarket trailer brake controller first.
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Seems like a 4 way flat trailer connector would be appropriate here.
As for the 4-way trailer wire harness connector, its a good idea that we considered, too. But all four conductors in a typical 4-way pigtail set use smaller-gauge wire than the power and brake conductors here. Josh and I didn't have a lot of time to research connector options, and the decision to improvise one came at the last minute because we knew certain staffers would complain if it were permanent.
Also, The Ram's unexpected dealer visit left us short. Josh needed something to tow with, but I needed the full-size Ford because I had committed to hauling five adults off-road that weekend. So we were stuck. And then I remembered I happened to have an unused new-in-box brake controller on my garage shelf. We decided to go for it to get the Chevy up and running. Besides, it was time we towed something with the Colorado anyway. I fully expect to improve the connector setup when I find something I like better, but this worked in a pinch.
The key points here are 1) the first-printing manual omits crucial information about the location and color-coding of the hidden wire bundle, 2) that red wire is always hot and will do bad things if you forget to disconnect the battery and 3) you must be alert for any conductor color mismatch that may exist between the vehicle harness and any brake controller you might purchase. The rest--including the controller location and mounting scheme--is up to individual preferences and the supplies and tools one has to work with.
Twitter: @Edmunds_Test
Ford first offered a TBC in 2005 - that's a dog's age ago. Chevy brings this redone Colorado to market, with a towing package good for 7k lbs. - and neglects to offer a TBC in what is supposed to be a clean-sheet vehicle?
I would say that's quite an oversight.
But I do see signs that they may offer a built-in trailer brake controller later in the model cycle. I have a hunch (with photographs) that I'll share in another post.
Twitter: @Edmunds_Test
If Chevy is serious about jump-starting this segment, they can't give buyers any excuses to just reflexively buy another Silverado. They're also going to have to find more than 269 lb/ft, and they're going to have to find it lower on the tach than 4k rpm.