Installing a Trailer Brake Controller - 2015 Chevrolet Colorado Long-Term Road Test

Edmunds.comEdmunds.com Member, Administrator, Moderator Posts: 10,315
edited March 2015 in Chevrolet
imageInstalling 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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Comments

  • skibirdskibird Member Posts: 14
    "We may upgrade our improvised under-dash connector to a single plug if we can find a suitable one that doesn't require pro tools to install."

    Seems like a 4 way flat trailer connector would be appropriate here.
  • bankerdannybankerdanny Member Posts: 1,021
    I'm surprised you put it on the right side of the wheel rather than the left. I would think the risk of a knee pressing against it would be higher in that location.
  • actualsizeactualsize Member Posts: 451
    edited March 2015
    We decided against the left side for two reasons: Too easy to kick (or shin) the controller on the way in, the controller would be in the way when setting the parking brake and (OK, three reasons) the OBD diagnostic port and (four things) hood release occupy the prime spot on the left side. Also, in our location the pinch controls to manually trigger the trailer brakes are easy to reach and use for right handers, and it's really not in the way when working the throttle.

    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

  • fordson1fordson1 Unconfirmed Posts: 1,512
    "This isn't that unusual. Built-in trailer brake controllers in full-size trucks are a relatively new development. So we simply did what truck owners always did up until a few years ago: We installed our own."

    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.
  • actualsizeactualsize Member Posts: 451
    edited March 2015
    I can't disagree much. But compact trucks are more space-limited and more cost-sensitive. And they have lower tow ratings that probably keep them off the shopping lists of buyers that tow often. It's a numbers game. That said, 7,000 pounds is no joke, and you need trailer brakes over 2,000 or 3,000 pounds in most states. I think that's why they took a half step here.

    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

  • fordson1fordson1 Unconfirmed Posts: 1,512
    Reason I mention it was that the lack of features like this, along with antiquated powertrains that provided no fuel economy advantage and inferior performance relative to full-sizers, that doomed the previous generation of compact pickups to gathering bird droppings and door dings in dealer lots.

    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.
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