Wiring for Electric Breaks on Trail Blaizer

[bearsden]

We have a new TV.. 2003 Trailblaizer.  manufacturer already installed hitch.  DH wants it install electric brake control.  Has anyone done this?  where would you suggest mounting the controller.  Should this be done by the dealer?
 
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[wavery]

We have a new TV.. 2003 Trailblaizer.  manufacturer already installed hitch.  DH wants it install electric brake control.  Has anyone done this?  where would you suggest mounting the controller.  Should this be done by the dealer?
 Any suggestions would be appreciated.

If the vehicle has a factory tow package, there will be an electrical connector, under the dash.

If you go with the (highly recommended) Prodigy Brake Controller, you can get the pigtail from them. Just plug it in and go.

Where you put the controller is up to you but it will need to be fairly level and in-line with the vehicle.

[fallsrider]

I just wired our Toyota Highlander on Saturday. It has the tow package, but does not come pre-wired for the brake controller. It's a pain, but it can be done. If you already have the harness under the dash, then it is much easier.

I mounted our Prodigy on the plastic panel under the steering wheel that is in front of your knees. It has to be level left to right, and as far as front to back goes, it can be anywhere from level, to tilted up with the front up to 70 degrees higher than the back. And as mentioned above, it must be in line with your TV. The instructions that come with the Prodigy have easy-to-read diagrams showing what I'm talking about.

Good luck!

[chip]

My '02 TB had pigtails under the dash, just above the hood release, left of the steering wheel.   Four wires, taped to a larger bundle.  Newer models may have a plug already wired in.

Mounted the controller at my left knee, on the bottom of the dash.

If DH is handy and can read directions, he should be able to handle it.  If the plug is not installed in your TB, he may need to know how to work a multimeter.  Other than that it's a piece of cake.  

HTH.

[fallsrider]

My '02 TB had pigtails under the dash, just above the hood release, left of the steering wheel.   Four wires, taped to a larger bundle.  Newer models may have a plug already wired in.

I wish mine had had that!

I guess, then, you had a brake wire back in the hitch area underneath?

I had to run all of that. It can be quite frustrating, and tiring, to work in the confined space under the dash trying to connect to the brake light switch, etc. It would have been nice to have 4 wires to just splice to.

[chip]

I wish mine had had that!
 
 I guess, then, you had a brake wire back in the hitch area underneath?
 
 I had to run all of that. It can be quite frustrating, and tiring, to work in the confined space under the dash trying to connect to the brake light switch, etc. It would have been nice to have 4 wires to just splice to.

Trailblazers are equipped with tow packages from the factory.  So, yep, all the wiring was already there.  No plug under the dash, so I had to splice.  Newer models have a plug already wired in.  Just plug and go.

[jtprevatte]

We have a new TV.. 2003 Trailblaizer. manufacturer already installed hitch. DH wants it install electric brake control. Has anyone done this? where would you suggest mounting the controller. Should this be done by the dealer?
 
Any suggestions would be appreciated.

It is really easy.  The wires are right there under the left side of the dash by the kickpanel.  They are loosely taped to the wiring harness you see whn you open it up.  Just find them and then take them down and use butt commectors and presto.  Had mine mounted in about 15 minutes.
 
I have a Tekonsha Voyager brake controller I am about to put on Ebay if you are interested.  I will make you a deal!  I ended up winning two auctions and don't need but one.
 
Let me know...email me at jtprevatte@yahoo.com ("jtprevatte@yahoo.com") if you are interested.

[jtprevatte]

If the vehicle has a factory tow package, there will be an electrical connector, under the dash.
 
If you go with the (highly recommended) Prodigy Brake Controller, you can get the pigtail from them. Just plug it in and go.
 
Where you put the controller is up to you but it will need to be fairly level and in-line with the vehicle.

On the trailblazer there is no factory plug..just four wires taped to the other wiring harness.  Even if you get a plug from the brake control manufaturer you would still have to wire it to those wires.
 
I have a 2003 Trailblazer....just put one in about 2 weeks ago.

[popupcop]

My '02 TB had pigtails under the dash, just above the hood release, left of the steering wheel. Four wires, taped to a larger bundle. Newer models may have a plug already wired in.
 
Mounted the controller at my left knee, on the bottom of the dash.
 
If DH is handy and can read directions, he should be able to handle it. If the plug is not installed in your TB, he may need to know how to work a multimeter. Other than that it's a piece of cake.
 
HTH.

The 03 we had did not have a plug only a pigtail.  It was located in the same place above.  I took a 4 flat plug and wired one in on the brake control then the other on the pigtail.  I could plug it in when needed and pull it out when not needed.  When I was towing, I stuck it between the driver' seat and the center console.  When not in use, I put it in the storage compartment under the floor in the back.