I went to move my brake controller from my 2012 Chevrolet Traverse to my new Silverado for our first trip tomorrow. I figured it would be a simple matter of unplug, mount and replug.Nope! The plug on the harness is completely different! Had to cut the wires and re-splice into the harness that came with the truck. Granted it wasn't hard to do, but I was only mentally prepared for half that much work. :)

Yea, sometimes they (all auto manufacturers) just seem to change things for the sake of changing things. I mean, we know the circuits didn't change so why bother with the connectors?While we're at it, why do Ford and Dodge think I want the headlights to come on just because I open the door? How many customers wanted that?

Probably because the Crossover design group didn't talk to the pickup truck design group!

poppin_fresh wrote:I went to move my brake controller from my 2012 Chevrolet Traverse to my new Silverado for our first trip tomorrow. I figured it would be a simple matter of unplug, mount and replug.Nope! The plug on the harness is completely different! Had to cut the wires and re-splice into the harness that came with the truck. Granted it wasn't hard to do, but I was only mentally prepared for half that much work. :)Your new Silverado doesn't have an integrated brake controller? I thought all new trucks with towing packages came with them.

They have done worse....in 2002, they changed the pin layout within the connector. So, a 2001 pigtail will plug right in because teh connector is the same shape, but nothing will work because the connections have been rearranged.

kaydeejay wrote:Probably because the Crossover design group didn't talk to the pickup truck design group!And customers purchase the vehicles anyway, whether they want those particular features or not.

Why GM? Why?!!! | Good Sam Community

ScottG
Nomad
Jun 05, 2015
Yea, sometimes they (all auto manufacturers) just seem to change things for the sake of changing things.
I mean, we know the circuits didn't change so why bother with the connectors?

While we're at it, why do Ford and Dodge think I want the headlights to come on just because I open the door? How many customers wanted that?
kaydeejay
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
Probably because the Crossover design group didn't talk to the pickup truck design group!
pappcam
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
poppin_fresh wrote:
I went to move my brake controller from my 2012 Chevrolet Traverse to my new Silverado for our first trip tomorrow. I figured it would be a simple matter of unplug, mount and replug.

Nope! The plug on the harness is completely different! Had to cut the wires and re-splice into the harness that came with the truck.

Granted it wasn't hard to do, but I was only mentally prepared for half that much work. :)

Your new Silverado doesn't have an integrated brake controller? I thought all new trucks with towing packages came with them.
BurbMan
Explorer II
Jun 05, 2015
They have done worse....in 2002, they changed the pin layout within the connector. So, a 2001 pigtail will plug right in because teh connector is the same shape, but nothing will work because the connections have been rearranged.
3oaks
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
kaydeejay wrote:
Probably because the Crossover design group didn't talk to the pickup truck design group!
And customers purchase the vehicles anyway, whether they want those particular features or not.
LarryJM
Explorer II
Jun 05, 2015
kaydeejay wrote:
Probably because the Crossover design group didn't talk to the pickup truck design group!

You make a very important, but subtle comment and often those are separate "Profit Centers" and are basically companies within the "COMPANY" and there is little bottom line gains to be made by one or the other paying or both splitting the cost of any cross design group coordination.

Larry
mleekamp
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
BurbMan wrote:
They have done worse....in 2002, they changed the pin layout within the connector. So, a 2001 pigtail will plug right in because teh connector is the same shape, but nothing will work because the connections have been rearranged.

I had this happen...our 01 Chevy was wrecked, got a new 02, and plugged right in. Problem was, NO TRAILER BRAKES!!!! Had to pay $60 at a dealer for the new harness. I still curse that.
Iraqvet05
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
pappcam wrote:

Your new Silverado doesn't have an integrated brake controller? I thought all new trucks with towing packages came with them.

My dad bought a new Silverado 1500 a few years ago and it had the "tow package". I looked up the PRO codes and sure enough, the tow package was in there but I believe all the standard tow package consists of is the 7 pin harness and a receiver. I guess an integrated brake controller in an option even with the tow package on some GMs.
mleekamp
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
My 2012 GMC has tow package...and the brake controller was an option. If I had ordered the truck it would have had it...but I purposely bought an end of the year special and was stuck with whatever color / options it had. The key for me was towing pkg ... w or w/o controller.
Campfire_Time
Explorer
Jun 05, 2015
At least up until 2013 there were multiple tow packages. Mine has the tow package but not the HD tow package, which came with the integrated controller. The basic tow package has a transmission cooler, the G80 locker rear end, and 7 pin connector. With GM, you have to look up the RPO codes in your glove box to find all the options and option packages you have.

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