Good morning! My very first post here, but have been reading the forums for awhile now.We recently purchased a Jayco X18D. Haven't actually taken it camping yet - our first official trip is scheduled for Easter weekend. Not sure who is more excited - me or the kids!Here's my question. When we purchased the X18D, the salesman told us we needed the brake control and we had one installed in our Honda Pilot. We then had someone tell us we didn't actually need it, it was just an upsell. I am on the "better safe than sorry" rule book, but...So anyway, sold the Pilot and got a Chevy Suburban that does not have the brake control installed. Before I rush out and have one installed - 2 questions:1. Do I really need one with an HTT?2. If yes to #1, what do you recommend? (I ask as the one that was installed in the Pilot was a "pendulumn" type and was a royal PITA)Thanks in advance!Katie2014 Jayco X18DTotal Newbie :)

YES, you DO need one! Its not an upsell, its a necessity. and as for which one, that's up to you, Ive got a Primus from teknosha.

It has brakes, even if it is undet the lawful weight in your state, I would still use it.

Here's the Va law on trailer brakes, taken from the AAA web site.All State List" VirginiaTrailers must be equipped with brakes if the gross weight exceeds 3,000 lbs.Trailers must be equipped with at least 1 red brake light on the rear of the vehicle." You're trailer is over 3000 lbs. Common consensus here is Tekonsha, P3 being their top model. At least it was last I knew.

Congrats on your new camper. I have the same model camper and yes you do need a brake controller. I also recommend a weight distribution hitch(WDH) with the built in way bars. They really do help keep the trailer under control when semi's or other large vehicles pass you. There are a lot of brake controllers out there but Prodigy and Tekonsha seem to be the ones people get the most. I have the Tekonsha and have had it for 6 years and have been very happy with it. I bought a Equal-i-zer 4 point hitch and really like it. They are not cheap but I look at it this way, what price do you put on your family? There are many brands out there so do your homework on the web and see what you like and want. I know you will enjoy your new camper so have fun.

Without a brake controller, your trailer brakes aren't going to be functional, so its defintely not just an "upsell." As already mentioned Prodigy is the premier brand out there, and your dealer or installer may also have a recomendation. Congrats on the new camper!

Brake Control with HTT And Chevy Suburban | Good Sam Community

galexander
Explorer
Apr 08, 2014
Congrats on your new camper. I have the same model camper and yes you do need a brake controller. I also recommend a weight distribution hitch(WDH) with the built in way bars. They really do help keep the trailer under control when semi's or other large vehicles pass you. There are a lot of brake controllers out there but Prodigy and Tekonsha seem to be the ones people get the most. I have the Tekonsha and have had it for 6 years and have been very happy with it. I bought a Equal-i-zer 4 point hitch and really like it. They are not cheap but I look at it this way, what price do you put on your family? There are many brands out there so do your homework on the web and see what you like and want. I know you will enjoy your new camper so have fun.
Padlin
Explorer
Apr 08, 2014
Here's the Va law on trailer brakes, taken from the AAA web site.
All State List

" Virginia
Trailers must be equipped with brakes if the gross weight exceeds 3,000 lbs.

Trailers must be equipped with at least 1 red brake light on the rear of the vehicle."

You're trailer is over 3000 lbs.

Common consensus here is Tekonsha, P3 being their top model. At least it was last I knew.
ChooChooMan74
Explorer
Apr 08, 2014
It has brakes, even if it is undet the lawful weight in your state, I would still use it.
luckyscroller78
Explorer
Apr 08, 2014
YES, you DO need one! Its not an upsell, its a necessity. and as for which one, that's up to you, Ive got a Primus from teknosha.

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