Forum Discussion

sparkydave's avatar
sparkydave
Explorer
Mar 16, 2015

Brake controller 2010 Chevrolet Traverse

I traded my 2008 Honda CR-V for a used Traverse. It's not equipped with the factory towing package, but shouldn't have a problem towing a 2000 pound popup if the CR-V had no problem. I saved the brake controller from the CR-V, but I'm debating whether to put it into the Traverse. Only thing being the battery is under the rear floor and it's not as easy running wires. Also haven't located a suitable brake signal; the CR-V provided that in the harness for the taillight converter. On the one hand, I towed the popup with the CR-V before I put brakes on it, though it didn't let you forget that there was an extra 2000 pounds behind it. On the other hand, it wouldn't hurt to have the brakes, they could help.

Anybody put a brake controller in a Chevrolet Traverse/Saturn Outlook/GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave without the towing package?
  • Thanks all, I found the schematics for the Traverse. Seems it uses a brake pedal position sensor, and the BCM then translates that into a brake on/off signal. It shows a white wire that feeds the ECM that would also feed the towing harness, and a light blue wire that feeds the third brake light. The videos Spike99 posted also showed a white wire, so I have some options. Thanks!
  • Here is what I went through on my Suburban and just maybe, your
    Traverse uses the same brake pedal switch and fuse block...or similar
    enough for you to figure it out from my pic's


    1996 Suburban tow harness



    This is the brake pedal switch connector and is the white wire on
    my 1996 Sub that I tapped into
    brakepedalswitch


    You shouldn't have to tap into the battery terminals. Best to use the
    fuse block, as it is fused. You can use an un-used fuse too boot if
    you wish to isolate this new circuit



    sparkydave wrote:
    I traded my 2008 Honda CR-V for a used Traverse. It's not equipped with the factory towing package, but shouldn't have a problem towing a 2000 pound popup if the CR-V had no problem. I saved the brake controller from the CR-V, but I'm debating whether to put it into the Traverse. Only thing being the battery is under the rear floor and it's not as easy running wires. Also haven't located a suitable brake signal; the CR-V provided that in the harness for the taillight converter. On the one hand, I towed the popup with the CR-V before I put brakes on it, though it didn't let you forget that there was an extra 2000 pounds behind it. On the other hand, it wouldn't hurt to have the brakes, they could help.

    Anybody put a brake controller in a Chevrolet Traverse/Saturn Outlook/GMC Acadia/Buick Enclave without the towing package?
  • If you can, find the BCM (Body Control Module) on your vehicle and research if any output leads are its brake light signal wire - that goes to its rear tail lights. Follow that wire approx. 12"-18" away from the BCM and T-Splice into this wire (instead of trying to splice into the BNC Connector plug). Or, instead of splicing into its rear brake wiring and pulling that wire to the front of the vehicle. Run that spliced off BCM wire to the Brake Controller's Blue wire. If wondering, this is how I wired the electronic brake controller in my 2009 vehicle. For my vehicle, they clearly state NOT to splice into the brake pedal wiring - like most brake controller install manuals recommend.

    For other help, register and post your same questions within http://www.traverseforum.com Best someone on that GM Traverse vehicle forum can help.

    Hope this helps.
  • ib516 wrote:
    Check your local laws. In most places there is a maximum weight a trailer can weigh before it must have it's own braking system. Where I live, it's 1500#.


    Thanks, but I checked long ago and doesn't answer my question at all. Anything over 2000 pounds needs brakes.
  • Check your local laws. In most places there is a maximum weight a trailer can weigh before it must have it's own braking system. Where I live, it's 1500#.
  • spike99 wrote:
    .

    Good videos from etrailer company.

    re:

    For Chevrolet Traverse, surf - click here -

    For Saturn Outlook, surf - click here -

    For other vehicle models, simply change their vehicle detail filters.

    Hope this helps...


    Helps a little, though in both cases they have the factory towing harnesses, which I don't have. Thanks, though. I suppose if things really got dicey I could get the brake signal off the third brake light.
  • Forgot to mention….

    If going with electric brake controller (even for attached 2,000 lbs pup), stay away from "time based" technology. IMO, Time based Brake Controllers should be pulled from all store shelves and marked as unsafe / illegal. Never to be sold again.

    If wondering, I'm using Husky company "inertia / proportional" technology electronic brake controller and it works great. This works for me. I hear many folks love their Prodigy P2 or P3 brake controllers as well.

    Hope this helps as well….