Electric brake controller needed?

Without trailer brakes, the tail may start wagging the dog! The trailer probably weighs more than the Chevy, and without it's brakes, it may decide that it wants to lead.

bikendan wrote:

Also, the Traverse only has the 5200lbs rating IF it has the factory tow package.
Does your leased Traverse have it? If not, it ain't rated for that much weight.
My sister has a Traverse without the package and it only rated for 2000lbs.

Yes, I have the factory tow package, I made sure I got one with that option!

" Anything over 2,000 pounds."
"Most states require trailer braking when the trailer is over 3000lbs"

Actually, it depends on the state, and then it depends on how the law is written.
Some states set the weight limit as "unladen weight".
Some states set the limit at "Gross Weight".
Some states set the limit as actual gross weight of the trailer.
Some states set the limit as Gross Vehicle Weight Rating of the trailer.
Some states say brakes must be on ALL trailer wheels, some states don't.
Some states require that the emergency breakaway switch and battery hold the brakes on for a certain period of time. I know of one state that says 15 minutes!

Most trailer manufacturers build their units to be legal in all states.
If the trailer is equipped with electric brakes, a brake controller is required, either an aftermarket unit or one that is built in as part of the "Towing Package".
Reciprocity Agreements probably do not apply to trailer brakes.

If the Traverse has the tow package you should have either a pigtail under the dashboard for the brake controller, or a set of wires taped together that will be used for the controller.

tjstyphon wrote:
The people I bought the trailer from towed it with a minivan and didn't have a BC,

Yikes!

Most states require trailer braking when the trailer is over 3000lbs, so yes, you'll need a controller.

Yes you do. Anything over 2,000 pounds. I suggest Prodigy. Easy to install and very adjustable. Easy to understand

No power going to the brakes without a brake controller.

Ok, I'm a rookie and I guess it shows! I thought that since I had a 7 pin connector on truck and trailer, the trailer brakes would engage. I thought the BC was to be able to adjust the force of the brakes. But it sounds like without the BC, the trailer brakes won't engage at all. Is that right? The people I bought the trailer from towed it with a minivan and didn't have a BC, so I thought it was optional. Thanks for the input, there's a lot to learn!

Yes you'll need a BC.
Required by law since the Roo has electric brakes.

A battery on the trailer is also required while towing, to energize the emergency brake switch should the trailer disconnect from the tow vehicle.

Also, the Traverse only has the 5200lbs rating IF it has the factory tow package.
Does your leased Traverse have it? If not, it ain't rated for that much weight.
My sister has a Traverse without the package and it only rated for 2000lbs.

A Traverse pulling nearly 4,000 pounds without trailer brakes, would eat up the car's brakes in no time at all.

A good brake controller can be installed and removed with little trace. There's even a wireless Prodigy option (however still requires a 7-way plug).