Trailer Brake Wiring on 2014-up GM Pickups

fx2tom wrote:
If it doesn't have a receiver I'd be very hesitant to try and tow anything with it.

x2, particularly if it is a 1/2 ton. It could have some pretty low ratings, and lack essential cooling and other items. I suppose those could be added, maybe, but at what cost.

For what it is worth, the integrated controllers are outstanding. Much better performance that any aftermarket inertia controller is going to provide. If you're buying a new 2015, why not check the box and get the best setup out there?

If it doesn't have a receiver I'd be very hesitant to try and tow anything with it.

I have a '14 GMC 1500 SLT that unfortunately didn't come with the integrated controller.. Dealer can't install factory integrated controller - I tried.. My GMC had the 'pigtail' in the glovebox that I 'plugged' into it's appropriate location under the plastic cover up under the dash (by left foot/knee area) and had to splice it into my controller..

I would verify with a shop manager at the dealer. I believe if you do not buy the integrated controller there will be a plug on the fuse or terminal block as indicated by Tekonsha for the 2014. The integrated controller I believe would plug into the same connector

In 1988, you were on your own for trailer brake wiring from front to back.
In 1999, GM pre-wired the truck for trailer brakes, and provided a convenient plug by your left foot under the dash for a brake controller.
In 2007, GM took a step backwards and simply provided you a pigtail under the dashboard, but at least it was wired.

What has GM done for the 2014's and 2015's?

So far, one person has said "plug" one person has said "pigtail" and the rest say "buy the integrated brake controller." Normally I go with the most consistent answer, but that answer does not answer my question and the 1-1 tie is the definition of "conflicting information."

Ok, let's say I buy a truck off the lot that doesn't have a brake controller. Heck the ones I'm looking at don't even have receivers!

What can I expect when I go to install my reliable old Tekonsha Prodigy in my nice new 2015 Silverado 1500?

Not sure if you are talking about a 1500 or the 2500/3500's but when I ordered my 3500 last February the integrated brake controller was part of the package. May be a different story for the 1500's. I don't remember ordering it as a separate item. I did order the fifth wheel wiring harness which was a $35 option. It is a loose good length of the needed 7 wires to install a 7 pin connector in your bed, which I did. It works very well, by the way. One note, on the 2014's and below there was a problem with the factory brake controller recognizing electric over hydraulic brakes but not with the 15's. I had a 2012 GMC 3500 srw prior to the new one in my sig line and there was a work around to make it work with the disc brakes on my fifth wheel. Probably more than you need to know but just relating my experience.

Here is information from Tekonsha on location.
Brake controller wiring installation

2014 DO NOT have a plug like the older trucks. There is a wire bundle located on the left side of steering column way up under the dash. I had to find it and use it to hook up my P3 controller. My truck came with the IBC but it don't work with electric over hydraulic brakes without a $100 module added to the trailer. I e-mailed Tekonsha and they send me a PDF which spelled out hook up. It was TB 008. Send me a PM with your e-mail and I'll send it to you.
Randu

mkirsch wrote:
What is GM's solution for the 2014 and newer Silverados/Sierras for trailer brake wiring?

Is there a pigtail? Is there a place to plug in the controller?

Or, have we reverted to 1997 and having to wire up the trailer brake ourselves?

You really don't have to revert back to 1997, what you should have done was step up to 2014 and ordered the factory integrated controller for $250.00.

I am not certain but I would imagine you should be able to plug it (the aftermarket controller) directly as stated in the above post.

There should be a receptacle on the upper portion of the fuse block under the dash to plug in a harness like this one.
Harness