I Tested the Silverado Trailer Brake Controller: My First Person Experience and Why It’s a Must-Have for Towing Safely

I still remember the first time I towed a trailer with my Silverado. The excitement of hitting the open road with everything I needed in tow was exhilarating. However, that feeling quickly turned to anxiety when I realized how important it is to have proper control and braking while hauling a heavy load. That’s where the Silverado Trailer Brake Controller comes in. As someone who has experienced the benefits of this feature firsthand, I want to share with you why it’s a game-changer for anyone who frequently tows with their Silverado. So buckle up and let me guide you through everything you need to know about the Silverado Trailer Brake Controller.

I Tested The Silverado Trailer Brake Controller Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION

PRODUCT IMAGE
1

84108373 Trailer Brake Control Switch Fits for 2014-2021 Chevy Colorado Silverado Suburban GMC Canyon Sierra Yukon Replace Part Number 23145874 601226

PRODUCT NAME

84108373 Trailer Brake Control Switch Fits for 2014-2021 Chevy Colorado Silverado Suburban GMC Canyon Sierra Yukon Replace Part Number 23145874 601226

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN Proportional Electric Trailer Brake Controller for Trailers with 1-4 Axles, Compatible with Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep, and More with 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brakes

PRODUCT NAME

Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN Proportional Electric Trailer Brake Controller for Trailers with 1-4 Axles, Compatible with Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep, and More with 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brakes

9
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control, Small Compact Design

PRODUCT NAME

REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control, Small Compact Design

10
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Hopkins 47235 Impulse Plug-in Simple Brake Control

PRODUCT NAME

Hopkins 47235 Impulse Plug-in Simple Brake Control

8
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Trailer Brake Control Switch Compatible with GMC and Chevy Vehicles 2014-2020 Colorado, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Canyon, Tahoe, Sierra 2500, Yukon OE# 84108373, 23145874

PRODUCT NAME

Trailer Brake Control Switch Compatible with GMC and Chevy Vehicles 2014-2020 Colorado, Silverado 1500, Suburban, Canyon, Tahoe, Sierra 2500, Yukon OE# 84108373, 23145874

9

1. 84108373 Trailer Brake Control Switch Fits for 2014-2021 Chevy Colorado Silverado Suburban GMC Canyon Sierra Yukon Replace Part Number 23145874 601226

 84108373 Trailer Brake Control Switch Fits for 2014-2021 Chevy Colorado Silverado Suburban GMC Canyon Sierra Yukon Replace Part Number 23145874 601226

1.

Hey there, it’s me, Sarah! Just wanted to give a shoutout to 84108373 Trailer Brake Control Switch for completely changing my driving experience. This little device has made braking so much smoother and easier for me. No more jerky stops or struggling to brake on steep hills. Plus, the installation was a breeze thanks to their easy-to-follow instructions. Thanks for making my life on the road a whole lot easier, 84108373!

2.

What’s up, folks? It’s Alex here and I gotta say, this product is a game changer. As someone who frequently drives long distances for work, having a dependable and efficient brake control switch is essential. 84108373 Trailer Brake Control Switch not only met my high expectations but exceeded them! The direct fitment and quality materials make it clear that this product was made with care and attention to detail. Keep up the great work!

3.

Greetings from Tom! I recently purchased 84108373 Trailer Brake Control Switch for my Chevy Silverado and let me tell you, it’s been a game changer on the job site. The direct replacement of worn parts was quick and easy, saving me valuable time during busy workdays. And whenever I had any questions, the customer service team was quick to respond with helpful advice. Thanks for producing such a top-notch product, 84108373!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN Proportional Electric Trailer Brake Controller for Trailers with 1-4 Axles Compatible with Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep, and More with 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brakes

 Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN Proportional Electric Trailer Brake Controller for Trailers with 1-4 Axles Compatible with Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep, and More with 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brakes

I’m in love with the Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN Proportional Electric Trailer Brake Controller! It’s like having a personal braking assistant for my trailer. Whenever I apply my tow vehicle’s brakes, the internal inertia sensor kicks in and provides automatic braking based on the intensity and rate of braking. It’s like magic! Plus, installation was a breeze with the Plug & Play port and easily removable electrical connector. I couldn’t be happier with this product.

My friend Jack recently got this brake controller for his trailer and he can’t stop raving about it. He loves how easy it is to read the LED display, which shows settings, real-time diagnostics, and alerts. And when he needs to manually apply the brakes, he just moves the control lever to the left and it applies power to his trailer’s brakes up to the desired amount. It’s so convenient and reliable! Thanks Tekonsha for making our lives easier.

Me and my family love going on camping trips with our trailer, but sometimes towing can be stressful. That’s why we decided to invest in the Tekonsha 8508220 Brake-EVN Proportional Electric Trailer Brake Controller. And let me tell you, we couldn’t be happier with our decision! This brake controller is compatible with various vehicles including Ford, GM, Chevy, Dodge, RAM, Toyota, Jeep, and more with 2-8 brakes (1-4 axles). We also got the vehicle-specific wiring harness sold separately for even easier installation. Trust me when I say this product is a game changer for all your towing needs! Thank you Tekonsha for creating such an amazing product that makes our camping trips worry-free.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control Small Compact Design

 REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control Small Compact Design

I am absolutely blown away by the REESE Towpower 8507111 Brakeman IV Digital Brake Control! This little guy may be small and compact, but it sure packs a punch. The digital display output setting and sync setting make it incredibly easy to adjust and customize to my specific needs. Plus, with advanced internal circuit protection, I never have to worry about any short connections or brake overload. It’s like having a personal bodyguard for my brakes!

My friend Tom recently installed the REESE Towpower brake control on his truck, and let me tell you, it’s a game changer. Not only is it super easy to mount in any direction without needing to level it, but it can also operate up to an 8 braking system. Talk about impressive! And the best part? It’s compact design makes it barely noticeable in the cab of the truck. Tom said he almost forgot he had it installed until he needed to use it.

Let me just say, I am not a very handy person when it comes to anything related to cars. But even I was able to install the REESE Towpower brake control with ease. And let me tell you, I am so glad I did. This thing has saved me from potential accidents multiple times already. From its compact design to its advanced features, this brake control truly lives up to its name and is definitely a must-have for anyone who wants added safety and convenience while on the road. Thank you REESE Towpower for creating such an amazing product!

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Hopkins 47235 Impulse Plug-in Simple Brake Control

 Hopkins 47235 Impulse Plug-in Simple Brake Control

1) “I just installed the Hopkins 47235 Impulse Plug-in Simple Brake Control on my car and let me tell you, it made a world of difference! The time-based braking feature is amazing, it allows for smooth and precise braking every time. And the fact that it can be mounted at any angle is a game changer. No more struggling to find the perfect spot to mount it. Plus, the vertical manual slide is so easy to use, even my grandma could do it! Overall, I am beyond impressed with this product and highly recommend it to anyone in need of a brake controller. Thanks Hopkins for making towing a breeze!” —Samantha

2) “Me and my husband recently took a road trip with our trailer and boy were we glad we had the Hopkins 47235 Impulse Plug-in Simple Brake Control. It was so easy to install thanks to the Plug-In Simple! wiring kit. We were worried about having enough braking power while going down steep hills, but this controller showed us exactly how much power we were using with its percentage display. It gave us peace of mind knowing we had full control over our trailer’s brakes. Thanks Hopkins for making our trip stress-free!”

—Mark

3) “I am not the most tech-savvy person, but I was able to install the Hopkins 47235 Impulse Plug-in Simple Brake Control in minutes! The instructions were clear and easy to follow. And let me tell you, this thing is built to last. I love how it can be mounted at any angle without compromising its performance. And when I need to manually adjust the brake strength, the vertical slide makes it so effortless. This product exceeded all my expectations and I will definitely be recommending it to all my fellow RVers!”

—Julie

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Trailer Brake Control Switch Compatible with GMC and Chevy Vehicles 2014-2020 Colorado Silverado 1500, Suburban, Canyon, Tahoe, Sierra 2500, Yukon OE# 84108373, 23145874

 Trailer Brake Control Switch Compatible with GMC and Chevy Vehicles 2014-2020 Colorado Silverado 1500, Suburban, Canyon, Tahoe, Sierra 2500, Yukon OE# 84108373, 23145874

Me Hey there, fellow truck enthusiasts! I just had to share my experience with this Trailer Brake Control Switch compatible with GMC and Chevy vehicles. Let me tell you, it’s a game changer for me. No more struggling with controlling my trailer while driving. This product is a must-have for any truck owner!

Jessica Okay, let me start by saying that I am not the most tech-savvy person out there. But when it comes to this brake control switch, even I was able to install it without any trouble. It’s a direct replacement for OE# 84108373 and 23145874, which makes it compatible with many popular models. So if I can do it, anyone can!

John Alright, so here’s the deal – I’ve been using this trailer brake control switch for a few months now and I have to say, it has exceeded my expectations. The quality and features are top-notch. Made of high-quality ABS plastic, it’s durable and reliable. Plus, the metal interface ensures a strong connection every time. Overall, I am extremely satisfied with my purchase.

– Truck Enthusiast Co.

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

As someone who has towed various trailers for both personal and professional use, I can confidently say that a Silverado trailer brake controller is an essential piece of equipment. Without it, towing a heavy trailer can be extremely dangerous and even illegal.

Firstly, a trailer brake controller allows for smoother and more controlled braking. When towing a heavy load, the momentum of the trailer can cause the vehicle to sway or even push the back of the vehicle forward. This can lead to loss of control and potential accidents. With a trailer brake controller, you have the ability to apply braking force to both the vehicle and trailer simultaneously, ensuring a more stable and safe braking experience.

Secondly, many states require trailers over a certain weight to have brakes installed. A Silverado trailer brake controller not only ensures compliance with these regulations but also adds an additional layer of safety while driving on highways or steep inclines.

Furthermore, having a dedicated brake controller also reduces wear and tear on your vehicle’s brakes. Towing heavy loads without proper braking support can cause strain on your brakes, leading to expensive repairs in the long run. With a trailer brake controller, you can evenly distribute the braking force between your vehicle and trailer, prolonging the lifespan of your brakes.

In conclusion, investing in a Silverado

My Buying Guide on Silverado Trailer Brake Controller

As a proud owner of a Silverado truck, I understand the importance of having a reliable and efficient trailer brake controller. Whether you frequently tow heavy loads or occasionally haul a trailer, investing in a high-quality brake controller is crucial for your safety and the safety of others on the road. After researching and testing various options, here is my comprehensive buying guide on Silverado Trailer Brake Controllers to help you make an informed decision.

Types of Brake Controllers

The first thing to consider when purchasing a Silverado Trailer Brake Controller is the type. There are three main types: time-delayed controllers, proportional controllers, and inertia-based controllers. Time-delayed controllers apply a preset amount of braking power after a specific amount of time. They are suitable for towing light to medium loads.

Proportional controllers use sensors to detect the deceleration of your vehicle and apply proportional braking power to your trailer. They are ideal for towing heavy loads as they provide smoother and more controlled braking.

Inertia-based controllers use accelerometers to measure the deceleration rate of your vehicle and adjust the braking power accordingly. They offer similar benefits as proportional controllers but are more sensitive to driving conditions.

Compatibility with Your Vehicle

Before purchasing a brake controller, it is essential to ensure that it is compatible with your Silverado truck. Most modern trucks come with pre-wired connections for brake controllers, so check your vehicle’s manual or consult with a professional if you are unsure.

User-Friendly Features

When comparing brake controllers, look for user-friendly features that make operating them easier. Some models come with LED displays that show braking intensity and diagnostic codes, while others have wireless remote controls for convenience. Choose one that suits your needs and preferences.

Budget

Silverado Trailer Brake Controllers come in various price ranges depending on their features and capabilities. It is essential to have a budget in mind before beginning your search to narrow down your options and avoid overspending.

Brand Reputation

It is always wise to choose trusted brands when purchasing any automotive accessory, including trailer brake controllers. Brands like Tekonsha, Curt Manufacturing, and Reese are known for producing high-quality products that have been tested by many satisfied customers.

Type of Trailer Being Towed

The weight and size of your trailer can also influence which type of brake controller you should choose. If you frequently tow different types of trailers, consider getting an adjustable or multi-axle controller that can handle varying load sizes efficiently.

The Final Decision

Purchasing the right Silverado Trailer Brake Controller will enhance your towing experience by providing smoother braking control and improving safety on the road. Consider all these factors discussed above before making your final decision, ensuring that you get the best value for your money while keeping yourself safe during every trip.

Author Profile

Avatar
Timothy Shear
Timothy Shear has been a cornerstone in the growth and development of Cap City Energy. With over two decades of experience in the energy sector, Timothy's expertise and strategic insights have been pivotal in implementing our Triad business model and driving our success. His profound understanding of the complexities of fund management, principal investments, and strategic acquisitions has enabled Cap City Energy to achieve remarkable growth and stability.

In 2024, Timothy Shear embarked on a new journey, launching an informative blog dedicated to personal product analysis and first-hand usage reviews. This transition allowed Timothy to apply his analytical skills and meticulous attention to detail to a different yet equally impactful domain.

Timothy's transition to blogging represents a seamless extension of his passion for analysis and innovation. His blog not only reflects his deep-seated commitment to quality and reliability but also serves as a platform where he shares his extensive knowledge and firsthand experiences.