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Topic ClosedChevrolet Avalanche
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Joined: 07 Jun 2013
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Posts: 556 		Direct Link To This Post Topic: Chevrolet Avalanche
    Posted: 27 Dec 2013 at 8:38pm
My wife and I finally found and bought a lightly used 2009 Chevrolet Avalanche.  It came with the new vehicle option and price sheet, and it includes the heavy duty trailering package.  I see the engine oil and transmission coolers listed, along with the hitch and the 7 conductor receptacle.  A brake controller is not included although the necessary wiring is supposedly bundled under the left side of the dash.  Does anyone know if this setup normally includes the 12 volt feed for the trailer?

I would assume that the 2009 Silverado, Sierra, Suburban, Tahoe and Yukon would all be wired (or not wired) the same as the Avalanche.  I have not picked it up yet, otherwise I would probe the connector.

Bob
2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD)
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Dec 2013 at 9:13am
My experience has been that ALL the wiring is there, but you may need to instal a fuse and/or relay to energize the charging circuit. If you look through all the storage compartments, you may find the controller package and factory pigtail, we are about 75% or so on the forum for people finding them. (100% in my immediate camping group, 4 vehicles, 2 Expys and 2 'burbans)
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Dec 2013 at 11:09am

You need to find 3 wire bundles.  I started to write up an explanation but then found eTrailer has a good one, with pics.  Doesn't take long to find them and make the initial connections, then you can hook up your own brake controller.  I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy controllers. 

http://www.etrailer.com/faq-brake-control-gmc-sierra-chevy-silverado.aspx
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Posts: 556 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Dec 2013 at 2:43pm
I believe the two of you have provided all the information I need for the brake controller installation.

Mark, I did look for a package with the pigtail but didn't find one.  The vehicle is almost 5 years old, so if one did exist, the original owner may have discarded it.

Doug, that article is very detailed and easy to follow.  I believe all the necessary wiring is in place under the dash (according to the owner's manual).  We just brought the truck home when it started to rain, but I will do some more looking and test probing after I clear out a larger space for the vehicle in our garage.  It is considerably longer than our Santa Fe was.

I plan to use the controller from our Santa Fe.  It has a few feet of wiring attached so it should be easy to install.

Thanks again, Mark and Doug, for leading me in the right direction.

Bob 
2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD)
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche
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Posts: 556 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 28 Dec 2013 at 10:44pm
A quick update.  The wire bundle for the controller is tagged, under the dash and ready for my controller.  Under the hood are two wires with ring connectors that are labeled and just need to be attached to the 2 studs in front of the fuse center.  The 30 amp fuse for the controller is pre-installed as is the 40 amp fuse for the battery feed. 

I mentioned in a post some time ago that I always use an automatic resetting breaker instead of a fuse for the controllers I have installed in the past.  I don't care to rely on a fuse when it comes to the trailer brakes.  I still have a supply of breakers, but they are the type used to replace the old glass type fuses.  I assume they make ones to replace blade-type fuses.
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2009 Chevrolet Avalanche
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Posts: 6128 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Dec 2013 at 6:35pm
Glad you are getting it sorted out.. and all the hook ups are right where they belong.. I don't think I have seen any fuses of the type you are looking for.

As far as age of vehicle and the kit.. the last truck I installed a brake controller in was a '04 Expedition, bought from a used lot this (2013) summer. Package was in the back of the truck, in the jack storage compartment, never opened. In our Expy, it was in the center console, we were/are the third owners. Wink

It was in the glove box of our '03 Excursion, when I brought it home this summer, but I got the truck from my dad who bought it new.. 
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Posts: 556 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Dec 2013 at 10:20pm
Thanks, Mark.  I believe GM discontinued providing the kits after 2008.  Starting in 2009, the towing package includes all the necessary wiring under the hood and under the dash, if you plan to hard wire the controller.

I am not going to worry about automatic resetting breakers.  The fuses provided are adequate, and the breakers may no longer be available. 

Bob
2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD)
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche
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Posts: 9062 		Direct Link To This Post Posted: 30 Dec 2013 at 12:59pm
You are correct, once they started offering the factory brake controller they stopped offering the plug-in harness and went back to the bare wire bundle under the dash.
Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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