How do you install trailer brakes on an 04 Silverado 2500hd? Isn't it already setup for trailer brakes? Thanks. Tim

 

Not sure if an 04' was setup like my 07' (classic body style) but the panel under the driver side dash has a spot that you plug a factory harness into and that has a few wires that you wire into your brake controller. It was actually a very easy install.

 

I am not use of the HD trucks but all the trailering package regular trucks have the blue wire set up mentioned above. I thought the HD's were all built with the trailering package built in but am not positive. Take off the side panel under the dash and you should see the bundle tied up.

 

Mine was built in but not hooked up. The wire harness was in the glove box when I bought it. Just had to plug it in and wire it to the brake controller.
Now if the OP bought his truck used, it might be missing the harness if the original owner never hooked it up.

 

Here is what I'm talking about.
http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...0474_200240474

 

I think all the 03 and up 1500/2500 trucks had the plugin for the brakes if it had the package...Like mentioned above the plug is under the driver side dash...I can get a pic if you need one

 

So, is the controller built in or do you have to buy that control box? Where does that wire harness go to? If I'm understanding this right, the wiring to the hitch is equipped with the electric brake wires so you don't have to run wires all the way back. you just have to buy the controller and the wire harness and plug and play? If that controller is necessary, does it have to be in plain sight, or can you hide it? They look kind of unsightly. O yeah, I also have a friend with an 01 or 02 2500hd, he asked me to ask you guys if his would be the same. Thanks for all the input. Tim

 

A picture would be nice, I appreciate it. I'm trying to figure out all I will need to have this work. Someone told me the controller that you usually have to buy is built into the pcm or a module already in the truck. Sounds more like I need the harness and the controller though. Would I need anything else? Thanks

 

Basically if you have the towing package, all you should need is the harness and a brake controller. And yes you can hide the brake controller if you'd like. The only reason to keep it out and accessible is to adjust it for different size loads.

 

See post #10
http://gmfullsize.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3755634