Do I need a tow package
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Printed Date: 15 May 2024 at 2:41am
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Topic: Do I need a tow package
Posted By: Jody
Subject: Do I need a tow package
Date Posted: 13 May 2013 at 11:51pm
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We just purchased a 2012 Yukon Denali and plan on picking up our new 176T on thursday. The Denali had a factory installed towing package. My question Do we need to put anything else on the TV prior to picking up the Pod? We always had a breaking system installed on out other vehicles when pulling a TT but now with the new car/towing/breaking package I'm not sure. excited but confused Jody& Steve Dogs; Hattie & Frisco 2013 176T 2012 Yukon Denali |
Replies:
Posted By: TerryM
Date Posted: 14 May 2013 at 3:10am
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It sounds like your good to go. I have a Ford F-150 and all I have to do is plug the camper into the truck and take off. Terry ------------- RP-175 W/Lift Kit 2011 Ford F-150 4X4 Saint Augustine, FL: The first permanent European settlement in the USA: 1565 |
Posted By: coopercdrkey
Date Posted: 14 May 2013 at 6:21am
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In reading the specs for a Chev. 1500 Silverado, (not a Denali, but same family), the factory tow package was truly impressive, but made clear that the wiring harness was there ready for an (optional) aftermarket electronic brake controller. Better to ask and be sure, IMO. The "build plate" for your specific vehicle should call it out in detail.
------------- Bob and Joyce Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels RP 177 "Key Pod" Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71 |
Posted By: thadd
Date Posted: 14 May 2013 at 11:50am
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I have a 2007 Yukon Denali and opted to add a brake controller to the factory tow package. I bought a Prodigy P3 off Amazon and the installation took about 30 minutes. The only gotcha is that you have to connect two wires that are just tied off in the engine compartment to the main fuse box under the hood. Here's a link to video that shows what you need to do: http://www.etrailer.com/Brake-Controller/GMC/Yukon/2007/90195.html?vehicleid=2007106219 (select the 2011 Tahoe video, it was the same as what I needed to do on my Yukon). I don't think it's completely necessary, but after our accident towing the R-Pod with our Highlander, it's nice to have the added manual control.
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Posted By: Thinker
Date Posted: 14 May 2013 at 5:37pm
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Your trailer has brakes. You need a Prodigy brake controller. Even though you have a heavy vehicle you are still being pushed by a ton and a half of inertia.
Let me tell you a story. I had a 36' Diesel Pusher motor home with air brakes. I was towing a Honda Pilot. I rigged the Pilot with air brakes off the main coach (ask if interested). I was tooling along across a bridge in New Orleans. A little Mazda Miata passes me on the left. Jumps in my lane, then hits the brakes to take the exit to the right. I hit the brakes hard and the air horn even harder. The brakes on the toad saved my bacon. Always use the trailer brakes. Other than that, put a ball in the receiver and enjoy. You have a great rig. ------------- Tow Vehicle: 2013 Pathfinder 4WD R-POD Model 171 
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Posted By: Racer|X|
Date Posted: 14 May 2013 at 7:58pm
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Agreed, you will need a brake-controller installed. ------------- |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 14 May 2013 at 8:51pm
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There's also a wireless version of the Prodigy line which some here have and like. Plug in and go.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: dsmiths
Date Posted: 14 May 2013 at 10:06pm
I have the wireless prodigy and really like its performance. One thing I like (or maybe don't like) my son and daughter both have vehicles that are able to tow the pod easily. they can plug in the handheld unit in the cigar lighter and go. its that easy. the bad part is I don't want them to borrow the pod  ------------- Dane and Donna Smith 2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
Posted By: P&M
Date Posted: 15 May 2013 at 9:02am
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I'll echo dsmiths in his praise of the wireless prodigy ... we have one as well and it is so easy to use, and portable when we eventually trade-up to a new TV down the road. ------------- P & M ... and Comet too! 2012 171 -- The Monkey Pod 2018 Ram 2500 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 15 May 2013 at 11:23am
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With all of your praises of the wireless Prodigy, if my original Prodigy ever dies I'll probably go to the wireless one. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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Posted By: Camper Bob
Date Posted: 15 May 2013 at 12:35pm
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While looking at pricing a new Chev. Tahoe, I noticed that the tow package does NOT include a brake controller. I believe in most states, any towed vehicle over 1500 lbs. must have a brake. On marine trailers they have a surge brake, while on trailers that remain relatively dry, on lighter ones, electric brakes are the cheapest for manufacturers to install. Safe Travels. ------------- Camper Bob and Camper Sue Gracie the Wonder Dog (12 LB. Mini Dachshund) 2013 Rpod 171HRE(ORPod) 2016 Lance 1685 2015 Nissan Pathfinder |
Posted By: Jody
Date Posted: 15 May 2013 at 6:16pm
| After talking with the serive manager at the car dealership and also the owner of the RV dealership, they both assured us that the factory installed tow package with trailer break control would be enough. The RV dealership said the only thing we may want are swaybars for sway and stability |
Posted By: coopercdrkey
Date Posted: 16 May 2013 at 6:20am
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"Integrated Electronic Brake Control" was mentioned in the owners' manual for our new Chevy 1500. It is obviously an option, but if purchased works the same way as an aftermarket device. In my original post under this topic I said "Ask to be sure". So you have asked, and now you're sure! Congrats, and safe travels. (edit)- We don't have it..... (sniff.......)
------------- Bob and Joyce Jennifer and Baxter, the Campin' Cocker Spaniels RP 177 "Key Pod" Chevrolet Silverado 1500 LT / Z71 |
Posted By: Keith-N-Dar
Date Posted: 16 May 2013 at 7:14pm
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The factory brake controller in my F150 is outstanding. And it doesn't hang under the dash. If one came with the truck use it and enjoy.
------------- Keith-N-Dar Boris & Betty (Boston Terriers) 2011 R-Pod 177 2010 Ford F-150 |