ksd
Medina, MN
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Joined: 10/22/2003
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I just finished installing a Brake Smart controller on my 2006 Suburban 2500 8.1. The install went pretty well, once I figured out the proper wiring connections. It would have been very easy if I had the correct GM harness, but for some reason I ended up with the generic harness. Luckily, the trailer brake controller harness that came with my Suburban had the connector on it that I needed, and the tag mapped out the wires for me. Some crimp-on connectors made the connections to the Brake Smart harness.
Connecting the brake line pressure sensor was pretty easy, too. Brake Smart thoughtfully included a little 90 degree elbow fitting that you can use if needed. I needed it, because the tee fitting had the opening pointing straight down when I tightened it up. With the elbow installed, the pressure sensor installed easily to the rear of the tee, with plenty of room to spare.
I won't have a chance to test it on my trailer until I pick it up on Friday, but so far, everything looks good.
* This post was
edited 09/16/08 10:44am by ksd *
2008 Salem LA 312QBBS
2006 Suburban 2500 LT 8.1/4.10
Gear Vendors Under/Overdrive
BrakeSmart Controller
ProPride 3P hitch
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ksd
Medina, MN
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Joined: 10/22/2003
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Got the BrakeSmart controller installed in the center stack last night. Thanks to BurbMan for the tips on accessing the center console, as I needed to fish the wiring harnesses through it.
Here's how it looks:
FYI, the box mounted under the dash near the driver's right knee is the control for the Gear Vendors under/overdrive.
Moderator edit to re-size picture to forum limit of 640px max.
* This post was
edited 09/16/08 04:14pm by an administrator/moderator *
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coolbreeze01
Redding, Ca
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Joined: 08/24/2006
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Nicely done.
2008 Dodge 3500 CTD LB SRW 4X4 6-Speed Auto
P3 Blue Ox Sway Pro
2007 Komfort 212
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willald
NC
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Joined: 07/15/2002
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Good job, and excellent choice. You will not regret it.
Read over the manual, play around with the menus some, try to get familiar with it some before testing it with the trailer. If you have any specific questions, feel free to ask. I've had our Brakesmart for almost a year now, and have been extremely happy with it. It truly does not get any better than a Brakesmart.
You're right, the 90 deg. fitting Brakesmart provides, as well as the flexible hose, really makes installation a snap. So many people get intimidated by controllers like this 'cause of the installation it requires. However, the installation is so simple, there's no need to be intimidated, really.
Anyway, happy camping. 
Will & Angela
2 wonderful children that love camping, Stephen & Allison
2003 Ford Excursion V10 4x4
2003 Thor Citation 33M, Hensley Arrow hitch, Brakesmart Brake Control
(wanna see? Here is a picture of it  )
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drfife
Dallas, Texas, USA
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Joined: 11/02/2002
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Looks a lot like the BrakeSmart installation I did on my 2002 Suburban K2500.
Nice job BTW....
Russell
'02 Chevy Suburban 2500 4X4 8.1 4.10 : '03 SunnyBrook Titan 29DBS
'04 BrakeSmart Controller : '01 Hensley Arrow Hitch
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ksd
Medina, MN
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Joined: 10/22/2003
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Your install looks a little bit more "factory" than mine. Nicely done.
Question for you -- is there any way to defeat the audible warning signal when the BrakeSmart is entering power save mode? In cruising to Chicago last night, I had several long stretches where I didn't touch the brakes, and the controller timed out. That alarm is annoying and loud, though. I'd love to be able to defeat it. I know I could extend the time delay before entering power save, but that also means it stays on longer after the vehicle is shut off, and I see no point in that.
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willald
NC
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Joined: 07/15/2002
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ksd wrote:Question for you -- is there any way to defeat the audible warning signal when the BrakeSmart is entering power save mode? In cruising to Chicago last night, I had several long stretches where I didn't touch the brakes, and the controller timed out. That alarm is annoying and loud, though. I'd love to be able to defeat it. I know I could extend the time delay before entering power save, but that also means it stays on longer after the vehicle is shut off, and I see no point in that.
Yes. Can't remember the specific menu option, but there *is* an option, to turn off audible alarms. Go through the menu options, you'll see it on there. Turn that off, and you won't hear a 'peep' out of it, ever. Thats how I have mine set ('cause that noise annoyed me, too).
Only downside to turning it off is, if you turn that off, you turn off *all* other audible alarms as well. Meaning, turn audibles off and you won't get the audible alarm for things like the trailer disconnect warning (you still would get the warning message on the display, though).
Have you programmed in a custom message that comes up, when its on? Mine says 'Born to Camp', hehe.
Will
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mecreature
Indianapolis, IN
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Joined: 09/27/2004
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Looks nice
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chadsalt
sc
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Joined: 04/04/2005
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ksd wrote:Your install looks a little bit more "factory" than mine. Nicely done.
Question for you -- is there any way to defeat the audible warning signal when the BrakeSmart is entering power save mode? In cruising to Chicago last night, I had several long stretches where I didn't touch the brakes, and the controller timed out. That alarm is annoying and loud, though. I'd love to be able to defeat it. I know I could extend the time delay before entering power save, but that also means it stays on longer after the vehicle is shut off, and I see no point in that.
The Brakesmart "wakes up" and "goes to sleep" with no trailer?
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BAJA X
Minnesota
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Joined: 07/06/2007
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Good looking install, I see you are in Medina Im not to far from you here in Hamel. Have fun and happy camping............
08 F-350 4X4 Crew Cab Lariat Super Duty V-10 Tow Command 4.10
Tow Beast Receiver 1700# Reese W/D Dual Cam sway
08 XT30SB CrossRoads CrossForce
04 650 Baja X
04 400 XT Outlander
89 Springer Softail
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