Does tow package come with brake controller?
The short answer: it depends on the vehicle. Tow packages can include a factory brake controller on some models, but many trucks and SUVs require an aftermarket unit or do not include one at all.
Tow packages are designed to enhance towing capability, but their exact contents vary by year, make, model, and trim level. Some vehicles ship with an integrated trailer brake controller (ITBC) as part of the Tow Package, while others rely on an optional upgrade or leave brake control out entirely. If you tow with electric brakes, it’s important to verify what your specific vehicle provides before you tow or purchase a trailer.
What a Tow Package Typically Includes
Below is a general outline of features commonly bundled in factory Tow Packages. The exact contents differ by brand and model, so use this as a guide rather than a guarantee.
- Hitch receiver sized and rated for the vehicle’s towing capacity
- Trailer wiring harness and connectors (4-pin and/or 7-pin)
- Electrical wiring and signals configured for trailer brakes (when applicable)
- Upgraded cooling for engine and/or transmission to handle heavier loads
- Reinforced suspension or drivetrain gearing for improved stability and performance
- Trailer sway control or other stability-enhancing features
- Tow mirrors and other towing-specific convenience features
Because the exact package contents differ by model, check the specific vehicle’s window sticker or brochure to confirm what is included on your build.
Brake Controllers: Integrated, Optional, or Aftermarket
Brake controllers fall into three broad categories depending on the model. The presence of a brake controller is usually tied to the vehicle’s overall towing strategy and whether the ITBC is built into the vehicle or available as an upgrade.
Integrated Trailer Brake Controller (ITBC)
Some vehicles include a built-in brake controller integrated into the vehicle’s electronics and controlled via a dash control or digital display. This arrangement is more common on heavier-duty or higher-trim models with a dedicated Tow Package.
- Built into the vehicle; does not require a separate, aftermarket unit
- Control is typically accessible through the dashboard controls or a display
- Brakes on the trailer are commanded by the vehicle’s own control system
For these models, the ITBC is often listed as part of the Tow Package or as a standard feature on specific trims.
Aftermarket or Port-based Options
In other cases, the vehicle may offer a pre-wired harness or a port that supports an aftermarket brake controller. The controller itself may not be included from the factory, but installation is straightforward for dealers or qualified installers.
- Dedicated harness or port for an aftermarket brake controller
- Wiring is usually pre-routed, but the controller must be purchased separately
- Installation complexity and cost vary by vehicle and controller type
If your vehicle falls into this category, you have the option to add a resistance-adjusted controller or other ITBC-compatible device, often with warranty considerations to discuss with the dealer.
How to Verify for Your Vehicle
Use these steps to confirm whether your exact vehicle’s Tow Package includes a brake controller or supports an aftermarket installation.
- Check the window sticker or the vehicle’s build sheet (VIN-based documentation) for terms like “Trailer Brake Controller,” “Integrated Trailer Brake Controller,” or “Tow Package.”
- Consult the owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s official spec sheet for your year and trim to see if braking for trailers is described as ITBC or aftermarket-ready.
- Inspect the dash area for a control knob or digital control associated with trailer braking.
- Look under the dash or near the steering column for a brake controller module or a dedicated wiring harness/port for an aftermarket unit.
- Ask a dealership service advisor or a qualified installer whether your model’s Tow Package includes ITBC or supports aftermarket installation, and what wiring is pre-installed.
By following these steps, you’ll know whether your tow package already includes a brake controller or if you’ll need to add one to tow safely with electric brakes.
Summary
Tow packages do not guarantee a brake controller. Some vehicles include an integrated trailer brake controller as part of the Tow Package, while others rely on an optional upgrade or aftermarket solution. Always verify your specific model-year’s contents and consult the dealer or official documentation to confirm whether a brake controller is included or can be installed. This ensures you’re prepared to tow with the correct braking control for your trailer.
Do I need a brake controller if I have a tow package?
Electric trailer brakes do not work without a brake controller. If your trailer is equipped with electric brakes, you will need a brake controller to tow. However, some trailers are equipped with surge brakes. These are a hydraulic braking system that uses the trailer's own weight and momentum to actuate the brakes.
Does the Chevy tow package include a brake controller?
The basic package includes the 2-inch receiver hitch, the wire harness, and the trailer brake controller.
How do I tell if my truck has a brake controller?
This one here being an F250. It was an integrated brake controller. And it depends on the package on the truck. And how much equipment's on the truck. And the trim.
What is usually included in a towing package?
A tow package includes a trailer hitch and wiring harness, and often features upgrades like a heavy-duty radiator, a transmission cooler, enhanced suspension and brakes, and a larger alternator to handle the added stress of towing. The specific contents depend on the vehicle and the package level (basic, heavy-duty, or max tow).
Core components
- Trailer hitch receiver: A sturdy mounting point for a trailer hitch.
- Wiring harness: Connects the towing vehicle to the trailer's lights, signals, and electric brakes.
Supporting upgrades
- Cooling system: Upgraded radiator and a transmission oil cooler to prevent overheating, especially in automatic transmissions.
- Engine and electrical: A larger radiator, higher-capacity alternator, and a more powerful battery to handle the increased electrical load and engine strain.
- Chassis and suspension: Reinforced frames, heavier-duty springs, and upgraded shocks to handle the extra weight.
- Brakes: Heavy-duty brakes and an integrated trailer brake controller, which helps operate the trailer's brakes.
- Gearing: Upgraded rear axle ratios to make towing less stressful on the engine and transmission.
Advanced features
- Trailer sway control: A system that helps maintain stability when towing a trailer.
- Trailer backup assist: Technology that helps with maneuvering the trailer when backing up.
- Towing-specific drive modes: A "tow-haul" mode that adjusts the transmission for towing.
How to identify a tow package
- Check the vehicle's window sticker: The original window sticker (Monroney label) will list any included tow packages.
- Look for the hitch receiver: The presence of a factory-installed hitch receiver is a strong indicator of a tow package.
- Inspect the front grille: Look for the transmission cooler, which often has visible radiator fins located low in the front of the vehicle.
- Check for the wiring harness: A round electrical connector, such as a 7-pin connector, at the rear of the vehicle indicates the presence of a tow package.
