brake controllers

looking at a different truck, the one i'm looking at doesn't have a gooseneck ball or brake controller. i know what kind of hitch i would put in it but whats the best option for the controller? the truck is a 04 Chevy 2500hd with the 8.1 engine and the biggest trailer i for see it pulling is the 30' tandem dual gooseneck with up to 20k pounds of tractors on it. i don't need anything fancy with a 12" screen that connects to a smart phone, just something that works good and will provide years of trouble free service. both of dads trucks have teckonsha controllers that have done the job and ill have to check again whats in my current truck but it has worked good for me too. just wondering what everyone recommends or doesn't recommend.

also opinions on the 8.1 would be appreciated, i have heard parts can be somewhat difficult to locate for them since they are kinda a low production engine.
 
I have a Hopkins controller in my truck. I have an 04 Silverado 2500HD crew cab 4x4 6.0 gas. I pull a tandem trailer with brakes on both axles, I regularly pull 10-12,000 lbs. I've had good luck with both truck and brake controller. I also have over 240,xxx miles on the truck. Hope this helps.
 
Were the 6.0 and 8.1 both available choices in 2004?
What was the first year for the 6.0 and last year for for the 8.1 in 2500s and 3500s?
 
yes they were both options along with the 6.6 diesel. the 8.1 was available in a vehicle from 01-06 but they were made till 09 for marine and other applications. think the 6.0 started in 01 as well and last i knew was still in production but i kinda quit paying attention to whats in the new trucks a while ago.
 
ok thanks, that helps. dad has the 6.0 in his 05 2500hd and has had fairly good luck with it. i just wanted something with more power for pulling
the trailer but not sure i can justify the extra cost or expense that comes with a diesel which is why i have been looking for an 8.1. i came across an 03 GMC 2500HD with the 8.1 and only 125k miles that i'm going to go get tomorrow, its an extended cab with the 8' box and it already has a gooseneck hitch and brake controller in it.
 
Last year I installed a TEKONSHA P3 in my 2006 Chev 2500. Much better than the one I had. I have been well pleased with the unit. Don
 

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