Troubleshooting Bargman In-Bed 7-Way 5th Wheel/Gooseneck Trailer Connector on 2015 Chevy Silverado

Question:

I purchased and installed this on a 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500. After installing, I used a test light to check the pins for power on both the Bargman plug and the factory plug at the rear bumber. Both plugs had power to all the pins except the trailer brakeinch pin. I had someone in the truck apply the truck brake pedal and also manually apply the brake controller...my truck has the factory installed IBC. My test light did not light up at all. I havent tried hooking up a trailer yet, basically wanted to be sure all is good before I do. Im thinking the trailer brakeinch pin for my truck does not have power to it until a trailer is actually plugged into it? Any help or confirmation would be appreciated!

asked by: Joel

Expert Reply:

With the manual brake switch actuated on the brake controller, you should be picking up voltage on the brake pin of the 7-way (the pin in the 5:00 position). I'd recommend temporarily unplugging the # 50-97-410 plug, and plugging the factory harness back into the 7-way on the rear bumper. Then, test the brake pin on the 7-way at the back bumper. The manual switch on the controller should be sending voltage through regardless of whether a trailer is attached or not.

If you pick up voltage at the pin, re-install the Bargman plug. Make sure the connections are firmly pushed together. It can take some pressure to get the pieces pushed all the way together. If you still don't get signal on the brake pin once this is done, the harness is faulty and should be replaced.

If you don't get voltage on the brake pin with the harness removed, it indicates a problem with the ITBC in which case you'd want to see your Chevy dealer.

expert reply by: Mike L