Troubleshooting 2016 GMC Sierra 3500 HD with Intermittent Connection to Trailer Issue

Question:

We have a Sierra 3500HD with the integrated brake controller. We have successfully pulled 2-5th wheel RVs. One with Electric Brakes and one with Electric Over Hydraulic Disk Brakes. We recently purchased another RV with electric brakes and the two dont get along. I have traced the problem to the brake circuit. Basically when the RV is plugged in it cycles between Check Trailer Wiring and Trailer Connected every 10 to 15 seconds. I have had the truck/trailer combination checked at the GMC dealership and they do not find an issue with the truck. They did find a small OHM resistance difference between the truck and the RV with the truck being somewhat higher. I am going to have a local shop check all of the brake wiring on the RV. I have read your response to Bypass 2016 GMC Sierra 3500 Factory Brake Control to Tow Trailer w/Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes in case I am faced with adding a different controller to the truck should nothing be found wrong with the RV. I have looked at the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Trailer Brake Controller on your site. Do you have anything else I might check or try? Would the Redarc be a good choice?

asked by: Michael B

Expert Reply:

Integrated brake controllers are really picky about what trailer brakes they will work with and sometimes there's no real rhyme or reason to why they don't work. Normally it is the EOH setups so I am a little surprised you are having an issue with your electric brakes. It could be simply an odd short on the brake output circuit that is causing the error or even just corrosion on the pins of the trailer connectors which is a really easy fix with sandpaper.

The Redarc Tow Pro Elite part # RED44FR with the harness that fits your 2016 GMC Sierra 3500 # 331-TPH-010 is a really great option and if you decide to go aftermarket this would be a really great pick.

expert reply by: Jameson C