Is It Time To Replace The Trailer Brake Controller In My 2011 GMC Sierra 1500?

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Question:

Truck 2011 GMC Sierra 1500, trailer is a 2019 Carry on Trailer. Dexter twin 3500 lb. axles. Pilot brake controller unknown model number. Both items purchased used. All lights work as they should. The problem is I have to have the controller turned down to zero or it locks the brakes up. Using my multi meter at the 7 pin outlet at the back of the truck the red wire shows 12 volts when the brake it pressed and returns to zero when at rest. When checking the blue trailer brake wire the meter shows .06 with the controller turned down as far as it will go. When the controller is turned up it’s reading voltage regardless whether the brake pedal is depressed or not likewise when manually depressing the button on the controller. The only way to get the voltage to go back down is to turn the adjustment back to zero. I’m thinking I have a bad controller, am I on the right track or am I missing something.

asked by: David B

0

Expert Reply:

Though it does sound like you need to replace the brake controller, there is one more thing I recommend checking before doing so. That being your ground connection. A bad ground can cause any number of weird things to happen, and this definitely falls into the weird category. Granted, your 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 has all the wires for this already run, so if the connection you have under your dash looks good, then yes you will need to replace the controller.

With that said, if you wanted to upgrade a nicer brake controller, the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR is one that I have been recommending a lot. Yes, it is quite a bit more expensive than a Time Delayed Pilot # 80550, but it will also offer you much better braking. The Redarc is a proportional controller so it will apply your trailer's brakes as much as you are braking your truck instead of ramping up the braking power over the time your brake pedal is depressed. Once installed, only the adjustment/manual override knob will be visible so there will be no hitting it with your knee or anything like that. It does require drilling a small hole to install the knob though. Again, this is just one that I really like so I thought I would mention it in case you were looking for something different.

expert reply by: Lazer S

0

Answer 1

The calibration or adjustment process of the Tow Pro Liberty part #RED24FR isn't quite the same as the standard brake controllers like you mentioned. Basically Redarc recommends a more vague process of starting with a low output and then ramping…

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Answer 2

On a 1999 Chevy C3500 there will NOT be a brake controller port to plug in a brake controller. The brake controller has to be hardwired into the truck. Chevy did not start putting in a port until they switched the trucks from C or K to Silverado.…

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Answer 3

Have you tried towing the dump trailer with a different vehicle? This would pretty quickly tell you if the problem exists with the tow vehicle or the trailer wiring. If the trailer does the same thing with a different tow vehicle, then you know the…

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Answer 4

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 5

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 6

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 7

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 8

You will have to go with a sliding hitch to allow the trailer to make tight turns. For a trailer 8 feet wide the only bed length that's going to allow 90 degree turns without a slider is a stationary hitch. That being said you have two options.…

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Answer 9

The Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty #RED24FR is the way to go over the Elite #RED44FR as you get the nicer functions of the Elite at a lower price. The Elite has the ability to be the more preferred proportional style of controller as well as a time-delayed…

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Answer 10

Hey Jeremy, Typically with boat trailers the manufacturer will install hydraulic surge brakes because you don't have to worry about the water damaging wires like you would with electric brakes. That being said, if you use a heat shrink butt…

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Answer 11

The first thing you will need for your 1999 D250 is a 4-way. The Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness #C55317 plugs into the connection points behind your rear bumper and will allow you to power your trailer's signal lights. Once the 4-way is…

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Answer 12

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

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Is It Time To Replace The Trailer Brake Controller In My 2011 GMC Sierra 1500?

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