Troubleshooting Trailer Brakes Not Locking Up With a 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 Factory Brake Controller

Question:

I have a 2016 gmc 2500. The current does not seem to be strong enough to engage the brakes enough to lock up the wheels .I checked the shoe adjustment and made sure there was power to each brake. Is there any kind of electrical booster? or should i be looking at a after market controller. This is on a 5th wheel RV

asked by: John M

Expert Reply:

The integrated brake controller on your 2016 GMC Sierra 2500 does not offer any kind of electrical booster that you can add to the controller. First you may need to isolate that the problem is either with the Sierra or the trailer. The easiest way to do this is by pulling the emergency break away cable and seeing if it causes your brakes to lock up properly. If the brakes still do not lock up your 5th wheel may need to have the magnets inspected or replaced(see article below).

If the trailer brakes function as they should with the breakaway pulled I recommend having the wiring inspected for the trailer brake controller on your Sierra. The issue may be that the full voltage is not reaching the trailer due to a short in the wiring which would cause the brake to not function properly. This is best checked at a GMC dealer as they will also be able to check the computer for other issues that may also affect the brake controller.

expert reply by: Bud M