Brake Controller Recommendation to Replace OEM Controller on a 2016 Chevy Silverado 3500
Question:
My 2016 Duramax’s factory brake controller is starting to produce the dreaded “service trailer brake system” messages even with no trailer connected. After researching this, replacing some parts and much personal troubleshooting, I’ve come the conclusion it would likely be wasting more time and thousands on dealership troubleshooting. I would like to install an aftermarket trailer brake system. I’m pulling a 12000 lb 5th wheel with a 2016 Duramax. Will again be doing some pulling up and down mountains out West. Three questions: 1. Would this Redarc model be a proper substitute for the factory brake control system? 2. would this connector cable 331-TPH-010 be the correct model number for my truck? 3 if I install an aftermarket system will The “Service Trailer brake System” messages go away? Thanx
asked by: Paul
Expert Reply:
Thanks for reaching out, I'd be happy to help out!
The Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty # RED24FR is a great brake controller and will plug into the factory port on your 2016 Chevy Silverado 3500 using the Adapter # 331-TPH-010. You'll want to disconnect the plug at the back of your factory controller so the computer system doesn't try to still work through that (this will get rid of the error too) and you may need to route the brake power sending circuit to the blue wire of the controller but you can test this out by simply connecting the controller and seeing if it produces 12V power at the brake output pin on your 7-Way when you use the manual override.
Since you plan on towing in the mountains I actually recommend using the Liberty's big brother, the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR instead. The Elite offers the same functions as the Liberty but it also features a "User Control" mode which is more or less a time-delayed operation. This is important to have for the mountains because proportional controllers send power according to momentum. Since you'll be creeping down a mountainside more stress will be placed on your tow vehicle braking system with a proportional controller. By switching to the User Control mode your trailer brakes will be applied whenever your tow vehicle brakes are applied even if you're crawling along.
Attached are review videos of each as well as a helpful article we made that compares these 2 controllers.
Products Referenced in This Question
Redarc Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Redarc
more information >
Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 2 Braking Modes - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Hidden
- Up to 3 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Redarc
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Redarc
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
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on Trailer Brake Controller
