#PIT5282F: Procedure for Installation of an Aftermarket Trailer Brake Controller or In Lieu of Factory Trailer Brake Controller

(Dec 19, 2019)

Subject: Procedure for Installation of an Aftermarket Trailer Brake Controller or In Lieu of Factory Trailer Brake Controller

Supersession Statement

This PI was superseded to add the 2020 models. Please discard PIT5282E.

Condition/Concern

Some customers may request to have an aftermarket trailer brake controller added to their vehicle, OR an aftermarket trailer brake controller added in lieu of the factory integrated trailer brake controller (ITBC) (RPO JL1).

Recommendation/Instructions

Obtain a trailer brake controller harness, GM Part # 23184088, as shown below.
Connect the harness to the MID-BEC (X61A). The MID-BEC is located under the I/P to the left of the steering column. The harness connection point (1) is illustrated below.
The trailer brake controller harness consist of 4 blunt cut wires and a label that calls out the wire colors and each wire’s function, also shown below. Use these 4 blunt cut wires to connect to the aftermarket trailer brake control.
Perform this step ONLY if equipped with RPO JL1 where the customer is requesting the factory trailer brake system be bypassed to add an aftermarket trailer brake controller. Locate connector X185 Or X138 (varies with vehicle build; refer to SI), which is near the underhood fuse block, terminal 32. Circuit 47 ends at the body harness side of X185 or X138 terminal 32, which comes from the X61A junction block. Obtain enough Dark Blue 12 gauge wire to run from X185 or X138 to the 7-way trailer connector at the bumper. Attach terminated lead part number 13327155 to one end of the Dark Blue and insert into the chassis harness side of the X185 or X138 connector terminal 32. Run the Dark Blue wire in its own conduit along the frame to the 7-way trailer connector at the bumper. Remove circuit 47 from the 7-way trailer connector terminal “C” and tape the bare terminal and attach to the harness. Attach terminal part number 12110853, located in Delphi Tray 4, to the other end of the Dark Blue wire, with the correct weather pack seal, and insert it into the 7-way trailer connector terminal “C.”

Warranty Information

If the customer wishes to have an aftermarket brake controller installed in their vehicle, it would be considered as a Customer Pay option.

From GM:

GM bulletins are intended for use by professional technicians, NOT a "do-it-yourselfer". They are written to inform these technicians of conditions that may occur on some vehicles, or to provide information that could assist in the proper service of a vehicle. Properly trained technicians have the equipment, tools, safety instructions, and know-how to do a job properly and safely. If a condition is described, DO NOT assume that the bulletin applies to your vehicle, or that your vehicle will have that condition. See your GM dealer for information on whether your vehicle may benefit from the information.

Explore Expert Info

on Trailer Brake Controller

Videos

for Trailer Brake Controller

Help Articles

for Trailer Brake Controller

Expert Answers

for Trailer Brake Controller

Installing the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller in a 2016 Ram 1500

How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR

Feature Breakdown: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller

What to Know About the Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller

Clean Up Your Trailer Wiring

Manufacturer Spotlight - SuperSprings Vehicle and Trailer Suspension

Choosing the Right Vehicle Suspension Upgrades

Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness Review

Pacbrake Alpha Air Bag Suspension Kit Review and Comparison

Installing an Electric Brake Controller on a 2013 Dodge Ram

Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch

2005-Current Volkswagen Touareg, Audi, or Porsche Cayenne

How to Install a Brake Controller on Chevrolet / GMC 1999-2006 Pickups

Parts Needed to Add Hydraulic Disc Brakes to a Trailer

Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers

Trailer Wiring Diagrams

Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)

Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)

How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop

5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches

How to Measure Your Trailer Wheel Bolt Pattern

Location of Brake Controller Port on 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe

Hi Robert; it looks like your 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe doesn't have a brake controller port since you don't have the tow package. This means hard wiring the #C27JR is your only option for installation. If have a plug and play wiring…

view full answer...

Best Way To Add Brake Controller To 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe With Aftermarket 4-Pin

Hello Dan, thanks for reaching out. The best way to add a 7-way and brake controller to your 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe with an aftermarket 4-pin is by using the Universal Installation Kit #ETBC7. This kit contains everything you need to upgrade the…

view full answer...

What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?

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…

view full answer...

What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector

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…

view full answer...

Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

view full answer...

Firestone Air Bags for 2026 Ford F-350 FX4 Dually

Hey Doug! The Firestone Ride-Rite Air Helper Springs #F35FV are the right kit for your 2026 Ford F-350 FX4 dually. However, you will need to measure to be sure it fits. The distance from the top of your rear axle to the top of the jounce bump stop…

view full answer...

Parts Needed to Install a Red Arc Brake Controller in a 2023 Toyota Tacoma

To install a Redarc Tow Pro Liberty in your 2023 Toyota Tacoma Sport you will need the following parts: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item #RED24FR Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers item #RED99FR…

view full answer...

What Gauge Wire Should be Used to Wire Trailer Brakes

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

view full answer...

Comparing Kenda KR03, KR35, And KR53 Tires

Hey Bryan, that's a good question. The pricing can definitely be misleading, but I wouldn't use it to judge the quality of the tire. A lot of that comes down to promotions, inventory, and whether you're looking at a tire by itself or…

view full answer...

How to Replace a Lance 6-Pin Plug w/ a Standard 7-Way Connector

Yes, it will work. You'll just need to cut the Lance 6-pin connector out and rewire it into the etrailer Trailer Wiring 7-Way Upgrade Kit w/ Junction Box and RV Style Connector item #e99011. Here are the individual functions of that Lance 6-pin:…

view full answer...

Best Suspension Upgrade for 33" Tandem Axles: Road Armor vs Dexter EZ Flex for Ember 22ETS

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

view full answer...

What is a #84 Spindle and How Do I Know I Have One On My Trailer?

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

view full answer...