Weak Trailer Brakes Using Factory Integrated Brake Controller on 2010 Chevy Silverado

Question

Question:

Is there any way to increase the gain over 10 on the integrated brake control on a chevy 2009 0r 10. If not can you recommend an aftermarket controller. Is there a plug under the dash somewhere?

asked by: Evan O

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

Ten is usually the maximum setting, depending on the controller, and should equate to a full 12 volts of power going back to the trailer brakes. It sounds like you might have some weak braking with the factory brake controller. But it might not be the controller at all.

Before going for a new controller I recommend doing some test to determine if there is some other issue causing the weak braking. Nine times out of ten weak braking indicates that the trailer brakes need to be adjusted. To see how to manually adjust trailer brake assemblies take a look at the video I linked. Fast-forward to the 4:35 mark of the video.

If the brakes are properly adjusted and you are still having issues then we can do some electrical testing. First, let's make sure the full 12 volts is making its way all the way back to the 7-Way connector. You will need to have the brake controller set to the maximum output. You will also need a helper, and a multimeter such as # PT89ZR.

Have the helper fully apply the manual override while you test the 7-Way in the 5 o'clock pin. You should see 12 volts. If you are not seeing 12 volts then there is a wiring issue somewhere between the trailer connector and the brake controller. Since it is a factory controller you would need to have a GM dealer take a look at it.

If everything checks out on the vehicle side and the trailer brakes are properly adjusted the next step is to make sure the truck and trailer side connectors are clean and free of corrosion inside and out. Make sure the brake magnet ground wires are attached to clean and corrosion free bare metal surfaces. And make sure the power wires for the magnets are not pinched or frayed.

You can also take a look at the magnets and if you can see the copper windings coming through the magnets they will need to be replaced. You can further test the magnets by following the help article I have linked.

expert reply by: Michael H

1

Answer 1

I have attached a photo for you below which shows how both a vehicle side and trailer side trailer connector is typically wired. I say typically because this is not always exact and so long as the trailer and vehicle side both match it will not…

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Answer 2

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Answer 3

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 4

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.

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Answer 5

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Answer 6

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:…

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Answer 7

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Answer 8

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Answer 11

Since wire color codes are NOT universal, we always recommend wiring by function, rather than wire color. If you look at the Trailer Wiring FAQ article I have linked you to, you can see some diagrams showing the proper way to wire a vehicle and…

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Answer 12

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.…

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Weak Trailer Brakes Using Factory Integrated Brake Controller on 2010 Chevy Silverado

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