How Does a Trailer Brake Controller Sense when a Trailer is Connected on a 2011 Chevy Silverado

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Question:

I have a 2011 chev 2500 with factory trailer brakes controller. it works with one trailer but does not sense another and so doesnt work. how does it sense when a trailer is connected?

asked by: Bruce H

0

Expert Reply:

Aftermarket brake controllers send a small amount of voltage along the brake output wire, if a trailer is connected, the magnets in the brake assemblies will create a power draw. This power draw tells the controller that a trailer is connected.

The integrated brake controller in your 2011 Chevy Silverado could possibly work in the same manner. I do not have much experience with them to say for sure. What I do know is that integrated brakes controllers often have trouble with electric over hydraulic systems.

If the trailer you are having problems with has electric over hydraulic brakes, there is system you can use, the Titan BrakeRite I Plug and Play Electric-Hydraulic Actuator Kit, # T4813102, and adapter # T4845900.

For drum brakes you would add the reducer # T4844100 to the actuator # T4813102 and then still use the same adapter # T4845900.

The other option is to install an aftermarket brake controller that is compatible with electric over hydraulic systems. I recommend the Tekonsha P2, # 90885. It works with electric and electric over hydraulic systems. I have included a link to the installation details and a link to an FAQ explaining how to install an after market controller in a truck equipped with a factory controller.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

When a trailer with electric brakes is connected to a vehicle that has a brake controller that brake controller is sensing the draw of the brake magnets by sending back a small amount of voltage on the blue wire. The brake controller also get's…

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Answer 2

Normally when you are having a trailer connection issue, it is because there is corrosion or debris in the connection. The 7-way trailer connector on your truck at the 5 o'clock pin position is the brake controller output. This pin is where the…

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Answer 3

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 4

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 5

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 6

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 7

Since the pin weight of your camper is 2.1k, I recommend going with the LoadLifter 5000 opposed to the 7500. While technically there is not reason you couldn't use the 7500 kit, it really is not necessary for a camper like yours. Generally the…

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Answer 8

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 9

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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Answer 10

Actually, the P3 now has the upgraded axis accelerometer like the P2. The Tekonsha P3 Trailer Brake Controller #90195, will work with both electric over hydraulic brakes on the trailer as well as electric brakes. It has a menu option on the display…

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Answer 11

Hey Brandon, I would strongly recommend sticking with the Tekonsha RF brake controller part #TK94FR. We know this works really well and it sounds like it worked well for you too. The Curt Echo is not reliable enough for me to really ever recommend it…

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Answer 12

You're right, the mounting bracket is unique (in a good way) for the Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller #C24VV. The bracket is smaller and all you do is put the included adhesive tape on the bracket and stick it wherever you like under…

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How Does a Trailer Brake Controller Sense when a Trailer is Connected on a 2011 Chevy Silverado

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