Will Factory Brake Controller on a 2011 GMC Denali Work With Electric-Over-Hydraulic Trailer Brakes
Updated 08/23/2011 | Published 08/21/2011
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a 2011 Denali with a factory brake controller. However, it does not work with the electric brakes on my utility trailer. I assume that is because I have a electric-over-hydraulic system. I have two questions. First, how do I tell if I have an electric-over-hydraulic system. Secondly, if I do have an electric-over-hydraulic system, can I just buy part number T4846000 and my factory controller will work with my system? Thank you!
asked by: Robert F
Expert Reply:
The electric-over-hydraulic braking system uses a pump and motor on the trailer that is controlled by a electric brake controller in the tow vehicle. The trailer brakes are applied when you apply the brakes in the tow vehicle. This system increases response time compared to the regular hydraulic brake actuator on the trailer tongue. I am including a link to the instructions on the Titan BrakeRite system and it will describe a electric-over-hydraulic system.
The easiest way to tell if you have an electric-over-hydraulic system on your trailer is by the actuator that is located on the trailer. It will include a pump and motor. If you do not have an electric-over-hydraulic system you will just have a regular hydraulic surge actuator on the trailer tongue.
The Titan BrakeRite EHB Adapter, part # T4846000, you have referenced is designed for use with a trailer that has a Titan BrakeRite EHB actuator. This adapter allows the electric-over-hydraulic BrakeRite EHB actuating system on the trailer to properly communicate with your 2011 GMC Denali factory brake controller.
Some 2011 Ford and Chevrolet vehicles with factory brake controllers had a setting for electric-over-hydraulic brakes. If your vehicle does not have this setting and the trailer has a Titan BrakeRite EHB actuator, then the EHB adapter will work for your application.
If your trailer does not have the Titan BrakeRite EHB actuator, but you have the electric-over-hydraulic system on your trailer you will need to use an aftermarket brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, part # 90885, to control the trailer brakes. I am including a link to the installation instructions on the Prodigy P2 brake controller.
When you replace the factory brake controller with an aftermarket brake controller it will give set off an error code on your dash. You will have to go to the GMC dealer and have the vehicles computer flashed to remove the error code. Once the computer is flashed to recognize the new brake controller you will be ready to go.
I am including a link to a Technical bulletin that will show you how to wire an aftermarket brake controller to your vehicle with a factory brake controller.
