Wiring a Redarc Elite Brake Controller to a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500

Updated 05/31/2018 | Published 05/29/2018

Question:

Can you tell me if I need to purchase a 25 A Fuse or 30 A Breaker when installing the Redarc Elite Brake Controller on a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500? If so, can you suggest part numbers that you have available? Also, can you help me confirm the wiring? Controller Black to Vehicle Red/Black Striped Batt Controller Blue to Vehicle Dark Blue Aux Controller Red to Vehicle Light Blue/White Stiped Brake SW Controller White to Vehicle White Ground

asked by: Darel G

Expert Reply:

I recommend a 30 amp circuit breaker when hardwiring in a brake controller to a vehicle. The reason is that you never know when you may need the additional capacity to tow a trailer with more than 4 brake assemblies. If you went with a lower rated circuit breaker but needed to tow a trailer with more brakes you would have to switch out to a 30 amp breaker.

But with that said you would not have to use a circuit breaker at all to install controller # RED44FR in a 2012 GMC Sierra 1500. The truck already has a slot in the fuse panel under the hood for a 30 amp fuse that powers the brake controller. The wiring to install the controller is under the dash, to the left of the steering column, held together with a white tag. That tag also tells you the functions of the wires. It sounds like you have found it.

The wire functions are as follows:
Controller black to truck red/black (12 volt power in)
Controller Blue to truck dark blue (output to trailer brakes)
Controller red to truck light blue or orange (input from brake switch)
Controller white to truck white (ground)

There are also some connections that need to be made under the hood to make everything fully functional. I have included a link to a help article that explains all of this and more.

expert reply by: Michael H