Will Factory Brake Controller On 2021 GMC Sierra 3500 Work With EOH Brakes

Updated 06/15/2021 | Published 06/11/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Adapter Module for BrakeRite Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator - OE Ford, GM Brake Controllers

(92)

$143.91

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1913)

$289.95

Question:

I’ll be picking up my new toy hauler in a few weeks and on my trip home I’ll be going through some pretty steep mountains in southern Utah. I’ve read that the OEM brake controller on my GMC will not interface with the Dexter brake actuator on the new toy hauler. The setup is a electric over hydraulic disc brake package with a Dexter brake actuator model # K71-651-00. If this the case what aftermarket brake controller would you recommend that will work with my setup, and will any other additional parts be need, like wiring harness, etc, or is there an adapter that can be wired into the system that will allow my GMC truck to recognize the the trailer brakes and work it reliably with it. Any help prior to picking up the toy hauler would be greatly appreciated so I don’t get stuck out of town while we try it figure out how to fix this problem. I’ve spoken to GMC already and they claim ignorance to any issue with any brake system on any trailer. Thanks,

asked by: Marty R

Helpful Expert Reply:

The newer factory brake controllers don't have many issue when used with electric over hydraulic brakes. The older models would not work at all. That said, in order to ensure better compatibility it would not be a bad idea at all to install an adapter inline on the trailer, the Adapter Module part # DX35FR.

The hassle to replace the factory brake controller is not really worth it, there is however another option if you don't wish to hardwire in the adapter. This would be to use the Curt Echo Brake Controller part # C51180 which can bypass the factory brake controller and works great with EOH brakes.

The former is better for frequent use whereas the latter is better for infrequent use.

expert reply by: Conner L