Is It Time To Replace The Trailer Brake Controller In My 2011 GMC Sierra 1500?
Published 12/28/2021
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Question:
Truck 2011 GMC Sierra 1500, trailer is a 2019 Carry on Trailer. Dexter twin 3500 lb. axles. Pilot brake controller unknown model number. Both items purchased used. All lights work as they should. The problem is I have to have the controller turned down to zero or it locks the brakes up. Using my multi meter at the 7 pin outlet at the back of the truck the red wire shows 12 volts when the brake it pressed and returns to zero when at rest. When checking the blue trailer brake wire the meter shows .06 with the controller turned down as far as it will go. When the controller is turned up it’s reading voltage regardless whether the brake pedal is depressed or not likewise when manually depressing the button on the controller. The only way to get the voltage to go back down is to turn the adjustment back to zero. I’m thinking I have a bad controller, am I on the right track or am I missing something.
asked by: David B
Expert Reply:
Though it does sound like you need to replace the brake controller, there is one more thing I recommend checking before doing so. That being your ground connection. A bad ground can cause any number of weird things to happen, and this definitely falls into the weird category. Granted, your 2011 GMC Sierra 1500 has all the wires for this already run, so if the connection you have under your dash looks good, then yes you will need to replace the controller.
With that said, if you wanted to upgrade a nicer brake controller, the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite # RED44FR is one that I have been recommending a lot. Yes, it is quite a bit more expensive than a Time Delayed Pilot # 80550, but it will also offer you much better braking. The Redarc is a proportional controller so it will apply your trailer's brakes as much as you are braking your truck instead of ramping up the braking power over the time your brake pedal is depressed. Once installed, only the adjustment/manual override knob will be visible so there will be no hitting it with your knee or anything like that. It does require drilling a small hole to install the knob though. Again, this is just one that I really like so I thought I would mention it in case you were looking for something different.
