Can 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500 With Factory Brake Controller Use Aftermarket Brake Controller
Updated 01/19/2026 | Published 12/24/2025
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have 2015 silverado 2500. the factory brake controller works intermittently brought to the dealer they cant fix it. my question is this, can i use a aftermarket brake controller with a truck that has a factory controller mounted in the dash?
asked by: Erik c
Expert Reply:
Hey Erik! Yes, you can use an aftermarket brake controller on your 2015 Silverado 2500. Did they tell you what was wrong with it? If it is the brake controller itself and your factory wiring is fine you could use something like the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness # RED26CR. This has a custom wiring harness that will connect to your factory wiring and 7-way.
If you have an issue with your vehicle wiring, specifically the brake output wire, you could still install a brake controller but it would be a manual installation. The # RED52VR with a universal wiring harness would work, and you could run a new brake output wire # 10-1-1 back to your 7-way. If you have other wiring issues, you could completely bypass all of the factory wiring and add a new 7-way using the # ETBC7 as well.
Ideally you can use the factory wiring. I added the other options to illustrate that one way or another it is possible to use an aftermarket brake controller. I would steer clear of the Autowbrake # 3430001 you were looking at unless this is a trailer you're renting out to people who have a 7-way but don't have a brake controller. A traditional brake controller will give you better performance and save money.
(click to enlarge)
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Plug-In
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Behind-Dash
- Up to 2 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Single Trailer Only
- Redarc
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller - Trailer Mount w/ Remote Fob - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In
- Shop: Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - Dash Knob - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Q&A: Brake Controller Recommendation for 2017 GMC Yukon XL
- Article: Thank you!
- Q&A: Best Brake Controller Recommendation for 2018 Cadillac Escalade
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: Recommended Brake Controller for a 2018 Chevy Suburban
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Install a Red Arc Brake Controller in a 2023 Toyota Tacoma
- Q&A: Install Harness for P3 Brake Controller in 2018 Chevy Tahoe
- Q&A: Comparing the Curt Spectrum, Tekonsha Voyager iD, and Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controllers
- Q&A: Parts Needed to Install Brake Controller on 2015 Chevy Silverado 2500
- Article: 5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: 5 Products You Need For Your Next Camping Trip (2022)
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
Robin H.
1/19/2026
Hey Erik, how did things go with adding the aftermarket brake controller to your Silverado? Did the Redarc setup work smoothly with your factory wiring? Your update could make it easier for others dealing with the same issue.