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
- Video: Feature Review 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Shop: Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller - Trailer Mount w/ Remote Fob - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way and 4-Pole Flat Connectors
- Shop: Curt Dual Connection Socket w/ Bracket - 7-Way RV Style and 4-Way Flat - Vehicle End
- 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: Trailer Hitch
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags with Easy Mount Compressor Feature Breakdown
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Q&A: Lug Nut Torque Chart for Trailer Wheels
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Shop: Gooseneck Hitch
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
on Trailer Brake Controller
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.