Will Redarc Tow-Pro Link Work On 2021 Silverado 1500 With Factory Brake Controller

Question

Question:

Has anyone tested the new Tow-Pro Link on a 2021 Silverado 1500 that originally came with the OEM brake controller? I bought a Redarc Tow-Pro Elite that I was never able to use because it wouldnt play well with OEM brake controller and I could never get a straight answer from Chevy on how to disable the OEM controller. I worked with Redarc for quite some time and finally gave up on the aftermarket controller. Im curious if this new controller somehow works.

asked by: Jeff

0

Expert Reply:

Hi Jeff, welcome back and sorry to hear that gave you so much trouble. The Redarc Tow-Pro Link Bluetooth Brake Controller # RED57AR will work on your Silverado. This plugs in-line at the back of your 7-way at the rear of the truck. You can either disconnect the OEM brake controller completely or sever the brake output wire before it gets to the 7-way connector and cap it off.

If you cut the wire the OEM controller will still send power back for brakes but it will never actually make it to the trailer. The Tow-Pro Link will still get power from the 12V line to operate. The brake output wire running from the cab on the vehicle side isn't required for this to function so you're completely bypassing the factory brake controller.

What trailer are you planning to tow with the Silverado?

expert reply by: Robin H

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Tow-Pro Link
(click to enlarge)

Jeff

2/13/2026

Thanks, Robin. Just to be clear, you're saying cut the wire that would eventually power the #2 (trailer brake) pin on the 7 pin connector, upstream, or before the wire would plug into the RED57AR brake controller wiring? I did reach out to Redarc as well and they stated the RED57AR uses the 12v wire for its power along with the brake light circuit. We tow our Intech Sol Horizon Rover with our Silverado. At first, I thought it would be cool to have the OEM brake controller, but after years of using Prodigy and Redarc brake controllers I've not been pleased with its operation. It applies the brakes fine, but it's horrible if you're in any kind of stop and go traffic, or when navigating the campground. Unless I turn it way down, the GM brake controller jerks the trailer brakes, when applying and releasing. Unfortunately, the way their brake controller is designed, it's not a trivial task to disable or remove it. I'm hoping this new Redarc unit will solve that.

Robin H.

2/13/2026

@Jeff that is correct, you would sever the wire before it gets to the connector where the # RED57AR plugs in at the rear. I would do it a few feet away, leave yourself wire on either side just in case you want to use it at some point down the line. Typically blue, 5 o'clock position, typically labeled pin #2. The Tow-Pro will get the 12V power still from the vehicle, and which also passes through to the trailer. The brake controller will supply power on the brake output pin right there at the connector, which will run through to the brakes on the trailer. I agree with you on the OEM vs some of the better options. We're pretty excited about the Redarc wireless model since the Liberty and Elite are such awesome products. Prodigy (Tekonsha) is good too but their future is a little uncertain since the parent company just went under and they're for sale now.

Answer 1

Hey David, I did some checking and the 12 volt accessory circuit of your 2017 Ram 3500 is active all the time so you can use it to charge your trailer battery. The 1:00 pin of the 7-way carries this circuit and it would need to be ran on the trailer…

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Answer 2

Hey David, the Redarc Tow-Pro Link Bluetooth Brake Controller #RED57AR that you referenced will fit any vehicle that has a 7-way installed on it including your 2017 Ram 3500 that has a factory brake controller. This will bypass that circuit on your…

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Answer 3

Hey Brad, welcome back. There are no flat towed braking systems that can be operated with a standard in cab brake controller like you would use to operate a trailer's brakes. The least invasive way to install a supplemental braking system in a…

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Answer 4

Hey Ed, there's actually quite a few differences between the two kits. The part #DE66AR is a tandem axle kit for 7k axles that includes everything needed to install disc brakes on a trailer. The rotors are hub/rotors which means the two are…

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Answer 5

Yes, I do Brad. I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness item #RED26CR. This is a proportional brake controller that automatically adjusts your trailer's braking based on the deceleration of your Silverado. The…

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Answer 6

We can help bypass the OEM controller of your 2015 GMC Sierra 3500 but to answer your first question you do not need to take truck to dealer to have any check engine lights addressed. I would recommend the Prodigy P3 part #90195 for you because this…

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Answer 7

Hey Eric, yes the round connector of the Curt 4-Way Flat to 7-Way Socket Adapter #C26DR that you referenced does have the standard USCAR 7-way connector on it so it will fit the majority of vehicles out there that have a 7-way installed. What vehicle…

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Answer 8

Hey Andrew. The Redarc Tow-Pro link will indeed work just fine for your 2026 Toyota BZ, and due to it not needing a brake output wire you do not need to hook up the brake out put wire at all. You'll plug the USCAR pig tail #20147 into the Tow-Pro…

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Answer 9

The brake controller port for your 2019 Ram 3500 is a bit of an odd location relative to where the port is on other trucks; the port is underneath the control knobs like in the accompanying photo. You will be able to find the plug behind that panel,…

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Answer 10

I would be happy to! The best option for a plug in brake controller for your 2016 Ram 2500 is going to be the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item #RED24FR. This is a proportional brake controller that activates your trailer's brakes when…

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Answer 11

The Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty #RED24FR is the way to go over the Elite #RED44FR as you get the nicer functions of the Elite at a lower price. The Elite has the ability to be the more preferred proportional style of controller as well as a time-delayed…

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Answer 12

Hey Randall! You can definitely install a brake controller on your Transit. Any vehicle that has a 7-way on it can use a brake controller. I recommend the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller #RED52VR. The Liberty is incredibly reliable, easy to…

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Will Redarc Tow-Pro Link Work On 2021 Silverado 1500 With Factory Brake Controller

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