Can I Install an After Market Brake Controller if I Already Have an OEM Controller on my Truck?

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Question:

I have a 2025 3500 cheverolet with factory trailer brakes, it works very intermittently, which is interesting to say the least, I had it back to dealer three times. my question is can I install this with my existing trailer brake system ? maybe this question cant be answered. thank you jgibbs

asked by: Jerry G

0

Expert Reply:

I'm sorry to hear what's going on, Jerry.

If your 2025 Chevy 3500 already has a factory brake controller built in, you will need to have the truck’s computer updated to remove it. If you skip that step, your truck will try to revert to using the OEM controller instead of the Curt Spectrum Brake Controller # C36QV.

The only way to do this is to take your truck to the dealer and have them remove it from the computer.

Your factory controller definitely shouldn’t be doing that. When you took it to the dealer, what did they tell you?

expert reply by: Gwendolyn Y

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Jerry G.

4/13/2026

I have had it to two different dealers three times, they plug a simulator into the trailer plug, and can find nothing. I asked them to let the tech pull an RV with electric brakes for a few days, they didn't. it's a known intermittent problem. I had the same problem with the last two Chevrolets. I probably will have to get a wiring diagram and trace it back and look for a wiring issue or bad module etc. or do what you suggested, or maybe trade it. thanks for your answer and getting back to me. jgibbs

Gwendolyn Y.

4/14/2026

@JerryG If everything is fine on your trailer and you’ve checked to make sure there are no bad magnets, then checking the wires on your truck would be a good start. If you can find the ground, make sure that it’s not loose. Also, check the 7-way at the back to inspect the blades.

Ethan M.

4/14/2026

@JerryG are you experiencing these issues while pulling the same trailer? It might help in narrowing down the issue by using or borrowing another trailer equipped with electric brakes to see if it’s a ground issue with the trailer. I don’t have factory trailer brakes but my aftermarket controllers will cut in and out with the beat up farm trailers I pull, and for me, it’s always my trailer plug and or wiring where is been abused from work or chewed on by rodents. Might be an easy fix. Hope you find the solution and if I find new information I’ll be sure to share.

Jerry

4/15/2026

@EthanM thanks, yes i pulled multiple trailers with the same results, and when I use my lighter truck everything works fine. thanks for your input. i'm thinking maybe a module etc. I understand there are two of them. when the dealer plugs in the simulator there is no issue, tried to explain a simulator is just a tool and not real time driving. I do get an intermitten problem is a real headache for the techs, who knows ????

See All (5) Replies to Jerry G. ∨

Answer 1

The Hydrastar Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator for Disc Brakes part #HBA16 can be used with a power brake bleeder. The actuator has a standard brake bleeder nipple on the revivor which you can attach the hose of a power bleeder to for faster…

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Answer 2

Thanks for the pictures! I would be happy to help you. Since you have already gone through the recommend troubleshooting steps and verified it is not a wiring issue I think its safe to say the actuator is the problem. Carlisle's troubleshooting…

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Answer 3

Hi Shane; sometimes the adapter module #HBA-CAM is needed to help the brakes function properly. However, before you go this route I would check out the brake controller. More often than not you need to switch to electric over hydraulic mode for the…

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Answer 4

If it is a 1000 psi then it would be the Hydrastar for drum brakes. The newest one is #HBA-10 and it has different wire colors, see picture. So you know that black is 12 volt power in and white is the ground. Blue/white goes to the break away switch.…

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Answer 5

Have you tested the brake controller output on the 2025 Silverado's 7-way and confirmed that it's sending power back to the trailer when the manual override is being activated? When you say the brakes aren't activating as they should do…

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Answer 6

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 7

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 9

According to Blue Ox, it'll take an experienced installer about 4 to 5 hours to complete the installation of their #BX1128 Base Plate Kit on a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee. The install isn't what I'd call super-difficult, but the installation…

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Answer 10

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 11

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

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Answer 12

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Can I Install an After Market Brake Controller if I Already Have an OEM Controller on my Truck?

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