Do I Need a Brake Controller with the Curt C56326 On A 2020 Cadillac XT5

Updated 10/06/2026 | Published 10/05/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way Trailer Connector

(34)

$63.14

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional

(3269)

$167.00

Question:

For the Wiring Harness part C56326 on a 2020 Cadillac XT5 - as installed, when the vehicle brakes are applied, is there a fixed output sent to the trailer brakes? Must I have/install a brake controller?

asked by: Tim

Expert Reply:

Hey Tim, thanks for reaching out. Yes, if your trailer has electric brakes, you will need a brake controller. The Curt # C56326 wiring harness does not provide any braking output on its own. It handles the trailer lighting circuits, but it does not sense vehicle braking and send a fixed or proportional amount of power to the trailer brakes.

You’ll need to add a brake controller to actually operate the trailer brakes. The controller monitors when and how hard the XT5 is braking and sends the appropriate output back to the trailer brakes, giving you controlled braking rather than a simple fixed output every time you step on the pedal.

That said, for your 2020 Cadillac XT5, I recommend the following:

- Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller w/ Universal Wiring Harness - Dash Knob - Proportional # RED52VR

This Redarc is a great all-around controller. It installs hidden behind the dash, and all you see is the small LED control know. It's easy to use and has a nice, clean factory look.

What kind of trailer will you be towing?

expert reply by: Jesse M