Intergrated Brake Controller

bagger97 · January 5, 2011

I have an 11' Sierra with factory brake controller. Any idea who actually makes this system?

Ziggie · April 20, 2011

It is made by GM

It is much better than any aftermarket controller you can install.

I used to have teconsha on my old truck, now on my 2008 I have factory one and it is just great, can not even compare to anything aftermarket.

You only set the power and the trailer brakes respond to your foot, not inertia, no delay.

I was told the factory can not be installed after truck is build, as lots of parts would need to be changed, ABS, Brake master cylinder, traction control etc.

Ziggie

mfennema · April 20, 2011

I really doubt that GM makes this, but I cannot tell you what the name of the company is that does. Ziggie is right however, you cannot add the factory brake controller because of everything that needs to be changed for this to work.

Ziggie · June 25, 2011

Some people still like the aftermarket, like Teconsha Prodigy P2, it is still inertia type controler, which means it has to sense the decelration to activate more brakes to the trailer.

Even GM tech told me today that he likes the aftermarket better.

My experience is that the factory performs better as it responds to pressure in the brake line, so no delays, no jerking.

Ziggie

Bluedog · June 27, 2011

Delphi makes the electronics, but it truly is an integrated system. It senses the actual pressure in the master cylinder to send the signal to the trailer brakes. It also allows for limited anti-lock braking features. Finally it checks the circuit to the trailer constantly and will instantly cause a message and a chime if there is any failure in the brake circuit in either the truck or the trailer.

I have the integrated in my truck, but my Tahoe didn't come with it (not an option in '08) so I have a P2 in it. There is no comparison to the level of control between the IBC and the P2 pulling the same trailer. The delay when the P2 senses deceleration compared to the IBC is very noticeable.

drfife · April 22, 2012

I have a 2012 GMC Sierra 3500 HD SRW Duramax with a GM integrated brake controller. I tow a 9,000 lb travel trailer. I've logged 1,500 miles towing since January 2012. I use a Hensley Arrow trailer hitch.

I set gain on the brake controller at 8.0 after following the set-up instructions in the owners manual.

Last weekend I had to perform a panic stop at 40 mph to avoid collision after a car turned left across my path. The force of the stop resulted in the shearing of two of the Hensley shear bolts on the left strut. I repaired the Hensley at the campground and our return trip was uneventful.

I adjusted the trailer brakes today. Very little adjustment was required. To verify they were functional I had my wife apply the brake pedal. There was a 2 to 3 second delay from application of the brakes in the truck to braking on the trailer wheels. If the manual lever was activated on the brake controller, the brakes applied instantly.

Is it normal to have a delay from truck braking to energizing the trailer brakes?

I have noticed that the trailer bumps the tow vehicle much more than my previous vehicle and brake controller.

I have towed the same trailer with an '02 K2500 Suburban with a BrakeSmart brake controller for many years and many miles. The BrakeSmart provided multiple adjustments to provide optimal, smooth braking. The truck and trailer truly braked in harmony.

The GM controller only has a gain setting.

Do I have a problem that needs to be checked by GM? Should I install a more sophisticated brake controller for my safety?

Thanks in advance for your advise and suggestions.

scooby5121 · April 22, 2012

I do not have that problem with the delay as you have mentioned with the factory break controlller.

Scooby... I pull a 9700LB dry weight travel trailer as per tags. Loaded approx. add 400LB.

BlackZ71Silverado · April 24, 2012

The factory controlled is best IMO. I have used both the factory controller in 2008 V-Max and a P3 in my 2010. Hands down you can definately feel the difference with the factory controller. Braking seems more even I guess you can say. My next truck will have a controller from the factory that's for sure.

dondrasmith · May 1, 2012

We have a 2008 GMC 3500 with IBC. We have had nothing but problems with this integrated brake controller. We have had failure 3 times, the DIC will show "Service Trailer Brakes" when there is an issue, when you have this warning, YOU WILL NOT have power to the trailer brakes. The first time this happened, we had to drive home without trailer brakes, happened while in route, not safe!! We have had this to the dealership for this, they did fix it ( replaced the relay) and told us this was common. We now have had this warning again on the DIC and again we have no trailer brakes. Truck is no longer under warranty!!! We are going to install an aftermarket P3, waiting for it to arrive, No more problems. I know your trailer probably does not have Electric over Hydraulic disc brake system, but for anyone else reading, the factory installed brake controller will not work with the Electric over Hydraulic disc brake system and an aftermarket brake controller will have to be installed anyway.

drfife · May 6, 2012

I took my truck with trailer to my local GMC service center. A service tech, that is an experienced RVer, took a test drive with my truck and trailer. After multiple gain adjustments, we agreed that 8.0 felt best and most secure.

We then hitched my trailer to a new 2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD CC SB Duramax which is similar to my truck, except mine is a 3500 and has the Z71 package. We took it out on the same route and performed the same tests. It too had the best braking with my trailer with the gain set at 8.0.

I do not know why, but the brake pedal felt "mushier" and had more travel than my 3500.

The braking response with both GM trucks with the ITBC were similar, but not as smooth as my previous BrakeSmart controller. The GM ITBC only has gain adjustment. The BrakeSmart provided additional adjustments like initial brake constant and power factor, in addition to gain.

The tech felt that I had become accustom to a more customizable controller. The GM controller is acceptable to most people. He could not explain delay I observed with the brake pedal vs manual lever when stationary. The system is hydraulic brake fluid pressure based. He felt that additional motion sensors do not activate immediate signal to brakes if stationary. He has not had to repair an ITBC before.

They offered to disable the ITBC and install the brake controller of my choice at no charge. I will play with the current system and decide if I think I'd be better off with a different controller. Too bad BrakeSmart is no longer being produced. That would be my first choice.

A friend performed the same test with his GM truck with ITBC and had the same result. When the trailer wheels are off the ground and spinning, the manual controller works instantly and a 2-3 second delay when the brake pedal is depressed.

The service manager and techs at Classic GMC of Carrollton treated me with respect and Were very friendly and helpful.

My conclusion: The ITBC in my truck functions as designed. It is good enough to make most people happy. GM could take a lesson from BrakeSmart and increase the available adjustments and improve their ITBC. They also should provide better information to the consumer of how their current product functions. Even the techs are in the dark.

SouthCo · May 6, 2012

I've got the integrated brake controller and it works great. Of course I've only used it twice, but none the less it was perfect.

BlackZ71Silverado · May 6, 2012

Strange, my dads 2008 v-max factory controller works much, much better than the P3 in my 2010.

Wonder why your factory controller doesn't work well?

Do you know why Brake Smart is no longer being made. Would think if they are better than or as good as OEM, they would still be in buisness from all the customers switching over.

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scott26 · May 6, 2012

You guys got me all excited to use the ITBC now. It was included with the purchase of the truck since the dealer trade came with it, sounds like I got a nice little perk. Now I just need something to tow.

MikeNH · May 6, 2012

I took my truck with trailer to my local GMC service center. A service tech, that is an experienced RVer, took a test drive with my truck and trailer. After multiple gain adjustments, we agreed that 8.0 felt best and most secure.

We then hitched my trailer to a new 2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD CC SB Duramax which is similar to my truck, except mine is a 3500 and has the Z71 package. We took it out on the same route and performed the same tests. It too had the best braking with my trailer with the gain set at 8.0.

I do not know why, but the brake pedal felt "mushier" and had more travel than my 3500.

The braking response with both GM trucks with the ITBC were similar, but not as smooth as my previous BrakeSmart controller. The GM ITBC only has gain adjustment. The BrakeSmart provided additional adjustments like initial brake constant and power factor, in addition to gain.

The tech felt that I had become accustom to a more customizable controller. The GM controller is acceptable to most people. He could not explain delay I observed with the brake pedal vs manual lever when stationary. The system is hydraulic brake fluid pressure based. He felt that additional motion sensors do not activate immediate signal to brakes if stationary. He has not had to repair an ITBC before.

They offered to disable the ITBC and install the brake controller of my choice at no charge. I will play with the current system and decide if I think I'd be better off with a different controller. Too bad BrakeSmart is no longer being produced. That would be my first choice.

A friend performed the same test with his GM truck with ITBC and had the same result. When the trailer wheels are off the ground and spinning, the manual controller works instantly and a 2-3 second delay when the brake pedal is depressed.

The service manager and techs at Classic GMC of Carrollton treated me with respect and Were very friendly and helpful.

My conclusion: The ITBC in my truck functions as designed. It is good enough to make most people happy. GM could take a lesson from BrakeSmart and increase the available adjustments and improve their ITBC. They also should provide better information to the consumer of how their current product functions. Even the techs are in the dark.

As I understood it the built in unit was not compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes which it sounds like you have.

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Doug_Scott · May 6, 2012

I took my truck with trailer to my local GMC service center. A service tech, that is an experienced RVer, took a test drive with my truck and trailer. After multiple gain adjustments, we agreed that 8.0 felt best and most secure.

We then hitched my trailer to a new 2012 GMC Sierra 2500HD CC SB Duramax which is similar to my truck, except mine is a 3500 and has the Z71 package. We took it out on the same route and performed the same tests. It too had the best braking with my trailer with the gain set at 8.0.

I do not know why, but the brake pedal felt "mushier" and had more travel than my 3500.

The braking response with both GM trucks with the ITBC were similar, but not as smooth as my previous BrakeSmart controller. The GM ITBC only has gain adjustment. The BrakeSmart provided additional adjustments like initial brake constant and power factor, in addition to gain.

The tech felt that I had become accustom to a more customizable controller. The GM controller is acceptable to most people. He could not explain delay I observed with the brake pedal vs manual lever when stationary. The system is hydraulic brake fluid pressure based. He felt that additional motion sensors do not activate immediate signal to brakes if stationary. He has not had to repair an ITBC before.

They offered to disable the ITBC and install the brake controller of my choice at no charge. I will play with the current system and decide if I think I'd be better off with a different controller. Too bad BrakeSmart is no longer being produced. That would be my first choice.

A friend performed the same test with his GM truck with ITBC and had the same result. When the trailer wheels are off the ground and spinning, the manual controller works instantly and a 2-3 second delay when the brake pedal is depressed.

The service manager and techs at Classic GMC of Carrollton treated me with respect and Were very friendly and helpful.

My conclusion: The ITBC in my truck functions as designed. It is good enough to make most people happy. GM could take a lesson from BrakeSmart and increase the available adjustments and improve their ITBC. They also should provide better information to the consumer of how their current product functions. Even the techs are in the dark.

I would think that testing application without the vehicle moving would not give accurate results, other than showing you that the manual override does in fact override it all and become manual. The delay may be part of the programming algorithm.

As for the brakes on the new truck on the lot that was tested having a spongier pedal, not uncommon for brake pedal feel to be a bit mushy when new, and then firm up over the next couple hundred miles.