Add Stock Trailer Brake

Rukus · March 19, 2018

Has any added the stock (OEM) trailer brake system on their truck? Looks like dealer buying back (swapping) my truck and the offer is with a truck without the system. Is it possible? Easy to do? I'd imagine buy the plate and wire harness? As we all (maybe) know the truck is not wired for everything at the plant. The center console has taught us that.

pgamboa · March 19, 2018

Has any added the stock (OEM) trailer brake system on their truck? Looks like dealer buying back (swapping) my truck and the offer is with a truck without the system. Is it possible? Easy to do? I'd imagine buy the plate and wire harness? As we all (maybe) know the truck is not wired for everything at the plant. The center console has taught us that.

Possible? Yes.

But at what costs?

I was told by@GTPPrix that just programming alone is at least $500. Then you have to factor all the hardware, modules, and wiring from the switch, to the BCM, then to all the modules.

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sk · March 19, 2018

Most of the threads on these forums and others on the interwebs have come to the conclusion that it can't be done. The OEM system isn't just the switch panel -- it includes a lot of other hardware pieces (trans cooler, oil cooler, etc.) and the software is drastically different since it interfaces with ABS, the trailer plug, the DIC, and lots of other settings.

I would tell the dealer you want a truck that already has it.

Lgetz · March 19, 2018

Not happening unless you are willing to spend a few grand to make it work properly. My advice is get a truck with the integrated trailer brake controller or go aftermarket such as a Teconsha P3.

Rukus · March 20, 2018

Thank you for the advice. I hd a '15 where I had to use an aftermarket brake system (Tekonsha). Looks like I will have to go that route again.

qwank · March 20, 2018

The best you can do is GM sells a plug and play dash mount brake controller that come with a harness that plugs into the fuse block by the brake pedal.

MegaCode360 · March 20, 2018

I would tell them you want a truck with the controller

Donstar · March 20, 2018

This has been discussed at length and the conclusion is that it is possible to add an oem brake controller but it is too cost and labor intensive to be a consideration. When searching for my current truck I wanted a built in brake controller. The truck I found didn't have this feature but everything else was near perfect. I now have an aftermarket brake controller. My point is I wouldn't give up on a great truck/deal based solely on the brake controller. It is an inexpensive aftermarket item.

HoosierZ · March 20, 2018

The problem with most aftermarket controllers is there is no good place to mount them in a truck with the full console. I came across the Reese Compact IQ controller and mounted the controller adjustment knob and LED into a panel I molded into the bezel where the pocket was.

Donstar · March 20, 2018

I needed a trailer brake controller in a hurry so I asked my dealer to put one in that GM recommends and locate it where they think best. It is mounted under dash above the gas pedal. It is convenient to reach, looks fine, and never gets knocked with my leg.

NoLand · April 1, 2018

I went with a Redarc controller. It’s a two piece unit with the accelerometer that I mounted out of sight under the dash and then the small controller that I installed above the light switch.

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atw98 · November 19, 2018

NoLand, where did you mount the controller? I see very little space under my dash.

NoLand · November 24, 2018

NoLand, where did you mount the controller? I see very little space under my dash.

Sorry, I didn’t get the notification that you had replied to this post.

It looks like you figured out a spot already, but I mounted mine to the plastic harness box above and to the left of the brake pedal. Used some heavy duty velcro. I wanted to mount mine where you did, but it looked like too tight of a fit.

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