Trailer brake controller: How to setup and use the trailer brakes Yukon, Tahoe, Suburban, Silverado

More videos like this here: • Yukon / Tahoe / Suburb...
The owner’s manual recommends trailer brakes once your load reaches 75% of vehicle weight
Brake controllers sold here amzn.to/3HIzO5N
Disclaimer, I am an amazon affiliate, so when you purchase through the links I provide it supports the channel with a small referral commission. The price is the same for you.

[@tho464]

Super helpful video. I bought and installed an external brake controller that plugs right in under the steering column but now I realize I don’t need it since I have this brake system on my Z71 Silverado. Sending the other unit back for a refund. Thanks about $150 for the tip!

[@charlie1826]

Excellent video!!! I just bought a 2015 silverado 2500 6.6L Turbo Diesel and now feel very confident in my ability to properly set up my trailer braking because of your video. -thank you

[@robertadams7129]

Thanks so much this helped a ton. Im picking up my daughters camper for her make a wish on Saturday and desperately needed this info 🙏🏻

[@DenisePugh-bh1ze]

It says service trailer brake system and it ack like a trailer is hooked up wat should I do

[@listotrucking]

Everything you said and did was correct except the break away part. If the breakaway cable (not the 7way cable) comes off then it will lock up the trailer. It’s also good to check to make sure it works when you pull it but don’t leave it unplugged more then 5 seconds. Leaving it unplugged could cause the wires to burn up.

[@toddholloway2500]

Thank you for this video. I have not pulled anything with weight behind my 2015 Yukon and this weekend I need to pull a large enclosed Trailer for a friend and this is very helpful to me.

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

You may like this video as well kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqilopelnKxgq8U

[@christianwise4403]

Good tutorial on Gm integrated trailer brakes. The battery on the trailer is to apply brakes in emergency where trailer comes off the pulling vehicle. The switch is pictured behind the batter with a cable which needs to be attached to pulling vehicle if trailer brakes away the cable pulls the pin on that switch and applied the trailer brakes to stop the trailer if the hitch n safety chains would fail. It will do nothing if power is lost. Hence why you can move a trailer but not hook up your 7 pin connector the trailer will move

[@oldNavyJZ]

I have a break-away setup with a similar switch/cable. The cable is maybe 12 or 14 guage braded steel. I use mine every time, looped through the chain loop and back to the trailer. It's funny though, the way it is, if the chains were to fail and the only thing holding the trailer to the truck is that little braded steel wire, my money goes on the wire breaking. Then, the trailer won't do any braking. Weird design. Edit: Nevermind, I now realize there is a pin that gets pulled out, and when that pin pulls out, the brakes are applied.

[@WmAllen23]

Getting ready to head across the country in a new Denali with trailer. I've towed before but it's been awhile so needed a refresher on setting the gains.Thanks for the video!

[@sm-pt6kz]

This was extremely helpful, thank you for your effort!

[@luckylifeonwheels626]

That's awesome I was going to buy a break control for my 2019 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 but I saw this control on the left side of my dash and wondered what it was thx for the info

[@macwiller2105]

Awesome video thank you. Just picked up the new 2019 Ram and has the brake controller and I wasn't 100% sure on how to set it for my camping trailer. 👍

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Mac Willer It’s a nice feature. I’m glad they offer it

[@user-vm3yd2rp7f]

Thanks for the video. a lot simpler. Just got my small 1200 pd camping trailer. Wasn't sure if I needed the brake controller. Got it anyway. Thanks again.

[@carolinacoins]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video and share it with us. I have always wondered if 4.5 was a good setting for the controller? Now I know.

[@jjferrari306]

The trailer safety brake steel cable needs to be hooked up to the truck in order to work! if the trailer comes loose, and disconnect from the vehicle, the cable will pull the safety pin automatically activating the brakes.

[@sagebrushhillbilly4655]

Thanks a bunch, buddy. You've saved me some headache and some rubber!

[@backoffjoe8347]

Really helpful thank you and hard to find sensible instruction in my view like this is.

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it. See my playlist on this truck here kzbin.info/aero/PLIjr-uSYDZi7J7EQ1ErTn1Yzi6ET_3Ssr

[@glamfamcampers]

Just got a 2018 didn't know this was in there perfect thank you

[@yoskke]

Thanks you very much for your video. I am impressed by the newer breaking technology in smaller trucks given that I drive an 18 wheeler tractor tanker, and borrowed a friends 2017 Chevy Colorado, it’s imperative to save the engine ware and breaks

[@ramcity05]

Thanks for the video there’s another guy that explained drawing in a board boring af Your video it’s really interesting 🧐 n well explained

[@johnfunkhouser6277]

Well explained. A lot of help. Thank you.

[@TdawggLA]

Very detailed and easy to understand. Thanks

[@amcmoass1751]

Always wanted to get information on this!! Thank you!!!

[@517outdoors]

Very helpful video. Thank you for this!

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Thanks! Feel free to see my others on this truck here kzbin.info/aero/PLIjr-uSYDZi7J7EQ1ErTn1Yzi6ET_3Ssr

[@marcoaguiar1131]

Good looking out! Excellent tutorial.

[@dalyceblysstrik8354]

Thank you! You made this so easy to understand!

[@daedaetinez6406]

Thanks man. Very helpful!! I didn’t know about the battery 🪫! 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@danimasek]

Thanks for the video. Super helpful, and easy to understand.

[@FXRG1013]

Thank you for this! Well done and very informative!

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed it. More on this yukon here if you’re interested kzbin.info/aero/PLIjr-uSYDZi7J7EQ1ErTn1Yzi6ET_3Ssr

[@mauricepatterson9558]

@@dannyjohnsonsgarage Hi, just wondering how to get the trailer gain icon off the dashboard. I accidentally press the button but don't know how to take the trailer gain off.

[@cubbiepsu1]

very informative and well done...thank you.

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Thanks. See my playlist for more features kzbin.info/aero/PLIjr-uSYDZi7J7EQ1ErTn1Yzi6ET_3Ssr

[@chrismaas8466]

Very informative, thanks for making this video.

[@davidtoth6184]

Very helpful video. Thank you!

[@trustmethc]

Video was incredibly helpful. Thank you. ‘Liked’ and checking your other vids

[@Pod_motorsports189]

Thank you for the tech sir!

[@nancyewert4401]

This was so helpful!

[@KnightsArmory]

Great video!! Thank you!

[@jlewis2268]

Thanks for the video!!

[@stanley1771]

Thanks Danny!

[@arlingtonguy54]

Very good explanation. Thanks

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

arlingtonguy54 I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Thanks!

[@brunomara7207]

Great information!

[@user-dz9sc2ph7y]

Thank you for your video

[@Charmed749]

Thank you for this!! 🙏🏽👋🏽

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

CharMcK❤️ You’re welcome! Many more videos like this here: kzbin.info/aero/PLIjr-uSYDZi7J7EQ1ErTn1Yzi6ET_3Ssr

[@kidsocal436]

Great video. Thank you!

[@petro6767pc]

Thank you.

[@ttheb7161]

Thank You needed this info

[@leonelsanchez6545]

Never knew I had it.

[@Boobtube.]

perfect, i learned something.

[@308sniper7]

Great video! Thanks!

[@henrytrampel8994]

Dude that was awesome thanks!!!

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

I'm glad you enjoyed it! See my other videos on this truck here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oJvLYZSXatisers

[@rafy011970]

gracias me ayudaste mucho!!!

[@belisariocorrea6684]

Thanks for the great explanation.

[@CheffreyGriffin]

Great video thank you

[@Domiano542]

Perfect. Thank you

[@greggoesgaming]

Thanks for the video! Got a car hauler today but haven't pulled a trailer with brakes in over a year and wanted to make sure I set them right. Side note, is that a digital dash? Looks pretty neat, even looks like your able to pull up a trans temp gauge, looks real nice. Nothin that nice on my 10+yo Silverado unfortunately. I love to know what my engine and transmission are doin, bein able to glance at that from time to time would be convenient. Thanks again.

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Yes, the Denali gets you the larger digital center screen, which is nice. When you hit tow/haul the trans temp swaps in as well. Nice features

[@full_metal2452]

Great video 👍

[@Manicpool]

This bracking system would be a great way to slow down someone that steals trailers. Especially the person has no knowledge of electronic braking systems.

[@DenisePugh-bh1ze]

Wat must i do i have a 2012suburban and it seems like am pulling a trailer its make a noise as if am hitting brakes

[@wd8062]

it only applies the brakes if that cable is yanked out so if that cable isnt hooked to your vehicle the battery is useless

[@MrSebesta]

Word!!!

[@hangmann747tinmann8]

Sure hope you have that coiled cable hooked up as your driving. That pulls the pin out of that safety box, thus applying the batt to your brakes in the event of a towing separation.

[@midwaymonster30]

Great video. Thank you.

[@cristobaldelacruz142]

Nice video.

[@ingersom1]

I never knew that box had a battery in it 😂 I’ve had the trailer 4 years just got my first truck with a brake controller

[@ingersom1]

In all seriousness this was very informative! Adjusting the breaks today pulling a full size SUV was a breeze.

[@angelmendoza7175]

How do you turn it off?

[@anastasiaz5645]

This is a simple, well explained tutorial. Regarding a change in conditions, does a change in incline (mountains) require a brake adjustment?

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

It shouldn’t unless you notice it’s taking too much effort to stop. At that point add more gain, but just make sure the wheels are not locking up

[@dmmjq2]

Informative video.. I'm looking at a couple of car hauler trailers with brakes.. my question is do the trailer brakes go soft to hard as you apply the brakes?? For example as you gently push the brake pedal as your car brakes go soft or hard depending on how you push the brake pedal do the trailer brakes act the same way? Or do they go all out as soon as they see the brake signal..thanks

[@tristanwwsd]

Same question here. I have some doubts.

[@edgardoherrera3886]

Great video thanks.

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Edgardo Herrera I’m glad you enjoyed it! More videos on this truck here: kzbin.info/aero/PLIjr-uSYDZi7J7EQ1ErTn1Yzi6ET_3Ssr

[@BigLee-gw8zt]

Thanks!! 👍

[@judimartin9692]

How to adjust brake gain 2021 sierra denali

[@kirkjones9827]

Thank you for the info. I just bought a 2017 after my 2002 was stolen. I have a dump trailer. If I hooked it up to my trailer battery will it charge it? The battery is only for my dump. No trailer breaks.

[@michaelpockat1]

How do I connect it install it?

[@gerardopena303]

Puedes ayudarme con un Silverado 2012 3500hd 4*4 no sé cómo conectar los frenos del remolque y si el camión tiene el sistema de frenada asistida solo se que tiene "+" y "-" en la palanca de cambios

[@johncware66]

Very helpful! Thank you. Thumbs up. Trying to figure out what kind of brakes my new (used) dump trailer has (bought used, no docs). Any ideas on how to do that?

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

I would try looking up a model number of the trailer

[@amathonn]

It appears my trailer brake controller is on the right side wand and has only the plus and minus buttons. How does that work?

[@hotlatino7220]

What is the fuse number for trailer brakes on a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado 3500 diesel?

[@masonnichols1675]

Great video, very informative! What about the other side of the steering wheel, where the tow button is at (end of the gear shifter) There are 2 [- / +] buttons, what are those for with towing?

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

That is "tow/haul." It just changes shift points to give you more rpm in each gear before shifting, turns on the radiator fans sooner to keep the engine cool. The plus/minus is for manually shifting gears.

[@poot111111]

I've been thinking, would you have purchased an Expedition if they used their 5.0 or 6.2 instead?

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

poot111111 Yes. I have actually said that very thing lol (and if the explorer was the 5.0...maybe that too). I do really like the Yukon as well though- styling and features. I also suggested a 6.2L raptor, but my wife wasn’t on board ha ha

[@rogercyr1551]

This is not necessarily "set and forget". There's a big difference setting the gain level on an empty cargo or dump trailer, and then what's needed for a loaded cargo or dump trailer. The gain needs to be adjusted for load. Not as big a deal for an RV trailer.

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Yeah, that’s why the video discusses setting it for different road conditions and weights as well, i.e pavement, gravel, loaded, unloaded

[@rogercyr1551]

@@dannyjohnsonsgarage For sure! I thought it was a great video, saved me time flipping through the owner's manual of my '23 Sierra. I just thought it was worth mentioning again in a comment, because many viewers seemed like first-timers with brake control. Well done!

[@Mr.majic_cracker]

I have a 2020 Sierra at4 and I bought a brand new trailer with brakes. The trailer dealer tested them and they work. However my truck displays no electric brakes detected. What's up with this?

[@garbagegut714]

So if manually engaged the trailer brakes from the controller will it also activate the truck brakes? I noticed when I hot the controller the truck brake lights were on as well

[@Pack.Leader]

If your tow vehicle doesn't have one of these braking systems factory installed, how much would it cost to add one?

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Bea, Honey dog and me I’m not sure if this is all you would need, but here is the breakaway attachment. The people at this company could probably tell you why exactly you would need www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YD5Q2MV/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=2004047-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B07YD5Q2MV&linkId=396dc598241bfc232ea3bae18d0a5869

[@davidpaulmert800]

$425 Canadian lol

[@Pack.Leader]

@@dannyjohnsonsgarage Thank you. I'm just seeing your reply. Appreciate it.

[@Trickshotshow1]

Thank you! I just bought a Dodge Ram 2500 4x4, and am going to tow a good size trailer with it, but couldn't for the life of me find any data on that brake switch! Having seen this video, I know what it does. My only question is do trailers without battery that do have brakes still react the same way behind the Ram?

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

It should be the same, perhaps without the battery it’s just a different break away safety system

[@Youtubealgorithimagent52]

Do i have to stop in between every gain or minus adjustment or can i make them while driving

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

You can change the gain value while driving

[@jamescruz64]

When towing should I use tow mode

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Yes. It recalibrates the transmission shift points, usually activates the fan earlier, etc

[@RobertCarrizal]

Can You Ask My Question? What's Is That For Trailer Brake Gain and Tow Haul Mode any trailer selection light and heavy?

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Tow/Haul mode is for the truck to change shift points and engage cooling fans etc and the trailer gain is how hard the brakes will be applied on the trailer. The two systems will not know the weight of the trailer, so tow haul will always act the same and the trailer gain is set by you depending on the weight of the trailer. The video shows how to set the trailer gain

[@6gatornation]

I just switch from a 17 Silverado 2500 GAS to a 17 Denali HD Duramax I’m pulling the same trailer same weight 5k lbs My trailer brake was set around seven on the Silverado and working fine On the Denali I have it set on 10 and it still seems to need a little more trailer brake can’t figure it out Trailer brakes shoes are adjusted perfectly and the trailer brake battery still good Do you have any suggestions Thx

[@cesarvalenzuela8527]

I have 2018 sierra z71 but why doesn’t have trailer brake control switch?

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

It did not come with that as part of your tow package. You can add one. www.amazon.com/Tekonsha-90195-Electronic-Brake-Control/dp/B000P17NXQ?keywords=gm+trailer+brake+controller&qid=1646413911&sprefix=gm+trailer+brake+,aps,126&sr=8-2-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFQTzQzWjMwOFhSU0YmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTAzMDY2NTRVVzVLWFpRVERDTVAmZW5jcnlwdGVkQWRJZD1BMDg3NjQ5NE9ZSElPSlkzM0U1JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ%3D%3D&linkCode=sl1&tag=2004047-20&linkId=ac18d02aacd40edce8215b280236cd55&language=en_US&ref_=as_li_ss_tl

[@claudiohysi9203]

I love my denali

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Me too

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Check out this playlist of all the cool things you can do with it. kzbin.info/aero/PLIjr-uSYDZi7J7EQ1ErTn1Yzi6ET_3Ssr

[@12northdakota]

very helpful. thx

[@alahatim]

thx, good vid

[@bayoucat2924]

On my Chevy my trailer was not connected but my gain + - lit up by my odometer. Nothing was hooked up for the last 24 hours.Did you ever have this happen to you before?

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

That has not happened to me. I can access the info at any time, but it is dim until hooked up

[@KellerWilliamsCovina]

2019 Chevy trail boss here. I have the towing package. Can I assume if I have the 7 prong adapter I automatically have the trailer brakes engaged and working? Seems like when I hit the brakes the trailer brakes aren't working. Do I need Chevy to add something or since I have the 7 prong attached is it doing its job by engaging the trailer brakes? Thanks. Newbie here.

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

If you have the trailer brakes on the truck set at 10 and you manually push the brake switches together and nothing is happening, it’s more likely something is not right on the trailer end. Try setting it to 10 and put the truck in drive. As you slowly move forward does the trailer brake do anything at all?

[@KellerWilliamsCovina]

I guess that's the problem. It has the towing package but I don't see any manual controller to make any sort of adjustments. Seems odd to me that a truck would come with the trailering package but not the manual controller.

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

There is a tow package for the hardware, but if you don’t have the buttons it doesn’t have the brake controller. You can purchase them aftermarket and install

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001P11SCM/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=2004047-20&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B001P11SCM&linkId=4386c8dae465bd439e695f8db6e07f1e

[@peorq1]

@@KellerWilliamsCovina I have a 2020 TB with the tow package. The controller sits on the left side of your front USB ports. Near your right knee.

[@barbmccoy8353]

Are we supposed to keep our foot on the gas when applying the manual override to test the gain, or should we be coasting (or does it even matter)?

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Coasting should be fine, the idea is to see if the brakes lock up. They should look easier without accelerating, so it would be better to know if they lock up under no throttle (which would be more likely the case when you are applying the brakes in a real life situation without the accelerator), but that’s just my guess. Verify it with a more reputable source

[@timspade8477]

Hello. I have a 2015 Silverado 1500 double cab 4x4 and the VIN confirms it has a heavy duty trailering package. It does not have the factory brake controller in the dash. I have an aftermarket controller currently. My question is: Can I buy one and install it myself? Is there a place in the dash to just mount it? I have a small cubby where the controller switch should go. Can I just buy one and install it and does it have to be programmed?

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

You would need to verify if the harness for the vehicle has the plug for it to plug in, and then it still may need to be programmed. My friend had both on his Ford, but I was pretty sure it’s not the case for GM.

[@miketurpin6687]

I have a new 2021 GMC AT4 3500 and was thinking that it would supply power to the trailer brakes through the connector cord. You’re saying that the trailer itself needs a battery onboard?

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

It typically works that way. It may depend on the trailer and how it’s setup.

[@catherineschroeder2531]

We have just watched your video on setting up the electric brakes. Very good video. We do have a question for you. We just got a 2017 GMC Canyon, and we think we are having some electric brake issues. When we are pulling our 20 ft camper, and we are going thru hilly areas and such, it feels like when the trans shifts it kind of lurches. But it only happens when we are pulling the camper. Is that a electric brake issue?? Thank you.

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

It should not be doing anything between shifts. You can manually apply the brake so you know it’s in and see how it does between shifts. My thoughts are a camper may be a little much for a GMC Canyon kzbin.info/www/bejne/fqilopelnKxgq8U

[@MrSebesta]

Man I wanna give you the truth and that's it! The reason your vehicle is lurching has everything to do with the weight of the trailer versus the weight and power of your vehicle. Zero to do with the brakes! Period! Your towing vehicle may be too lightweight. Not meant to be an insult but ya gotta have weight to pull weight. If you have a tow/haul switch, USE IT. If not, it wasn't designed to be a tower in the first place. Not to say that larger vehicles automatically are set up to tow but just a general statement. Do this.... Open the owners manual, that's the trucks bible. Trust it. Glossary - Towing - Towing Capacity and get that number, the gross weight one, aight? Lets say your owners manual states 1500 pounds, for example. Now, tow the trailer loaded, fuel and all and hit a truck stop or a city dump. Get on the scale with the trailer and then without the trailer attached. I bet you'll find that the trailer is too heavy for your vehicle or it's darn close and coupled with lack of torque. And if not, I will take the hits but that's the ONLY actual and accurate way to know what you can tow anyhow so it's money/time very well spent! You seriously do not wanna be towing a trailer that's too heavy. See what I mean......

[@Supermanwithatan01]

This may sound like a ridiculously stupid question… I understand when you need a controller and how to set it, but when driving, in the event you need to slow down or stop (obviously lol) do you only have to press the brake in the vehicle or do you also have to press something on the controller to stop as well? Sorry for the ignorance, just hoping to learn about this

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

The brakes on the trailer will automatically be applied when you push on the brake pedal. The gain amount is how hard the brakes are applied on the trailer. There is also the manual brake switch to apply only trailer brakes if you want, but otherwise just push the brake pedal and it does the rest for you 👍🏼

[@jimmygomez9055]

I would appreciate if someone can help me with this trouble, when i used this control trailer brakes in a 3500HD GMC, the signal is received for the trailer brakes, but when I used the brake pedal the signal is not received by the trailers brakes, I mean the trailer brakes works only with the control panel and not with i press the brake pedal..

[@ableite]

Is there other use case for the slider besides the gain calibration?

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

The top slide manually applies the brakes. The gain is from the +\- buttons

[@bigfootllamas777]

I have a stock horse trailer. Does it have to have its own battery for this to work?

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

Bigfoot Llamas The trailer needs a battery including it’s own brake system. Not all trailers come with brakes so you’ll need to see what it has

[@kimvasquez7264]

I accidentally moved it when I was getting out and now it is diplayed on my dashboard. How do I turn it off or remove it from my dashboard

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

You can delete the page from the dash until you want it, or disconnect the negative battery cable for 5 minutes and hope it resets kzbin.info/www/bejne/kJy1qKZtj5Z_arc

[@0my]

That's a huge trailer for that truck. Anyways, thanks for the video. Very nice of you.

[@nelsonlovo5219]

When not on a trailer what number should it be on?Bought a YuKon & it was set at 10 but I don’t use it?Thanks

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

It won’t matter because the number is how hard the trailer brakes are being told to apply, but I would leave it on 5 so when you hook up you don’t forget and Lock up the brakes on the trailer

[@mohammadghaddar2230]

Hello, i turned on my trailer break by mistake and didn't know how to turn it off ? Does it turn off by itself or what?

[@mohammadghaddar2230]

I have a 2022 tahoe rst

[@dannyjohnsonsgarage]

It should only be on if you’re squeezing the handles to stop the trailer. If a trailer is not connected it doesn’t matter