GMC/Chevy owners with Integrated Brake Controller - Is this normal?

[vocoder]

Howdy.

My current setup is a '13 GMC 1500 Denali and a 2014 Stealth 1913 Toy Hauler that weighs between 5600 and 7700 depending on load.

The truck has the Integrated Brake Controller and I have tried to set the gain per the owners manual. Part of that process requires manually applying the trailer brakes using the controller only and setting the gain so the wheels lock up, then backing it off slightly. Even with an empty trailer, fully applying the trailer brakes from the controller will only slow us down a little. I can not get the trailer wheels to lock up.

Also, when towing, I don't get that familiar feeling of the trailer brakes engaging when I push the pedal - but the brakes are being applied. Stopping is smooth, the truck stays level and I feel 100% in-control at all times in normal driving conditions. I haven't had to make a panic stop yet.

I have the gain set around 8 (out of 10) - much higher and I can lock up the trailer pretty easily using the brake pedal. This seems high to me, given the relatively light trailer. I've had the trailer checked by the dealer and they said the trailer is fine.

I've towed small cargo trailers (for dirtbikes etc.) using an aftermarket controller in my prior truck (Tacoma) and I'm used to feeling the trailer pull when applying the brakes. I'm also used to being able to fully lock up the trailer wheels with a squeeze of the the afteremarket controller.

Is this the way it should work with the Integrated Brake Controller, or is there something potentially wrong with my setup? How can I check? Should I be concerned that I can't quickly stop the truck and trailer using the ITBC only?

Thanks!

[Bryan2503S]

I'm no expert but I think something is off.

I can set my ITBC to 5, put it drive and give it a little gas, and when i squeeze the levers on the ITBC my truck and trailer come to an immediate and complete stop with my foot completely off the brake pedal.

Thats towing a 6500# tt

[Lloydg]

vocoder: I had a 2010 F150 pulling a 4,500 lb TT and had exactly the same problem you have. Took the truck to the dealer and they said that the ITBC is designed to react to the amount of load and conditions and nothing was defective. Like Bryan said, if I squeezed the levers I could lock the brakes, but did not seem to do the same when increasing the gain and hitting the brakes hard. The TT seemed to always stop well and I never had any issues that would cause me to think that the brakes were not working. I forced a couple of panic stops too. Can't say if your situation is unsafe, but it's sounds just like I had.

[jevanb]

will it lock at a stand still?? I had this same problem with my 5er, found I needed bigger mag`s, and larger wire from the box at the pin box on back, I also got rid of the Proportional brake controller (P2) and went with a timed base. now it is night and day, fought with the dealer and the factory for 1 year and then I said screw them.. pull your rotors and see if grease made its way into your pads and adjust the pads.

[vocoder]

Originally Posted by jevanb

will it lock at a stand still??

Yes, if I squeeze the controller and take my foot off the brake pedal while stopped, it will hold.

[AquaMan]

The internal brake controller is working as it should. You're not feeling that big pull against the truck, because you're probably not trying to stop hard enough. My '11 and '13 both stop flawlessly with 14k 5er set at 7.5. I never feel the trailer tug or pull against the truck when doing a normal stop, but it will stop in a hurry in an emergency situation. It will also apply the brakes if the truck senses fishtailing.

[R Whitlow]

Agree with Aquaman I think your brake controller is working as planned. If the brake controller is not worker in 100% the brake working light would come on, that is what mine did when the module failed.
My 07 GMC displays a bar graph in the dash when trailer breaks are applied. The more break pedal I use the higher the graph goes. It did take a while to get use to from the add on controllers. Something to note I had to power stop on the interstate and I was able to go from 60 to 0 in a acceptable distance, not sure an add on controller would have stopped me.

[TURBS]

I concur with aqua boy....
But.... I would defiantly make sure your trailer brakes are adjusted up properly.


Turbs

[AquaMan]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

I concur with aqua boy.... But.... I would defiantly make sure your trailer brakes are adjusted up properly. Turbs

Who you callin' boy, youngster?

[TURBS]

Originally Posted by AquaMan

Who you callin' boy, youngster?

Untill your as old as gramps ur a pup yet!
:roflblack

[Lloydg]

If the saying "You're only as old as you act", is correct, we're all about 29!!

[AquaMan]

Originally Posted by f1100turbo

Untill your as old as gramps ur a pup yet! :roflblack

True that!

[vocoder]

Thanks for all of the replies. I feel a bit better now, as we are heading out for 4 days starting tomorrow. I'm still concerned that I can't adjust the controller the way the manual states I should, but it sounds like the other operations are probably OK. Cheers to all, and Happy Thanksgiving!

[Kaboom]

Sounds like you are fine. Other than the gain seems a little high. I had problems with ITBC on my 2013 2500 HD. After repair it works just like you described. I have a heavier TT and gain is at 6. Towed trailer to dealer and a tech./ friend rode along to make sure it was working properly. Much smoother than add on controller in my Tundra. The controller does not respond exactly like the owners manual says it should.

[wneise]

Odd considering I always squeeze the slide on my '11 f150 and give it some gas to make sure the pin is locked in place on my fiver. Truck never moves more than a few inches.

[Kaboom]

I have not tried it while stopped and activating lever. Probably because I don't have a 5er. According to the tech. The ITBC on the 2013 Chevrolets also uses input from ABS, Sway Control and senses inertia. Then it sends the appropriate power to the trailer brakes.