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Old 09-30-2022, 09:55 PM   #1
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3 levels for Chevy/GMC 2500HD OEM brake controller?

This is a question for all of you out there that own a Chevy/GMC 2500HD, and I would guess the 3500HD's with the OEM brake controller.

I have a 2015 2500HD. Even with the gain set to 10 (max) I'm not happy with how the brakes are performing. When I press the manual level and the brakes go to full I would expect the wheels to come close to locking up at slow (20ish) speeds. They don't.

I've heard on this forum that the factory controllers have 3 level settings: hi, medium, low I would guess. Then you adjust the number gain 1-10. Does anyone have actual first hand experience with this 3 level gain? Is it something the dealer needs to set? Buried in a setting somewhere?

Thanks
Jim M
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Old 09-30-2022, 10:55 PM   #2
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my 2018 2500 had the same problem . i just coasted to stop lights , and kept out of situations that required heavy trailer braking. " like low voltage ". from built in controller.
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Old 09-30-2022, 11:18 PM   #3
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When I had my 2016 3500 Chevy Dually, I had to run the brake controller at 8 to 9 for my Arctic Fox 29-5T 5th wheel. It would lock up the tires using the manual lever at that setting. The GM factory brake controllers of that era of trucks didn't have any settings to change except for the gain setting. I was never happy with the drum brakes on the Arctic Fox, so I had Disc Brakes installed on the trailer, and what a difference. Now with the Disc Brakes the brake controller was set at 4.5 to 5 and a huge difference in stopping power.

Have you checked the brake adjustment on your trailer? They may need to be adjusted tighter. Also check the brake wiring all the way back to the brake drums to make sure the wiring is intact, and the connections behind the backing plate are good and not corroded. Another thing to check is the truck/trailer electrical connector, make sure the contacts are clean and making good contact.
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Old 09-30-2022, 11:29 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jimmarako View Post
This is a question for all of you out there that own a Chevy/GMC 2500HD, and I would guess the 3500HD's with the OEM brake controller.

I have a 2015 2500HD. Even with the gain set to 10 (max) I'm not happy with how the brakes are performing. When I press the manual level and the brakes go to full I would expect the wheels to come close to locking up at slow (20ish) speeds. They don't.

I've heard on this forum that the factory controllers have 3 level settings: hi, medium, low I would guess. Then you adjust the number gain 1-10. Does anyone have actual first hand experience with this 3 level gain? Is it something the dealer needs to set? Buried in a setting somewhere?

Thanks
Jim M
Never issues with my Chevy controller normally set at 5, 6 to 7 going down steep grades . maybe trailers brake are not adjusted well ?
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Old 10-01-2022, 05:06 PM   #5
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In Ford land (not a GM guy) the low, medium,, high setting applies to aggressiveness. In other words how fast the brake voltage goes up for light braking. 10 is the max output regardless. Lack of braking from the trailer is a common complaint. Suggest brake drum adjustment along with upgraded wiring. I've doubled the braking effort on trailers simply by wiring work.
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Old 10-01-2022, 06:05 PM   #6
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My 2019 Dmax cintroller works well at 7 for my Silverback.
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Old 10-02-2022, 12:25 AM   #7
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When I had my 2015 2500HD I had the gain set right at 7.0 whether I was pulling my 40.5' 5er or 29' TT. With my current 2021 3500HD DRW the gain is still at 7.0.

From what I read years ago you don't want the wheels to lock up when applying the brakes. So when you set the gain, you take it to where it will start to lock up and then back the gain down a hair so it won't lock up the brakes.

Even though I have never had a problem, am I wrong?

Be safe -
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