mccorb

I have a factory installed integrated trailer brake controller on my 2013 Silverado 3500.

Some people have told me that for larger fifth wheel trailers the factory controller is a bit weak and I am better off with an after market one that can output a higher voltage.

One technician at a reputable RV parts supplier told me that in order for this to be done properly the blue wire to the factory unit would have to be cut and the trucks computer re-flashed.

Can anyone verify all of this? I can understand cutting the blue wire to the connector but why would the computer have to be re-flashed?

Also, does anyone else have any viewpoint on after market controllers vs. the factory installed one?

I have also thought about adding a level converter to the blue line and keeping the factory unit so that instead of putting out 0-12V it outputs 0-15V or so. I haven't really looked into this very closely and if I increase the voltage it will decrease the amperage because the laws of physics say the total power output can't change.

Anyone want to chime in?

thanks

fishbreath

McCorb

I have a 2013 3500 long bed 4x4 with 4.10 gears and the 6.0 gas motor. The truck is 100% stock.
I tow a 10,000 lb trailer with the integrated controller and have ZERO problems. It works as designed.

It worked far better than the aftermarket controller in my previous truck.

I would try the controller with your set up before changing anything. If you or your technician screw up the computer, you might be looking at a large repair bill.

Best regards
Bill

1994/2013silverado

Shhhh don't tell the dealer but I just recently pulled our cattle liner (5th wheel style hitch ) with four bulls about 2700 pounds a piece out from one pasture to another few miles down the road. I figure trailer and the bulls together must of weighed in at 13 to 14 000 pounds and just for ****s cause the bulls really pissed me off and made things difficult I thought I'd rejust my brake controler lol (factory one) and it did good and my trucks a 13 1500 z71 5.3 so 3500 one should do just fine