Brake controler...electric brakes disconect periodically while towing with a newer gmc/chevy

Stacy Ash

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Joined
Dec 1, 2024
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Hello,

We have a 2025 gmc 3500 denali, towing a 2022 310gkr loaded with solar package, invertor and generator.

While driving, our factory brake controller disconects and an error displays "electric brakes are disconected" check wiring....service required"

Our fithwheel is practically new...and on its second road trip.

When we reconect our 7 pin conector, our truck knows the brakes are there and tests to the trailer brakes are good.

I cant imagine a short in a wire already....since trailer has less a 1000 miles on it.

my 7 pin connector is clean and there is no short there.

The first few hours of our roadtrip....everything is fine....after that time....brakes periodically disconect and reconect....then eventrually do not reconnect.

Obviously for safety...we need electric brakes working all the time.

I have done some youtube research....seems there may be an issue with gmc/chevy newer brake controllers while towing a trailer that has a solar panel/invertor system.

Has anyone else that has a newer gmc/chevy have this issue??

Thanks for any advice.
 
Don't discount a short - On my Imagine, we had a similar issue. Started occasionally when we first went on the 4 week trip. Became worse. Had both a mobile tech in a campground give it a quick look over, and later called our roadside service when it became permanent still 1200 miles from home. Did manage to limp home with no trailer brakes, and got it to our dealer.
On ours, the brake wire goes from one side to the other via a hole into the hollow axle. It rubbed on the hole, and shorted out - first periodically, then permanently as the wear cut through the wire. They pulled new wire, with very robust armoring, to prevent that from ever happening again.
While your issue may not be exactly the same, it sounds pretty similar!
 
There is a service bulletin out. Has to do with the solar on Rv back feeding if you can t4y turning off solar system
 

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Well documented problem starting with GM in 2024.
Currently three workarounds.

1. Recall: If you receive one, GM will replace the existing brake module with an “updated” one. Current skinny on GM Forums is that this “updated” module is actually a service part for 2023 model trucks. Take that with a grain of salt.

2: As stated above, try turning off solar charging while underway.

3: Install an inline diode in the tow vehicle charging wire thus preventing feedback to the brake module.

All the above stated, #1 works for some as does #2. #3 works because it prevents the return signal generated by the module to the “brain” that indicates the towed vehicle battery(s) are fully charged and it then shuts down both power to the charging circuit AND power to the electric brakes. High tech stuff.

Ain’t life grand.
 
Seems to be covered.

I have a 2024 cheby 3500, i chose to install a diode on the camper side near the junction box, and its working fine, i did get the message, but it was check trailer wiring,, only message.
I dont have solar.
 
Hello,

We have a 2025 gmc 3500 denali, towing a 2022 310gkr loaded with solar package, invertor and generator.

While driving, our factory brake controller disconects and an error displays "electric brakes are disconected" check wiring....service required"

Our fithwheel is practically new...and on its second road trip.

When we reconect our 7 pin conector, our truck knows the brakes are there and tests to the trailer brakes are good.

I cant imagine a short in a wire already....since trailer has less a 1000 miles on it.

my 7 pin connector is clean and there is no short there.

The first few hours of our roadtrip....everything is fine....after that time....brakes periodically disconect and reconect....then eventrually do not reconnect.

Obviously for safety...we need electric brakes working all the time.

I have done some youtube research....seems there may be an issue with gmc/chevy newer brake controllers while towing a trailer that has a solar panel/invertor system.

Has anyone else that has a newer gmc/chevy have this issue??

Thanks for any advice.
Received recall notice from GM for this - The recall states that if the charge on battery in the trailer is higher than truck will cause short and they state that they have parts available.
 
Received recall notice from GM for this - The recall states that if the charge on battery in the trailer is higher than truck will cause short and they state that they have parts available.
I havent seen the word short used, and i have seen recalls from friends. I have a 2024 chevy 3500 and dont have a recall. Yet, i may not.
 

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