2-62 Trailering Systems
Trailer Brakes (JL1)
The vehicle is equipped with the following trailer
braking components:
• K160 Brake System Control Module
• K133 Trailer Brake Control Module
• S76 Trailer Brake Control Switch
• Manual Trailer Brake Apply
• Trailer Gain Adjustment
• Trailer Brake Driver Information Center Display
A trailer brake control system is used to control the
amount of trailer braking power that is made available
to trailers with brakes that require a controlled electrical
output signal for actuation.
The power output to the trailer brakes is based on both
the amount of braking being applied by the vehicle’s
brake system and on the type of trailer brakes detected.
The Trailer Brake Control System is compatible with
two types of Trailer Brake Systems as listed below:
1. Electric Brakes A controlled electrical output
signal energizes an electric-magnet/lever arm
assembly that directly actuates the brake
mechanism. The GDS name for this system is
“Electromagnetic Brakes”.
2. Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes A controlled
electrical output signal energizes a remote, trailer
mounted hydraulic pump to build brake pressure in
a closed hydraulic system on the trailer. The
hydraulic fluid pressure actuates the brake
mechanism. The GDS name for this system is
“Electrohydraulic Brakes”.
Trailer Brake Output Versus Trailer Brake Type
• The trailer brake system characterizes the trailer
brakes as either Electric Brake or Electric Over
Hydraulic Brake automatic ally. This
characterization may be affected by the number,
type, and age of the trailer brake magnets, as well
as any other devices installed on the trailer brakes
(i.e. adapters for Electric Over Hydraulic brake
functionality).
• The trailer brake system is fully operational with
either characterization.
• Sliding the manual trailer brake apply lever will
produce output at zero speed for either
characterization.
The user gain allows the driver to adjust the amount of
trailer brake output to match the trailer load and road
surface. The controller determines the desired trailer
brake output and provides a control signal to the
K133 Trailer Brake Control Module (TBPM). The
K133 Trailer Brake Control Module amplifies the signal
and provides the output required to activate the Electric
or Electric Over Hydraulic trailer brakes.
The trailer brake control can support up to a maximum
of four axles with electric trailer brakes (8 brake
magnets).
Connecting a trailer that is not compatible with the
trailer brake system may result in reduced or complete
loss of trailer braking. There may be an increase in
stopping distance or trailer instability which could result
in personal injury or damage to the vehicle, trailer or
other property. An aftermarket controlle r may be
available for use with incompatible trailer brake
systems.
To determine the type of brakes on your trailer and the
availability of controlle rs, check with your trailer
manufacturer or dealer. Do not power up an aftermarket
controller with the factory brake controller at the
same time.
Trailer Brake Control Panel
The S76 Trailer Brake Control Switch contains the
trailer gain and manual apply switches. It is located in
the vehicle center stack. Refer to the owner’s manual
for more information on the location. The control panel
and switches allows you to adjust the amount of output,
referred to as trailer gain, available to the Electric or
Electric Over Hydraulic brakes. It also allows you to
manually apply the trailer brakes. The trailer brake
control switch is used along with the trailer brake
display page on the driver information center to adjust
and display power output to the trailer brakes.
Manual Trailer Brake Apply
The manual trailer brake apply lever is located on the
S76 Trailer Brake Control Switch and is used to apply
the trailer’s Electric or Electric Over Hydraulic brakes
independent of the vehicle’s brakes. This lever is used
in the trailer gain adjustment procedure to properly
adjust the power output to the trailer brakes.
Sliding the lever will apply only the trailer brakes. The
power output to the trailer is indicated in the trailer
brake display page in the Driver Information Center
(DIC). If the vehicle’s service brakes are applied while
using the manual trailer brake apply lever, the trailer
brake control output power will be the greater of
the two.
The trailer and the vehicle’s brake lamps will come on
when either the vehicle’s braking or manual trailer
brakes are applied.
Trailer Brake Gain Adjustment
Trailer gain should be set for a specific trailering
condition and must be adjusted any time vehicle
loading, trailer loading or road surface conditions
change. It is important to re-adjust trailer gain any time
the tow vehicle, trailer loading or road surface
conditions change or if you notice trailer wheel lock-up
at any time while you are towing.
Setting the trailer gain properly is needed for the best
trailer stopping performance . A trailer that is
over-gained may result in locked trailer brakes. A trailer
that is under-gained may result in not enough trailer
braking. Both of these conditions may result in poor
stopping and stability of the vehicle and trailer.
2022 - Silverado 1500 (New) Electrical Body Builder Manual
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