How do I know if my truck has electric brakes?
Electric brakes typically refer to the trailer brakes being controlled by an in-cab brake controller. Most pickups don’t actively brake a trailer with electricity unless there’s a controller installed, either from the factory or aftermarket. Here’s how to determine what you have and how to test it safely.
Understanding the basics: truck brakes vs. trailer brakes
Understanding the distinction helps you tow safely. Your truck’s brakes are hydraulic (with ABS and stability controls), while electric trailer brakes are actuated by a brake controller in the cab and power the trailer’s brake magnets via the trailer’s electrical connector. If you’re towing a trailer with electric brakes, you’ll generally use a brake controller to modulate braking force at the trailer, not the truck alone.
Does your truck have a built-in or aftermarket trailer brake controller?
Use these checks to confirm whether your vehicle is equipped for electric trailer braking, either from the factory or via an aftermarket install.
- Look for a dash-mounted brake controller. It resembles a small device with a knob or a digital display and is located under the dash near the driver’s area. If present, your truck is configured to send brake signals to a trailer.
- Check the vehicle’s towing package or equipment list in the owner’s manual or window sticker. A “Trailer Brake Controller” option indicates electrical trailer braking capability.
- Inspect under-dash wiring and the presence of a brake controller module or mounting bracket. Some factory units are hidden behind panels, while aftermarket controllers are mounted in plain sight near the pedals.
- Verify with the dealer or use the VIN/build sheet to confirm whether a brake controller was installed from the factory or added afterward.
Having a brake controller installed—whether factory or aftermarket—means your truck can send signals to a trailer’s electric brakes. If none of the above are present, your setup may rely on the trailer’s own braking system or you’ll need to add a controller to enable electric trailer braking.
Testing the trailer braking setup
Once you’ve confirmed the presence (or absence) of a brake controller in the cab, you can assess how the system behaves. Always perform tests in a safe, open area with the trailer hitched and properly connected.
- Connect the trailer to the truck with the proper 7-pin (or appropriate) connector and ensure the trailer battery and lights are functioning. This confirms basic electrical connectivity.
- With the ignition on and the brake controller powered, gently apply the brakes and observe the trailer brakes engage. You should notice the trailer tug slightly and the brakes applying through the trailer’s magnets. If the trailer doesn’t respond, check the controller settings, fuses, and wiring to the trailer.
- Adjust the brake controller’s sensitivity or gain in small increments and retest. If you see consistent, proportional braking on the trailer, the system is functioning correctly.
- Test at a low speed and in a straight line, then progressively increase speed to confirm smooth, controlled braking without pulling or swaying. If you experience instability, verify the tongue weight, hitch security, and trailer brakes’ balance.
Conclusion: If the trailer brakes engage as expected when you operate the brake controller, your truck and trailer are properly set up for electric trailer braking. If there’s no response, consult the manual, check wiring and fuses, or contact a professional installer or dealer to diagnose electrical or controller issues.
What to know about the trailer itself
Even if your truck is equipped with a brake controller, the trailer must have electric brakes and a compatible brake magnet system connected to the trailer’s electrical connector. Most trailers use a 7-pin connector; the brake signal travels from the controller to the trailer’s brake magnets, which then create the braking force. If your trailer has hydraulic drum brakes or is non-powered, this system won’t engage via the truck’s electric brake controller.
Before testing or driving with a trailer, ensure all connections are clean, the wiring is intact, and the trailer brakes are properly adjusted. Misadjusted brakes or faulty wiring can cause uneven braking, swaying, or overheating.
Summary
In short, your truck either has an integrated or aftermarket trailer brake controller, or it does not. Look for a dash-mounted controller, check the towing options in the owner’s manual or window sticker, and verify with the dealer via the VIN. If a controller is present, you can use it to modulate the trailer’s electric brakes through the trailer’s electrical connector. If not, you’ll need to install a controller or confirm that your trailer uses its own braking system. Always test in a safe area and ensure all electrical connections and brake adjustments are correct before towing.
How do I know if my truck has an electric parking brake?
This looks like a lever but it's button so if you pull up on. This. See it'll it'll flash this light okay and then you push it in the light will go away that is electric brakes see the light's. Gone.
How do I tell what type of brakes I have?
Not sure which type(s) of brakes your car has? Check behind your front and rear wheels. If you're having difficulty seeing the brakes with your wheels in front, safely remove the wheel so that you can get a better look at your braking system. Look out for a caliper assembly, disc or drum.
How do I tell if I have electric brakes?
You can check underneath the trailer like shown in the photo above. You can also check from outside the trailer by looking at the rims. In this case, if there are electric brakes, you'll see a disc behind the rims. The photos below show the difference between trailer axles with electric brakes, and without.
How do I know if my truck has power brakes?
The real differentiating point between power and manual brakes is whether or not the master cylinder has a power brake booster attached. Simply put, a power booster helps assist the master cylinder piston apply force when you press the brake pedal. All the brake hardware at the wheels will be the same, power or manual.
