Is Brake Controller Needed if 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Has a Tow/Haul Button Feature

Question

Question:

I am looking to buy a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT with a 5.7 hemi 3.55 gear. The trailer I am looking at should be about 8000# GVW. The truck comes with a tow/haul button feature. Do I need to get a separate brake controller?

asked by: Cliff H

0

Expert Reply:

The tow/haul button will control the transmission on your 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT. It will keep the truck in a higher RPM when engaged, which will keep the torque up to give you more power when towing , especially over hills. It also keeps the transmission from frequent shifting when towing on hilly terrain.

The tow/haul feature will also force the transmission into a lower gear as the vehicle is braking, so the engine will help with the braking of the load on your trailer. It might sound like you would not need a brake controller with the tow/haul feature, but the brake controller is still needed to actually apply the brakes on the trailer.

A brake controller is needed if the trailer you will be towing has electric or electric over hydraulic brakes. It applies electric current to the brakes on the trailer to aid in braking the trailer in relation to the braking on your truck. I am including a link to a FAQ page on brake controllers and a link to a page on installation of a brake controller on a Dodge Ram truck.

I would recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, part # 90885. This is our most popular brake controller. It is a proportional brake controller, which means that it applies power to the trailer brakes in proportion to vehicles braking action. I am including a link to the instructions on the Prodigy brake controller.

I would also recommend to get the tow package with the factory 7-Way when buying the 2011 Dodge Ram. This will give you all of the wiring you will need to add a brake controller to your vehicle.

expert reply by: Jeff D

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Answer 1

If you have never used a brake controller before, the P2 #90885 will be easier to learn on and use than the P3, #90195 initially. The P3 has several features the P2 doesn't including the ability to change the LED screen color, change the…

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Answer 2

There is power running to both sides at the same time on the Pollak 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector #HM40975. However, using both at the same time could result in over drawing power which could lead to blown fuses, electrical fire, accessories not…

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Answer 3

If your truck does not have the Dodge factory Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM), then yes, you will need a trailer brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, #90885. The only way to actuate the brakes on the trailer is…

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Answer 4

I've never heard of an actual third brake light connector on a camper shell to plug in on a truck and we don't carry any parts to do that. The light generally needs to be hardwired into the truck's brake light circuit. The…

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Answer 5

Since Demco uses 3,500 drum brake assemblies part #DMSB24429M and #DMSB24428M what you'd need is similar 3,500 electric brake assemblies like the etrailer part #AKEBRK-35L-SA for the left hand side and #AKEBRK-35R-SA for the right hand side.…

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Answer 6

If you are needing the hub and drum assembly then you will want to go with the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly #8-201-5UC3-EZ but if you are just looking for an idler hub then you will want part #8-213-5UC1 instead. These come with the correct…

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Answer 7

I would love to help you upgrade the suspension on your Twilight 2800 travel trailer. The MORryde Rubber Equalizers for Tandem Axle Trailers #MR87ZR that you referenced are a great solution but we do need to double check a few things. First is that…

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Answer 8

I would be happy to help you set up your 2022 Toyota Highlander to haul your new travel trailer. The wiring harness you currently have controls your trailer's lighting functions only. You do not need to rewire your Toyota you just need another…

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Answer 9

Since you have a wheelbase/axle spacing of 38 inches the correct hanger kit for slipper springs would be the part #HAP-105-205-01. And then for a 7k trailer axle the u-bolt kit you'd want would be the part #APUBR-8. I attached the diagram to use…

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Answer 10

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

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Answer 11

The installation instructions for this product are recommended for individuals who have experience winding torsion springs. If you have not worked with a torsion spring system before, we recommend contacting a local garage door company to install…

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Answer 12

To tow your trailer that uses an RV style 7-way blade style connector with your semi that has a 7-pin connector, you need to construct an adapter that will also combine the brake signal into the right and left directional signal pins. This can be…

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Is Brake Controller Needed if 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Has a Tow/Haul Button Feature

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