Installation of Brake Controller on 1997 Ram 1500 Club Cab with Factory Trailer Plug
Question:
Im stuck trying to find the elusive blue plug under the dash of my 1997 Dodge Ram 1500 Club Cab pickup with 5.9L V-8. When I bought the truck in 2000, the original owner said it was equipped with the factory towing package, and I had no reason to doubt it. Ive towed with it, but never needed a brake controller until now. Im purchasing a new BigTex 16foot tandem axle utility trailer with brakes on the rear axle. Reading the owners manual, I discovered the reference to the blue plug. The only other reference in the section about towing was that the headlight switch would fail prematurely unless a relay was installed, but that it was installed as part of the factory towing package. I checked the relay box near the battery and theres one marked for trailer. The dealer offers either the Curt Discovery 51120 or Tekonsha 90160 Primus IQ controllers. Without much knowledge, I ed the Curt, because it was cheaper. I ordered the 51332 adapter kit from etrailer.com on Friday evening and received notice it was shipped that night and was amazed that it arrived on Tuesday, the day after Memorial Day. Amazingly good service! I looked for the blue plug, without success, and then looked at more videos and advice on your site. The photo of the plug on the 2008 Ram is no where near as cluttered as the same area in my truck. Its so cramped my cell phone is difficult to get into position to photograph it. I watched a video of the installation for a Tekonsha controller and your expert included advice on how to determine if the factory towing kit is installed. First clue is the bracket for the 7-pin connector is welded to the hitch. Mine is and the bracket was made to put the box at the angle to match the lower lip of the bumper. 2nd clue is if theres a Chrysler badge on the lid of the connector. Nope, mine has a 77 and Theodore Bargman Mfg. on the lid. Ive probed the connector and found that the turn signals, tail lights, and backup lights are all functional. I still cant find the connector though. Ill take the truck to the trailer dealer on Thursday and see if their guys can locate it. If not, well need to come up with a new plan. What would you suggest? BTW, now that Ive done all the research, Im considering switching to the proportional controller from Tekonsha, instead of the time-delay from Curt. Thank you for all the good work youve already done.
asked by: William N
Helpful Expert Reply:
We do appreciate your continued patronage and I think we can assist you with this.
If you can't find the plug and the dealer doesn't offer any help on this, then you can hard wire in the controller to your 1997 Ram 1500, so you will be able to install the controller it'll just be a bit more time consuming. You will need a circuit tester like the # PTW2993 to test wiring functions under the dash, and you may need some butt connectors like the # DW05745-5 to complete your wiring connections.
If you do find the plug and still want to swap over to a proportional controller, I do recommend going that route just because of the increased performance you'll get; the Tekonsha Primus IQ # TK90160 you mentioned is a nice choice. You can plug and play the Primus IQ using adapter # 3020-P if you're able to locate that adapter plug or it can be hard wired with the included pigtail.
I've also linked an installation of a brake controller on a 1999 Ram that might better show where the plug is and help you get this installation completed. I've also linked some helpful articles we did on wiring a brake controller that you might be interested in.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Dodge
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Deka Heat Shrink Butt Connector - 12-10 Gauge - Nylon Insulation - Yellow - Qty 5
- Wiring
- Wire Connectors
- Butt Connectors
- 12-10 Gauge
- Deka
more information >
Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 3 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 90 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Dual Plug In
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Q&A: Does it Matter Which Receiver is Used for Towing with a TorkLift SuperHitch Original Hitch
- Q&A: Brake Controller for 2008 Dodge Durango with Factory Wiring Harness for Tow Package
- Q&A: Dust Cover/Cap Solution for Harbor Freight Trailer
- Q&A: How to Wire a 6 Pole Round Trailer End Plug
- Q&A: Wheel Center Cap Size for 15 x 5 Wheel on Lark Trailer
- Q&A: How to Deterine if 2000 Dodge Durango Has Factory Tow Package
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: How To Wire Brakes On A Tandem Axle Trailer
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Rooftop Cargo Carriers
- Article: Routing the Power Wire for a Trailer Wiring Harness
- Article: Transmission Cooler