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  1. Trailer Brake Controller
  2. Ram
  3. 3500
  4. 2021
  5. Hayes
Hayes Energize III+ Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional

Hayes Energize III+ Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional

Item # HA81742B
Retail:$129.99
Our Price: $89.94
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Call etrailer.com at 1-800-940-8924 for expert service. We are your Ram trailer brake controller experts, and offer a great price. etrailer.com carries a complete line of Hayes products for your Ram 3500 2021. Hayes Energize III+ Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional part HA81742B from Hayes can be ordered online at etrailer.com. Complete trailer brake controller installation instructions and technical support.
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Hayes Trailer Brake Controller - HA81742B

  • Electric
  • Up to 3 Axles
  • Proportional Controller
  • Hayes
  • Under-Dash Box
  • Dash Mount
  • Indicator Lights

This proportional brake controller keeps towing simple with a straightforward design and user-friendly controls. Includes an LED indicator and a slide-bar manual override. Adhesive backing gives you the option of drill-free mounting.


Features:

  • Brake controller activates your trailer brakes in proportion to your vehicle's braking action
    • Automatically adjusts trailer's braking based on deceleration of tow vehicle
  • Simple controls keep your settings within easy reach
    • Gain setting lets you adjust the amount of power sent to the trailer's brakes
    • Slide-bar manual override allows you to control trailer sway or stop in emergencies
    • Deceleration sensor lever lets you adjust initial braking power and aggressiveness for smooth, safe braking
  • Red LED indicator lights up when brakes are engaged
  • Quick, simple installation with included bracket and hardware
    • Drill-free installation option with included adhesive tape
    • Optional universal wiring adapter (HA81789-HBC) sold separately for a plug-and-play installation
    • Plug-in, vehicle-specific brake control adapter (sold separately) can be used to reduce installation time on certain vehicles
    • -35-Degree to 90-degree mounting range - must be horizontally level
  • Made in the USA


Specs:

  • Application: trailers with up to 3 axles (6 brake assemblies)
    • Compatible with electric brakes only
  • Dimensions: 5-3/8" long x 3-1/4" wide x 1-3/8" tall
  • Mounting angle: -35 degrees to 90 degrees vertically
  • 5-Year limited warranty


Gain Setting for Braking Power

You can adjust the gain setting (also known as braking output) on the Hayes Energize III+ using the thumbwheel on the front of the module. This will set the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes. You want to go as high as you can without the trailer brakes locking up. Typically, the gain is only readjusted when you experience changing road conditions or if you switch over from a heavy, loaded trailer to a much lighter, empty trailer, or vice versa. To get more power to your brakes, turn the wheel up. To get less power to your brakes, turn the wheel down.


Hayes Energize III+ Braking Output

The red LED indicator on the front of the module will light up when the brake controller is activated. This way you can keep your eye on your braking and be sure that it's working.


Sensitivity Adjustment with Deceleration Sensor Lever

Once you have the overall power set, you can fine-tune the power output by adjusting the sensitivity of the internal sensor. This controls the aggressiveness of your trailer's braking, meaning how quickly the brakes reach the maximum braking level. You can adjust this when you're towing heavy loads and you need more umph to bring your trailer to a stop. Your tow vehicle doesn't need that much power to brake in time, but your heavy trailer does. Boost gets the braking power to your trailer brakes faster and with more intensity so that it doesn't push your tow vehicle forward. To increase the sensitivity for towing heavier loads, move the lever away from you. For a lighter load, move the lever toward you.


Slide-Bar Manual Override

The Hayes Energize III+ comes with a built-in, easy-to-reach slide-bar manual override, great for stopping sway or controlling your trailer's momentum in emergencies. To engage the manual override, just push the slide-bar to the left, toward the center of the controller. This will activate the trailer's brakes and brake lights without you having to apply the brakes on your tow vehicle, perfect for limiting trailer movement while you're cruising.


Quick, Simple Installation

The Hayes Energize III+ is easy to mount wherever you want it. Simply use the bolts or the double-sided tape to secure the included mounting bracket to your dash, and then install the controller in the bracket.


If your vehicle already has a plug-in brake controller wiring harness, just connect the unit to it. Otherwise, you will need to purchase a vehicle-specific wiring harness (sold separately) to plug into. If a harness is unavailable for your vehicle, hardwiring will be necessary.


Because the Hayes Energize III+ operates with an internal inertia sensor, it must be mounted between -35 degrees and 90 degrees vertically. The brake controller also needs to be horizontally level and parallel with the direction of travel to function properly.


Installation Accessories

See etrailer.com's exclusive 7- and 4-way brake-control installation kit (ETBC7 - sold separately) if you don't already have a 7-way plug at the back of your vehicle


Note: One of the following will be required to ensure proper installation:

  • 20-Amp circuit breaker (9506P - sold separately) for 2- to 4-brake applications
  • 30-Amp circuit breaker (38630 - sold separately) for 6- to 8-brake applications

Proportional Braking

What is proportional Braking

The Hayes Energize III+ brake controller comes equipped with proportional braking to give you the best towing experience. Proportional braking means that your trailer brakes mimic your tow vehicle's brakes. If you slam on the brakes in your vehicle, your trailer brakes will activate with the same intensity; if you brake lightly, your trailer brakes lightly too. The trailer's braking is in proportion to your vehicle's braking. This saves wear and tear on the tires and the brakes on both your vehicle and trailer.


The Energize III+ uses a pendulum system to sense how your vehicle is braking so it can send the right amount of braking power to your trailer. It detects the inertia of your tow vehicle and activates the trailer's brakes to slow at the same rate. The result is uniform braking across your towing setup. No push-pull action - just smooth, proportional braking every time.



81742B Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III Plus Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional

Replaces 81741B and 81745

Installation Details HA81742B Installation instructionsAlternate Instructions HA81742B Installation instructions

Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Hayes Energize III+ Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional - HA81742B

Average Customer Rating:  4.6 out of 5 stars   (119 Customer Reviews)

This proportional brake controller keeps towing simple with a straightforward design and user-friendly controls. Includes an LED indicator and a slide-bar manual override. Adhesive backing gives you the option of drill-free mounting.

by:

I love this trailer brake controller. It works really well and does exactly what it is advertised to do. Definitely recommend it!



by:

This controller was truly "plug&play". Installation was 30 min. Works perfectly. E-trailer has always been my go-to for all my truck and camper needs!

Terry

11/15/2023

This controller has been very reliable this past year. No problems with mounting or function. Would still recommend to anyone needing a quality,plug-and- play brake controller. SAFETY FIRST !!



by:

This is my second order with etrailer. Both experiences with your company have been very positive. The knowledge and friendliness -along with following up on orders and satisfaction have been much appreciated. Brittany, the customer representative, is a huge asset to etrailer.



by:

I opened the box and there was rattling around in controller. It was the f
Gsi. Dial!!! I Want my money back



by: 09/25/2023

Controller installed easily. Unit applies brakes ok. My big concern is the
lack of the voltage setting being displayed. This is first controller I have
worked with. Video says good back unit. Ok that it is. But if I had known what I know now, would have purchased unit with digital voltage setting. Setting wheel to same spot each use is causing me to go through setting process each time. There is a difference with brakes with unloaded and loaded trailer.



by:

Works like it should. Easy install. Other models will offer more features, but for a part time camper puller like myself, it does the job



by:

The controller is not at all smooth in applying brakes. very abrupt in braking, have tried adjustments and mounting with no improvement. Would not recommend.



by:

2001 Ford F-250. Plug and play. EASY!



by:

It continues to do its job flawlessly. Have not had a single concern with it while towing. It allows for manual application of braking "pressure", but except for testing it at low speeds to verify operation, I have not had to touch it at all while highway towing, as it achieves smooth, even stopping power. Still very pleased with the purchase!



by:

Works perfectly. 1 year and counting.



by:

Easy to install and great customer service. One problem: writing on instructions was so small I had to use magnifying glass to read it and my vision is 20/20. This needs to be corrected by manufacturer. Instead of tiny writing in several non English languages, print it so the vast majority of customers can actually read it. This would probably eliminat e many customers calling etrailer for help in installation.



by:

Remember the adage, "you get what you pay for"? Certainly applies here...I will never know if this unit was faulty when I received, or if it simply is poor quality. But the "gain" function on it does nothing, and therefore I can't dial in the sensitivity that is needed. Again, I don't know when/how it became inoperable, but I just ordered it's replacement. Am hopeful for a better experience...

Etrailer Expert

Jenny N.

11/16/2022

This controller does have a limited lifetime warranty against manufacturer defect. Customer Service will be in touch.



by:

Easy to install. Clear instructions.,Works great.



by:

work's great, thanks



by:

Appreciate the installation videos



by:

Great service good people to deal with



by:

The plug and play wire harness that I ordered for my pickup should have been 5-6 inches longer. Otherwise everything was fine.



by:

Nicole was outstanding in knowledge and patience with me. She helped me get through my mistaken order and get me the right brake controller and adaptor harness for my truck. I installed it in less than and hour and it is working great. She also made the return of the controller and harness a breeze.



by:

Got tip off Utube for the wiring harness adapter for a 2019 Ram. Installation was plug and play. We have a 26 ft camper we will be towing. Very easy install.

Richard

10/29/2020

Great! No complaints.



by:

Perfect, exactly what I needed great price, fast delivery, easy installation. It only took about 30 minutes total. The hardest part was for an old man to get down that low in the floor well. Thanks again etrailer.



by:

This brake controller has worked great no problems at all I would recommend it to anyone using this style of brake controller.



by:

Best of the four brake controllers I've had so far in my truck. Easy to adjust on the fly if brakes are too strong or weak. Manual override felt solid unlike some controllers out there. The instructions could've been written a little clearer though. 4 prong square plug also fits Curt controllers if swapping. Overall nice controller for the money, should've bought this one first and saved the cash



by:

Works but doesn’t totally perform as 2012 stock dodge one.



by:

Very pleased with the Hayes controller and the installation videos and information available at etrailer. My installation was hardwired due to an earlier install which removed a connector, so etrailer support was very beneficial plus their price was very competitive...a winning combination.



by:

Simple install with wire harness from etrailer, plugin, adjust, done. Works and does what I anticipated.


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119
Show More Reviews

See what our Experts say about this Hayes Trailer Brake Controller

  • Tips for Finding Brake Controller Stoplight Circuit Wire in Truck
    All you need for the red wire of your brake controller is a circuit that sees voltage only when the brakes are applied. If you wanted to run a wire to the fuse box to find a wire like you said that would work fine. Some people will also use the third brake light circuit as well. It almost sounds like you are running the blue wire of the controller to the stop light circuit if the brakes lock up when you tap them. Or your brake controller is just set too aggressively. I attached a help...
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  • Recommended Electric Over Hydraulic Trailer Brake Conversion for Dual 10K Axles
    The Disc Brake Kit # K2R1058D13 by Kodiak is the brake set that you will need to use for your 10,000 lb Dexter Torsion axles. When it comes to hardware, like the brake line, I recommend going with the HydraStar Hydraulic Brake Line Kit # HS496-252 which will wear better than other traditional brands. These lines are very flexible so the line is easy to maneuver under the trailer. The only downfall is that you cannot cut the line due to how hard and risky it is to do yourself. All you have...
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  • Does Hayes Brake Controller Slide In from Front or Back with Hayes Mounting Bracket # HA81793B
    The Hayes brake controller bracket # HA81793B was designed to have the controller slide in from the front. There's a lever on the side of your Hayes Energize III part # HA81742B that would prevent it from being able to slide in from the back. So you would need to unplug the controller, slide it in from the front, and then replug the controller back in.
    view full answer...
  • Brake Controller Wiring Harness for 2017 Ford Expedition
    Not all manufacturers will utilize the same brake controller wiring harness. Hopkins, Tekonsha, Curt, etc, all have their own connections on the brake controller side and the vehicle manufacturers will have a specific connector if they are prewired for a controller as well. For instance the Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III+ Electric Trailer Brake Controller - Proportional # HA81742B will use the Custom Wiring Adapter for Hayes Brake Controllers - Dual Plug # HA81794-HBC for a 2017 Ford Expedition....
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  • Does Install of Brake Controller in a Vehicle Affect Vehicle Brakes
    The brake controller you sent in a picture of will only affect the brakes of a trailer you would be towing. It does not affect the brakes of your vehicle in any way if you were to leave the controller installed. I attached an FAQ article on brake controllers for you to check out as well.
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Brake Controller Installation on 1999 Ford F550 and 2000 Chevy C/K Cab and Chassis Models
    In addition to the Hayes Energize III # HA81742B brake controllers, you'll need a # HA81783-HBC wiring harness for the 1999 Ford F550. The 2000 Chevy 1 ton and cab/chassis models weren't prewired for a brake controller until the 2001 model year, so you'd need to hardwire in the controller for that vehicle. You'll also need a # HA81789-HBC universal pigtail, unless you want to cut off the black connector on the controller. I'd recommend using the pigtail, as it would allow you to easily...
    view full answer...
  • Wireless Brake Controller for a 2020 Ford Transit T250 w/ out a Plug in Harness
    There are no plug in adapters for the 2020 Ford Transit T250 so you will either have to tap into your van's wiring harness or use a wireless brake controller like the Curt Echo item # C51180. This Bluetooth-enabled brake controller wirelessly connects to your smartphone. The compact unit plugs in line with your 7-way trailer connector completely eliminating the bulky controller on your console and the hassle of wiring. This is a proportional brake controller that automatically adjusts your...
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    Image 1 for
  • Is The Curt Wiring Adapter Compatible w/ Hayes Energize III Trailer Brake Controller For 1996 F-350?
    The Curt Wiring Adapter # C51322 is compatible with the Hayes Energize III+ Trailer Brake Controller # HA81742B. Both the Curt and Hayes Adapters # HA81783-HBC utilize the same connectors allowing you to use it on your 1996 Ford F-350.
    view full answer...
  • What Does The Lever On The Side Of Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III+ Electric Trailer Brake Controller Do?
    The lever on the side of the Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III+ Electric Trailer Brake Controller # HA81742B allows you to adjust the proportioning of the brakes on the trailer. I have linked the instructions below that cover setting this lever to the correct position when installing.
    view full answer...
  • Troubleshooting Energizer III Brake Controller with no Power Output on 2009 Chevrolet Silverado
    Yes, the signal for the trailer brakes comes from the stop light lead. The red wire on the controller is meant to be connected to the stop light circuit which is the light blue or orange wire on GM vehicles with the factory tow package. This wire will then send a signal to the brake controller when the brake pedal is pressed which in turn sends power to the trailer. I would first start off by testing the light blue stop light wire on your 2009 Chevrolet Silverado. You will want to use...
    view full answer...
  • 2013 Ford Escape Brake Controller Wiring Kit Compatibility
    Since a brake controller is not a vehicle specific item, either the Tekonsha Voyager Brake Controller # 39510 and the Hayes Brake Controller # HA81742B would be compatible fit for your 2013 Ford Escape. My recommendation would be to use the Tekonsha Voyager # 39510. This is one of our better selling brake controllers and has proven itself to be user friendly and the manufacturer has a reputation for producing a high quality product. It also offers a wider range of fine tune power adjustments...
    view full answer...
  • Hayes Blackbird Has Constant Power On Blue Wire Without Brake Pedal or Override Activated
    Correct, if you have constant power on the blue brake output wire then your brake controller is faulty and will need to be replaced. The Hayes Blackbird Trailer Brake Controller part HA81726 is a timed delayed brake controller so this would be a great time to upgrade to a proportional brake controller which will be much smoother and will have a faster response time. The Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III part # HA81742B would be a good option for this and it uses the same plug and mount you have...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Troubleshooting Hayes Trailer Brake Controller LED Flashing While Driving With Camper
    The LED light on your Hayes Trailer Brake Controller comes on when it senses power from the brake light switch or the controller is manually activated. Your brake light switch on your 2015 Nissan Pathfinder may be faulty. Since it is just blinking it does not see the power long enough to activate the trailer brakes. Since you have a 2nd Hayes controller on your other vehicle I would recommend swapping them to see if the same issue occurs with the other controller. This will tell you...
    view full answer...
  • Parts Needed to Install 7-Way Wiring and Brake Controller on a 2016 Nissan Frontier
    Yes, the parts you listed out are what you need to get a 7-Way and brake controller installed on your 2016 Nissan Frontier: - T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness # 118281 - Hayes Energize III+ Trailer Brake Controller # HA81742B - Custom Wiring Adapter # HA81786-HBC I also recommend picking up the mounting brackets # PK12711U and # 18136 so you have an easier way to mount the 7-Way at the back of your vehicle.
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  • Will Hayes Energize III Work on Tandem Axle Trailer with One Brake Axle
    The Hayes Energize III brake controller part # HA81742B that you referenced will work great on a tandem axle trailer that has one brake axle. That means your trailer has two assemblies which is perfect with this controller.
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Brake Controller For A 2022 Honda Ridgeline
    Hi Wayne, For your 2022 Honda Ridgeline I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller # 90885. The P2 is a proportional brake controller with an easy to use sliding lever on the bottom to manually activate the brakes. The installation will be super easy with the plug-and-play wire harness # 3070-P. I've attached a video below where Brad installed this brake controller on a Honda Passport so you can get a better idea of how to install it in your Ridgeline.
    view full answer...
  • How to Wire a Hayes Energize III Brake Controller in a 2002 Chevy Suburban
    For brake controllers like your Hayes Energize III item # HA81742B the white wire gets grounded, the black wire runs to a constant 12 volt power source, the red to a wire that only has voltage when brakes are applied typically the brake pedal switch, and the blue to the output circuit of the 7-way connector. Since your Suburban has a different set of colored wires from a previous controller you will need to use a circuit tester like item # PTW2992 to check the functions of the wires you...
    view full answer...
  • Does The Red Indicator LED On Hayes Energize III Activate When The Trailer is Disconnected?
    Yes, the red indicator light will illuminate on your Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III+ Electric Trailer Brake Controller # HA81742B when either the brake pedal is pressed or when using the manual override. This will happen both when disconnected from a trailer or connected.
    view full answer...
  • Will Curt C51180 Echo Brake Controller Override Existing Aftermarket Brake Controller
    That's an excellent question! The Curt # C51180 Echo wireless trailer brake controller will work with your aftermarket brake controller installed. The Echo gets all its inputs from the 7-way trailer connector, bot the brake lamp circuit and the 12V power for the trailer brakes, so once you plug it in it'll completely bypass any existing aftermarket brake controller. The existing brake controller won't even 'know' there's a trailer connected. As long as the 12V feed to the 7-way connector's...
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  • Red Light on Hayes Brake Controller Stays on and Drains Tow Vehicle Battery
    I am not sure which Hayes brake controller that you have, but in reviewing the installation instructions for the Hayes-Lemmerz Energize III+ Electric Trailer Brake Controller # HA81742B I found that there is a section that goes over if the "Controller red indicator on all the time." The solutions they offer call for testing the Red wire and the Blue wire on the brake controller with a circuit tester like part # PTW2992. The Red wire connects to your Stop Light Switch and only receives...
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Brake Controller Wiring Harness Recommended for 2004 Ford Expedition
    We do indeed have a harness that would work for you. The actual plug and play harness you need will depend on who manufactured the brake controller you have. I'll run through some of the major players and the part number for the compatible harness: • Tekonsha, Reese or Draw-Tite, use # 3035-P • Curt, use # C51322 • Hayes, use # HA81783-HBC • Redarc, use # RED87FR • Hopkins, use # HM47715 If your controller is from a different manufacturer or just has blunt-ended wires exiting the rear...
    view full answer...
  • Recommended Hayes - Proportional Trailer Brake Controller
    I recommend the Hayes - Proportional Trailer Brake Controller, # HA81742B. This has the same connection as the Hayes Time Delayed Brake Controller, # HA81760. If you have the, # HA81760 or one with the same connector, they are interchangeable. Please note the attached image.
    view full answer...
    Image 1 for
  • Manual Override Works But Brake Pedal Does Not
    It sounds like you are using a Hayes brake controller like the Hayes Energize III+ # HA81742B. If the manual override works and the brake pedal does not, your best bet will be to go in with a tester. You'll be looking for the red wire to only show power when your brake pedal is pressed. If the red wire is constantly hot, you will need to find a different source that only gets power when you press the brake pedal. The brake pedal should apply the brake proportionally when the vehicle decelerates....
    view full answer...
  • Testing Impulse Electric Trailer Brake Controller To Determine If It Works or Needs Replaced
    It is possible the controller could be bad as it is an older model but it could be as simple as some corrosion on that brake output pin. I recommend using some sand paper on the vehicle and trailer side connectors. If that doesn't solve your issue, you can run some simple tests to determine if the controller is bad. Use a circuit tester like # PTW2992 to check the blue output wire coming out of your controller about 6 inches behind the controller. If you have power when you hit the...
    view full answer...


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Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Joshua S
Video by:
Joshua S
Employee Jacob H
Video by:
Jacob H
Employee Samuel H
Video by:
Samuel H
Employee Jacob T
Video Edited:
Jacob T
Employee Chris R
Video Edited:
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Employee Kathleen M
Updated by:
Kathleen M
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Hannah L
Updated by:
Hannah L
Employee Amanda K
Updated by:
Amanda K
Employee Laura H
Written by:
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Employee Cole B
Installed by:
Cole B
Employee Shane H
Test Fit:
Shane H
Employee Ryan G
Test Fit:
Ryan G
Employee Matthew B
Test Fit:
Matthew B

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