Brake Controller Installation on 2004 Dodge Ram 2500 w/ Tow Package

Question:

Im the original owner of a 2004 ram 2500 with factory installed tow package. When recently looking to buy a travel teailer I was told I needed to install anbrake controller to activate the trailer brakes. Do I need this or is it part of the trailer tow prep package? I want to be safe.

asked by: Nancy

Expert Reply:

Your truck wouldn't have an OEM controller, as Dodge didn't offer that option until a few years later.

You will need to install a brake controller. The Tekonsha Prodigy P2 you've looked at, part # 90885 would be a great choice. The P2 is a great performer that's very easy to use. It's also very highly rated by our customers, as you can see by looking over the reviews.

If your truck is equipped with the factory 7-way trailer connector, installation will be very simple. In addition to the # 90885 controller, you'll also need the brake controller wiring adapter, part # 3020-P. One end of the 3020-P plugs into the rear of the controller, the other plugs into the connector located under the dash. There's a white box on the firewall right behind the emergency brake pedal. The connector is blue in color, and would be located atop or alongside the white box.

If your truck has the factory 4-pole, you'll plug the connector in as mentioned above, but you'll need to sever the blue wire on the wiring adapter and run your own output circuit to the rear of the truck. You'll need part # 37185 to convert the existing 4-pole to a 7-way. The adapter plugs into the 4-pole, with three remaining wires. The white wire grounds to the truck frame. The purple wire is usually used to carry the reverse light circuit if necessary. If the trailer doesn't have reverse lights, you can simply bundle the wire up out of the way. The blue brake output and the black 12-volt accessory power feed wires would be lengthened with some duplex cable, part # 10-2-1 which is sold by the foot. Connect the black adapter wire to the black wire in the cable. Connect the blue adapter wire to the white wire in the cable, and run the cable under the vehicle to the engine compartment. The black wire would run to the positive battery terminal, through a 40 amp circuit breaker like part # 9510. The white wire would run through the firewall to the passenger compartment, where it would attach to the blue wire exiting the rear of the brake controller.

I've linked you to the parts I've recommended, as well as to some FAQ articles that I hope you'll find helpful.