What Would Allow Homemade 7-Way Trailer Connector to Be Detected by Integrated Brake Controller

Question:

I have built a trailer in a box in order to test the above brake system. The problem is the ITBM system does not see my tester. I have wired the 7 plug as follows: Blue brake control wire to a 1 ohm 200 watt resistor. tested and equal to my 4 magnets in parallel White ground to all needed grounds. Tail, clearance, Right turn/stop, and Left turn/stop from respective terminals to 3 lights 1/2 watt incandescent bulbs. I do not have the Back-up wire connected or the Plus + 12 VDC connected. I have a 20 Amp current meter on the Blue wire in series with the 1 ohm 200 watt resistor. I have a volt meter across the Blue wire and ground. When plugged in the lights work however the Brake Controller is not activated and I get a check trailer wiring warning on the dash. I believe that the ITBM is sending a signal to check for proper connection. Every circuit is connected to a load with return to ground except the 12 VDC and the Back-up light. I would have thought that this signal would be though the Blue brake control wire. Any advice on how to make this Intergal Brake Controller recognize my tester. Bob Alexander

asked by: Robert A

Expert Reply:

To get the tester you made to be recognized by your 2015 Ram with an integrated controller you will need to install a brake magnet on the circuit. The controller you have is looking for the specific load that a brake magnet would put on the circuit to sense a trailer connection.

The part # AKBRKR-M10 would work well for this.

expert reply by: Jameson C