Electric Trailer Brake Controller and 7-Way Wiring Recommendations for a 2000 Dodge Dakota

Question:

I have a 2000 Dodge Dakota 4x4 Quad Cab. 4.7 L automatic. It has a 2 hitch with a 4-flat trailer wiring connector. I recently acquired a dual axel car transport trailer with electric brakes, a breakaway circuit w/ auxillary battery and a 7 way connector. What wiring kit and break controller do you recommend for my setup to pull the new trailer?

asked by: Duane

Expert Reply:

For your 2000 Dodge Dakota, I recommend the Tekonsha P2 Brake Controller, # 90885. This is the latest in the popular Prodigy series of brake controllers and it is easy to use and set up. I have included a link to the installation details below.

If the 7-Way on the trailer has blade style connectors, you will also need to add a 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. You will plug your existing 4-Way into the back of the adapter included with the kit. The remaining 4 wires will need to be hardwired. White gets grounded to the vehicle frame. Blue gets connected to the blue wire on the brake controller. Black gets connected to the positive battery terminal via a 40 amp circuit breaker. The last wire is for reverse lights and can be connected to the reverse light circuit behind one of the vehicle taillights if applicable.

The brake controller black wire will get connected to the positive battery terminal via a 20 or 30 amp circuit breaker (see brake controller instructions for which size to use). The red wire will attach to the wire on the brake switch located above the brake pedal that carries a signal only when the brake pedal is pressed. I have included a link below to an FAQ explaining the installation of an ETBC7 kit and a video showing an installation.

expert reply by: Michael H