Brake Controller and Wiring Harness Installation and Towing Capacity for a 2003 Dodge Dakota 4x4

Question:

I recently purchased a 2003 dodge dakota quad 4x4. It has a manual transmission , the 4.7 v-8 and the 3.55 rear end. My questions are:Which type of electric brake controller and wiring harness would I require, and would the maximum towing capacity allowed for the vehicle be compromised by not having the automatic transmission.

asked by: Reid

Expert Reply:

For your 2003 Dodge Dakota Quad Cab 4x4 with manual transmission, you can use any brake controller you like. Brake controllers themselves are not vehicle specific, but the wiring for the brake controller can be vehicle specific if the vehicle is equipped with the tow package and a brake controller wiring harness connector under the dash.

If your Dakota has a factory 7-Way connector installed at the rear of the vehicle, I would recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Proportional Brake Controller # 90885 that will install with the Dodge Adapter, # 3020-P. This brake controller is a proportional controller that will brake the trailer in proportion to the braking speed of the vehicle. Mount the brake controller and plug in the # 3020-P harness and you will be ready to tow.

If your Dakota does not have the factory 7-way at the back of the vehicle then you will need to hard wire the brake controller on your vehicle. You will need to start with a 4-Way trailer connector, item # 118329, if you do not already have one. Then you will need the Brake Controller 7 & 4 Way Installation Kit, item # ETBC7, to complete the installation and provide a 7 and 4-Way connection at the rear of your Dakota. I have provided links to instructions and videos for installing the # ETBC7 kit and 4-Way wiring harness for you to review. With the hard wire option you will only need the # 90885 Prodigy P2 brake controller, without the wiring harness designed for vehicles with factory tow package.

Towing capacity for your truck should not be compromised by the manual transmission and you may find, by checking with a Dodge dealer or the vehicle owners manual, that the towing capacity for your vehicle is a bit higher with the manual transmission. You should verify your vehicle towing capacities before attempting to tow any trailer over 1/2 of the vehicle gross weight.