How to Know What is Needed to Install Trailer Brake Controller on 2008 Dodge Ram Pickup

Question:

I need to know about trailer brakees. What does factory 4-flat and/or 7-flat mean?

asked by: Pegtgy U

Expert Reply:

It sounds like you are searching for a trailer brake controller to install on your 2008 Dodge Ram Pickup.

Many vehicles, such as your Dodge Ram, can come from the factory with a trailer wiring harness already installed at the rear. This is usually an indication of some kind of tow package on the vehicle and will simply make it easier when getting ready to tow, as many of the necessary components will already be installed on the truck.

When looking through the trailer brake controller options for your Dodge Ram, you will want to note if your truck already has a 4-flat or 7-way connector installed at the rear bumper. I have attached a couple of images so you can see what these connectors look like. These will be located at the rear bumper, underneath the vehicle, if one is present. If your truck already has one of these installed, then there are simple plug-in adapters available for brake controllers that will make installation easier.

For example, if your Ram has either a 4-Way or 7-Way connector installed, then you can use the plug-in adapter # 3020-P to install a brake controller like the excellent Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885. One end of the adapter will plug into the controller itself, while the other end will connect directly to a built-in port located behind the dash in your truck. The factory connector is simply an indication that this built-in port is present in the vehicle, thus making it compatible with the adapter.

If your truck has a 7-Way connector already installed, nothing else will be needed other than the two above mentioned parts (brake controller and plug-in adapter). If your truck has a factory 4-Way connector, you will just need to add the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7 to install a fully functional 7-Way connector that is needed for the brake controller and to power the trailer's brakes.

If there is no factory connector on your truck, you will need to start by installing a 4-Way with the Tekonsha # 119178KIT. From there you will install the # ETBC7 mentioned above. The Prodigy 2 # 90885, or any other brake controller, will then need to be hardwired into the vehicle, as a plug-in adapter will not be compatible.

I have attached installation details for all of the products mentioned, along with some articles that you might find helpful.