What is Needed to Power Electric Trailer Brakes with 2002 Dodge Dakota

Question:

My 2002 Dakota has a factory trailer hitch and 7 way connector. Is there something additional needed to tow a trailer with brakes? Is there something I need to do to activate the electric trailer brake function?

asked by: Ron P

Expert Reply:

Yes. You need an electric brake controller to power the trailer's brakes. A brake controller installs in the cab of the tow vehicle and connects to its trailer wiring and stop light switch. This way when you step on your brake pedal to apply the vehicle's brakes a signal is sent from the vehicle's stop light switch to the brake controller. The controller then sends power to the trailer's brakes through the 7-way trailer connector. I've linked an article on brake controllers you can check out for more information.

The brake controller I recommend is the Prodigy P3, part # 90195. It's one of the most reliable and easy to use controller on the market. The best part is your 2002 Dodge Dakota has a connector under the dashboard to make the install easy. Some vehicles don't have a connector so a controller has to be hardwired in. But since you have a connector all you need is a controller like the P3 and a wiring adapter, part # 3020-P. I've linked a video of the P3 being installed in a 2003 Ram using the same adapter so you can see what it all looks like.

expert reply by: Charles S