No Brakes on New Haulmark Trailer with 2003 Dodge Ram 2500

Question:

I have an 03 Dodge 2500 with a factory brake controller which has worked with all my other trailers. I just purchased a new Haulmark enclosed trailer with Dexter axles, and the brake controller doesnt recognize that the trailer is hooked up. The brake controller doesnt apply the brakes either. Do I need to purchase a new controller or is there something going on.

asked by: Zeke

Expert Reply:

What type of brakes are on your new trailer? If they are hydraulic and you are using an electric over hydraulic actuator then this very well may be your issue as the factory brake controller on a 2003 Dodge Ram 2500 is not compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes. If this is a Titan the part is T4845900 for Titan actuators or you will need a new brake controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90885 with the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers part # 3020-P.

If your new trailer has standard electric brakes then the first thing we are going to need to do is test the brake controller and wiring on the vehicle side. In order to do this you are going to need to test the 5 o'clock pin on the 7-way with a multimeter while the manual override is applied. You should be seeing close to 12 volt here. If you do not then you know there is an issue with either the vehicle wiring or brake controller. The brake output wire at the back of the 7-way will need to be traced as far as possible while checking for shorts but if none are found on the visible portion then you will need to take the vehicle to your local dealer for troubleshooting.

I understand the trailer is new but that still does not mean it is exempt from trailer wiring problems therefore you will need to test and inspect the brake output wire on the trailer as well as inspecting the trailer connector. If you have access to a different truck/trailer you can narrow down what side the issue is occuring on.

expert reply by: Conner L