Installing a 7-Way Connector and Brake Controller on a 2006 Dodge Dakota

Question:

Hi I have a 2006 dodge dakota I am looking at adding a brake controller and trailer connector to hook to my trailer. I have looked in your instructions and my dakota has the blue controller plug by the emergency brake .... so I can use the plug and play doings. What do i do at the rear of the truck... where do I look for wiring connections back there . I need to install a 7 spaded connector.... obviously needing to find connections for lights and the controller. With the plug by the emergency brake from the factory.... is there someplace in the back that all that comes together that i can plug into? It has no factory light hookup ups. I was surprised to find the controller plug. Obviously I need to get from the controller plug to the trailer plug in some fashion. Thanks

asked by: Jerry B

Expert Reply:

It is very interesting that you found the blue Dodge plug for a brake controller since your 2006 Dodge Dakota doesn't have a factory trailer connector for the trailer lighting.

You may have some wiring that is already ran to the rear of your vehicle but since this seems unlikely I recommend using the Tekonsha T-One # 118323 and the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7 to install your wiring. The T-One tees in behind your tail light assemblies and the ETBC7 gives you all of the wiring and connectors that you need to install the brake controller and have a fully functioning 7-Way.

There may be a connector under the driver's side of your Dakota right behind the front wheel well (see attached picture) but I'm not sure if it is there or will have the functions that you need for connecting your brake controller. If you do find that connector there with the wire for your brake controller then you can use an adapter like part # 3020-P to connect a Tekonsha brake controller, like the Primus IQ # TK90160, to the blue connector you mentioned.

If that connector by the wheel well isn't there or doesn't have wires to the brake controller then you will need to route the wiring from the ETBC7 normally as you find in the instructions and the linked installation video on a 2009 Dakota. The Mounting Bracket # C57202 helps to make installing the ETBC7 easier at the bumper.

I have also attached a helpful article about installing a brake controller on on Dodge Ram Trucks to 2012 that you can reference.