Parts Needed to Install a Trailer Brake Controller on a 2004 Dodge Ram 3500 with No Tow Package

Question:

I have an 04 Ram 3500 with almost all options except trailer tow. upon purchase in 04 I had made the deal that the dealer would provide me with hitch receiver and wire harness but I had to install no problem.I am interested in a p2 or p3 and have watched the nice little instillation videos, however I also noticed that I dont have the needed factory connecter under my dash. The harness the dealer provided only terminated under the hood and there is the light blue wire coiled up and never run through the firewall into the cab. I am finally looking at pulling something heavy and would like to have trailer brakes.Do I need to purchase the $30 Dodge plug or can I get what I need to make this work with a Tekonsha product ?

asked by: Ray

Expert Reply:

I will be able to help you out, no problem. There were a couple of wiring situations you could get on the 2004 Dodge Ram. You could get it with no trailer connector, another options was a 4-Way trailer connector, and finally, you could get a 7-Way trailer connector. Since you did not get a full tow package, I want to assume that you do not have the 7-Way.

If you had a 4-Way, you would also have the port to plug in a wiring harness for the brake controller, # 3020-P. On the truck it is a large blue plug to the right of the emergency brake pedal. If you are certain that is not there, you will need to hardwire the brake controller.

You will need to start with adding a 4-Way trailer connector using # 119178KIT. I have included a link to the installation instructions for you to view. Adding this 7-Way makes installing everything else much easier.

After the 4-Way is installed, you will need a 4 and 7 Way Installation kit, # ETBC7. This kit provides the 7-Way and all of the parts needed to install it along with the wiring for the brake controller. I have included links to an FAQ and video that explain how to install the ETBC7.

For a brake controller, I recommend going with the Tekonsha P2, # 90885 that you have referenced. This is one of our most popular controllers because it is easy to set up and easy to use. I have included a link to the installation details for you.