Recommended Parts for Towing Trailer with Electric Brakes Behind 2018 Ram ProMaster 1500
Question:
Im going to be towing a single axle camping trailer with electric brakes 3,200 to. 3,800 lbs . I will need a hitch receiver, brake controller, and all the necessary wiring for the install. Can you advise me on the parts I would need I would like to go as cost-effective as possible . But I do not want to compromise on safety or quality . and is this install plug and play or will I have to splice in to factory wiring Thanks
asked by: Mark S
Expert Reply:
We have everything you need to set your Ram ProMaster 1500 up for towing!
Starting with the trailer hitch I highly recommend the Draw-Tite Max-Frame # 76050, which in addition to being economically priced, features a sleek hidden cross-tube design for an unassuming OEM appearance on the van and more than enough capacity to safely pull your trailer.
I have attached an installation video that you can use for reference.
Moving on to wiring you will need to start with a 4-Way connector. Assuming you don't have the factory tow package on the ProMaster (which would have included a 7-Way connector at the bumper) I recommend the Tekonsha T-One # 118618. This custom harness will plug into existing ports behind the trim panels in the cargo area on the driver and passenger side. You will then just need to run the hot lead up to the battery to supply its power.
From there you will need to upgrade it to a 7-Way connector so that you can add a brake controller and connect to the trailer. For this I recommend the Wiring Kit # ETBC7L, which simply gets plugged into the 4-Way you already installed to provide a 7-Way at the other end.
To use with the brake controller I recommend for your application, which is the Curt Echo # C51180, the only line you will need to run from the 7-Way harness is the 12V power wire, which like the hot lead from the 4-Way harness, just gets connected to the battery on the ProMaster. The additional bare wires coming from the 7-Way can simply be capped off.
Then with the 7-Way in place the Curt Echo Brake Controller simply gets plugged into it. The setup process consists of just pairing to your smart phone via Bluetooth once it's plugged in and adjusting any settings. I really like this controller because it eliminates the need for additional wiring inside the vehicle along with a separate piece that needs to be mounted in the cab like with most other models.
This setup provides you with the easiest overall installation process that doesn't include splicing into any factory wires on the vehicle. With that being said the Curt Echo does have more of a premium price point.
For a more economical controller that's still of extremely high quality you can take a look at the Tekonsha Voyager # 39510 with the Pigtail # 20127. This does require more of a hardwire installation where you will need to splice into the brake switch wire behind the brake pedal.
If you decide to go this route then I recommend using the Wiring Kit # ETBC7 instead of the # ETBC7L mentioned above, as this will include the additional components needed to install a traditional brake controller like this on your vehicle.
I have attached a few video demonstrations on these products that you can also check out.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Replacement Brake Control Plug-In Harness for Tekonsha and Draw-Tite Brake Controller 12" Long
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Universal
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Smartphone Display
- CURT
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >