Parts Needed to Install a Trailer Brake Controller on a 1997 Dodge Ram 1500  

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There are different wiring situations depending on how your 1997 Dodge Ram is equipped. If it came with a factory installed 7-Way wiring harness, you will just need wiring harness # 3020-P. One end plugs into the back of the brake controller, the other end plugs into a harness on the truck. The harness is located underneath the dash, to the left of the steering column, taped to another harness near the emergency brake pedal.

If your truck came with a factory 4-Way, you will need the same harness, 3020-P, but you will also need to add a 7-Way wiring harness, # 37185. On the 1997 Dodge Ram with factory 4-Way, the blue wire that goes out from the controller to the trailer brakes terminates at the connector that is located under the drivers side wheel well. In order to finalize the installation you must splice into this wire and continue it back to the 7-Way.

You will also need to hardwire the 12 volt hot lead on the 7-Way to the vehicle battery via a 40 amp circuit breaker, # PK54540. To make the connection to the blue wire for brakes and the hot lead, use wire # 10-2-1, sold in 1 foot increments.

If your truck did not come with a factory trailer connector, you will first need to install a 4-Way, # 118329, and then a 4 and 7-Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. This will allow you to hardwire in the brake controller. Harness 3020-P cannot be used if the truck did not come with a factory trailer connector.

I have included some links to an FAQ and video that explain the ETBC7 installation.

expert reply by: Michael H

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