Hardwire Trailer Brake Controller Installation on a 2001 Dodge Van 1500

Question:

i cant seem to find instructions for this product for my particular make and model vehicle. is there any available on your site, or could one of you fine folks help guide me through it? thnx in advance

asked by: Michael T

Expert Reply:

Installing a brake controller on your 2001 Dodge 1500 Van is a hardwire installation. In addition to the brake controller and the wiring harness like # 20127, you may also need a 4 and 7 Way Installation kit, # ETBC7 depending on what type of trailer connector is on the van.

If the van already has a 7-Way trailer connector, you will need to add a brake controller installation kit, # 5506. On the back of the 7-Way connector, find the wire that is coming out of the 7:00 position. Cut the wire several inches forward of the connector and splice on one end of the wire included with the installation kit.

Route this wire under the vehicle, avoiding areas that may pinch or burn the wire, and route it up through the engine bay. Next you will route it through the fire wall and attach it to the brake controller blue wire. Save any excess wire.

From the brake controller you will need to attach a wire to the white wire, route it through the firewall and then attach it to the negative battery terminal. Then, connect a length of wire to the black brake controller wire, go through the firewall one last time, and connect it to the AUX post on the included circuit breaker that you will need to mount to the metal of the engine bay. Then run a wire from the BAT post on the breaker to the positive battery terminal.

The last connection is the red wire on the brake controller. Using a circuit tester like # PTW2993 if needed, probe the brake switch wires above the brake pedal until you find the one that ONLY carries a signal when the brake pedal is pressed. If it shows a signal when you use the turn signals or running lights, it is not the correct wire.

If the van has a 4-Way but no 7-Way, you will need to add the ETBC7 kit. I have included some links to an FAQ and a video that will help you with this installation.