Installing a Proportional Brake Controller on a 2011 Dodge Dakota

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Question:

Three questions, I have a 2011 Ram Dodge Dakota. I believe the truck has a factory tow package. It has the transmission lockout on the steering column and when pressed the tow light in the dash comes on. 1. Is there any way I can confirm I have the factory tow package? 2. Where is the factory connector to plug in the RV 7 pin connector? 3. What are the parts I need to install a proportional brake controller and 7 pin connector. Do you sell a complete package Kit for my truck?

asked by: Bill P

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Expert Reply:

One way to be positive if you have the tow package is to have your local dealer check the VIN. They can tell you what how your 2011 Dodge Dakota was equipped and what it is rated to tow. If you look under the rear bumper there will be a plug that matches the wiring kit # HM42190 (I included a picture for reference), if it is there, there's also a plug under the dash for the brake controller. If there is not a plug your Dakota does not have the factory tow package.

If you have the tow package I recommend the Hopkins Endurance Quick-Install 7-Way Trailer Connector # HM42190 for wiring. The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195, and Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers # 3020-P. This is the easiest way to get a proportional brake controller installed. The trailer wiring will plug into a harness under the bumper, the brake controller adapter will plug into a port under the dash, and then the brake controller to the adapter. The P3 has always been a very popular brake controller. It's easy to use,and has a lot of built in features. If you tow several different trailers, you can even save up to 5 trailer settings so you can switch trailers or drivers without a lot of adjustments.

If you don't have the tow package you'll need to start with trailer wiring. I recommend T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118323. Then the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7 will plug into the 4 pole wiring, give a 7 way connector and everything you need to get the P3 brake controller operational.

I linked the parts as well as an installation video of 2009 Dakota getting the P3 and ETBC7.

expert reply by: Robert C

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Answer 1

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 2

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 3

There is only one difference between the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13176 and etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver #e98909 that fit your 2020 Chevrolet Colorado, which is the finish. The Curt trailer hitch has a glossy black finish while the etrailer…

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Answer 4

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Answer 5

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 6

Lance does have a proprietary plug, but many customers see a standard 6-way or 7-way round and notice it doesn't fit their factory 7-way as well. I've attached an article to help if you have one of the 7-way or 6-way round connectors which we…

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Answer 7

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 8

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 9

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

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Answer 10

Hey Antoine, so the two kits you mentioned are actually really similar and honestly I would go with the part #ETBC7 if I were you. The #ETBC7L is basically the same thing minus a couple wires and breakers so you may as well get the kit that has…

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Answer 11

It could be a tow package fuse on the vehicle. Use the owners manual to find the locations of fuses/relays related to the tow package wiring to check them and replace as needed. If the issue is not a fuse or relay then you can test the vehicle side…

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Answer 12

Trailer wiring generally uses 16 gauge wire, part #16-1-1. However, with a long trailer like yours you may want to go with a larger like 14 gauge #DW07550-1 or even 12 gauge #12-1-1. Each size is sold by the foot. You will need to have the lights at…

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Installing a Proportional Brake Controller on a 2011 Dodge Dakota

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