Brake controller for 2003 Dodge Dakota with Factory Tow Package

Question

Question:

I have a 2003 Dodge Dakota V8 with the factory towing package. What brake controller do you recommend for occasional use? I would probably only tow a trailer a few times a year. Ease of installation is also something Im looking for. Thanks.

asked by: Kevin M

0

Expert Reply:

For your Dodge Dakota I would recommend a proportional brake controller that uses a motion sensing device to apply the trailer brakes equally with the towing vehicle. A time delayed controller is another option and it uses a preset (by you) amount of braking power to apply the trailer brakes no matter how hard the towing vehicle is braking.

On the time delayed controller there is a short delay (user adjustable) before the trailer begins to brake after the brake pedal has been pushed. While time delayed brake controllers are less costly the benefits of the proportional brake controller make them worth the small price difference.

For ease of wiring the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, # 90885 is an excellent proportional-type controller. For a time delayed controller the Draw-Tite, # 5504 is a good choice. Both of the controllers mentioned need wiring harness # 3020-P for installation. This is a vehicle specific wiring adapter for a 2003 Dodge Dakota with a factory 7-Way trailer connector.

If your Dakota does not have a factory 7-Way or any other connector, you will need to install wiring harness # 118329 and a 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. If it has a 4-Way already you would just need ETBC7. I have included a link to the installation instructions for the wiring harness and the ETBC7 kit along with a video showing a typical installation.

I will also provide links to the operating manuals for both controllers.

expert reply by: Robert G

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Answer 1

The difference between a load range E and load range F tire of the same size, 235/85-16, is the weight capacity and pressure. The Karrier Radial Tire, Load Range E, #AM10295, has a capacity of 3,640 pounds at 95 psi. The Load Range F Tire,…

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Answer 2

I recommend using the #ILL35CB, which can be mounted on the ceiling and are small enough at 5" long x 2" wide that mounting shouldn't be an issue with a roof that has a slight pitch/curve and require 4 screws to mount. I think the…

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Answer 3

The K-Source Universal Towing Mirror - Clip On - Qty 1 #KS3891 is not the confirmed fit for specific vehicles like the custom fit mirrors. We have confirmed some model fits based on installations, but I don't see a confirmation for your specific…

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Answer 4

The difference is the quantity. The part #KS3891-2 gives you two mirrors whereas the part #KS3891 only gives you a single mirror. If you want a set of mirrors for both sides of the vehicle you'd want the #KS3891-2. Or if you need just a single…

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Answer 5

That is no problem. I have included a picture of exactly what you are looking for: a diagram of a vehicle side 7-Way trailer connector, front and back views. I have also linked an FAQ with other wiring diagrams. The colors listed are commonly used…

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Answer 6

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 7

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 8

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 9

The 5.30-12 tires, being wider, are going to make more contact with the road. This means that the noise, and heat build up will be higher than a 4.80-12 tire but the rolling resistance will actually be less because the tire is larger diameter. The…

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Answer 10

The difference between an load range C and load range D tire in the same size is the capacity and psi rating. The two tires will still have the same dimensions and fit on the same wheel. The D rated tire has a higher capacity. For a ST175/80D13 like…

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Answer 11

Since both a ST145/R12 size tire, like the Kenda Karrier S-Trail #AM10130, and a 5.30-12 size tire, like the Kenda K353 #AM10068, fit a 12 inch wheel, a ST145/R12 size tire can replace a 5.30-12 size tire. Keep in mind that these tires do have…

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Answer 12

Load range B trailer tires are going to have a lower capacity than C load range tires. Basically that, psi rating, and the ply rating are the only differences. A higher load range tire would last a little longer than lower load ranges of the same…

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Brake controller for 2003 Dodge Dakota with Factory Tow Package

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