Recommended Replacement Brake Controller for 2010 Dodge Ram with Factory Brake Controller

Question:

I have a 2010 Dodge ram 2500 with factory controller. Will a Curt Spectrum Trailer Brake Controller C51170- C51438 work?? What it is doing I may have brakes one time not the next. Two Ram dealer in area dont and will not talk about the problem. service or parts depts

asked by: Roger W

Expert Reply:

I've heard a lot of complaints about the factory brake controller but if you haven't already, I do recommend testing the wiring on the vehicle side first to see where the malfunction is coming from. You'll want to use a circuit tester like the # PTW2992 on the vehicle side brake wire and depress manual override to see if you can re-create the issue. If the signal is getting through from the vehicle but the brakes aren't engaging, the issue will be on your trailer wiring and not the brake controller.

If your tests reveal that the brake controller is the issue, the Curt Spectrum # C51170 and adapter # C51438 to replace your factory brake controller. I do recommend cutting the wires to your factory brake controller to avoid any future issues, but this is a great choice because of the clean installation it provides with the knob controller. This isn't your typical knee knocker style brake controller, so it installs out of the way but will still provide you with responsive, proportional braking for your trailer. In order to use the Curt Spectrum you will need to unplug your factory controller to ensure that there isn't any interference between the two.

I've linked some review videos of the Spectrum for you to have a look at if you decide to go that route, but if you have any questions about the troubleshooting steps mentioned above please let me know.

expert reply by: Erik B