Brake Controller Installation in 2006 Dodge Ram 2500
Question:
I just purchased a 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 with a 4 flat wire connection. I want to pull a 16 foot enclosed cargo trailer that has a 7 pin round connector. I have found a few adapters that seem to be any easy install for the required lighting/directional signals but I want to be able to use the trailers electric brakes preferably without a seperate brake cotroller installed. I am unsure how to tell if the 2006 Ram has a factory tow package that will allow me to utilize the electric trailer brakes while applying the tow vehicles brakes or if I need to have wiring added from the vehicles battery to power those electric brakes. thanks in advance for your assistance
asked by: Allen D
Expert Reply:
In order to actuate your trailer brakes, you'll need to install a brake controller to operate them, as your truck doesn't already have a brake controller.
Since your Dodge Ram 2500 doesn't have the factory 7-way, not all the brake controller wiring was sent to the rear of the vehicle. I'd be happy to suggest parts to install a controller and a 7-way, plus provide links to some install footage that will help walk you through the process.
For a brake controller, I'd recommend the Brake EVN # TK63VR. You'll also need the # 3020-P wiring adapter harness and the # ETBC7 brake controller installation kit. The # 3020-P connects the brake controller to the tow package connector located to the left of the brake pedal behind the emergency brake. The connector is blue in color, and is usually located on top of or next to the white junction box mounted to the firewall as shown in the linked video. The brake output circuit from the controller and the 12-volt accessory power circuit isn't ran to the back of the vehicle, so you'll use the wire included with the # ETBC7 kit to do that.
The # ETBC7 kit includes an adapter which will convert the existing 4-pole plug to a 7-way. Plug the adapter into the existing 4-pole, and there will be 4 additional loose wires to deal with. The white wire grounds to the vehicle frame. The purple or yellow wire which carries the reverse lamp circuit can be bundled up and tucked away if not needed (most trailers don't have reverse lamps, so it's typically not needed). The blue and white wire would be extended and ran to the front of the vehicle using the 2 conductor cable included in the kit. The black wire runs to the positive battery terminal, with the 40A breaker included in the kit installed inline near the battery. The blue wire runs to the brake controller. You'll sever the blue wire on the # 3020-P harness and attach it to the wire ran to the back.
You won't need the # HM47200 adapter, as something similar is included in the # ETBC7 kit.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Dodge
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Tekonsha
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Tekonsha BRAKE-EVN Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 90 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hopkins Endurance Quick-Install Trailer Connector Adapter - 4-Way Flat to 7-Blade
- Trailer Wiring
- Wiring Adapters
- Single-Function Adapter
- 4 Flat
- Plug and Lead
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
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