Wiring in 7-Way to 2006 Dodge Ram to Bypass TIPM

Question:

Recently purchased this truck to find the trailer hook up to be corroded badly and bought Hopkins #1200484070 which has the 7 pin, and 4/5 pin all in one nice clean setup, but needs to be wired in instead of using the factory connector that came with the tow package. Now Im aware hopkins sells a connector for my truck that has a factory plug connector option, but i intend to use this one regardless. I would like to note that the vehicle came equipped with a Draw tite Brake controller which looks to me to be the 5100 model. I have sorted out what the Dodge wiring colors are to hook up to the 7 pin, but upon my research, I discovered a lot of talk about using a modulate so I dont screw the TIPM up on the truck. From what I have read, the TIPM is a pretty common issue with these trucks and Id like to sort out the wiring properly so I dont affect the TIPM as thats an expensive replacement. What would I need to do to wire in the nice all in one connector and still protect the TIPM? Im not sure which product would be suitable, especially since I plan to not use the factory connector. And lastly, there are 8 wires going to the factory connector with 2 of them being black. There was also 4 wires going to a separate 4 pin hook up, 3 of which were spliced in from the main harness wires and a separate black wire that hooks up with the white wire on the 4 pin connector that by from what I can tell, isnt spliced in, although I only opened up the loom as far back as the fuel tank. Would those 3 black wires all be spliced together and then connected to then 7 pin plug? I have photos to provide but for some reason it wont let me upload them. If you could please send me an email reply, I would like to share them with you so you can see what I am working with, to direct me what I need to purchase to finish this properly. Thank you for your time.

asked by: Dowser

Expert Reply:

There isn't a way to protect the TIPM and still use the Hopkins Endurance Multi-Tow 7-, 5- and 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector # HM48470 you have. I know it's not the answer you are looking for but the only option we can offer is to bypass the TIPM entirely, and that means new wiring for your 2006 Dodge Ram. The problem is there's just no way to add protection to the factory wiring of your Ram with any product, in order to protect the TIPM you simply have to go around it.

For that you would need a 4-way with a modulite, the Upgraded Circuit Protected Tail Light Converter Hardwire Kit with 4-Pole Connector # 119178KIT. Then for a 7-way you will need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7.

The 7-way on the # ETBC7 does include the ability to plug in a 4-way on the side as well, so it retains most of the functionality of the Hopkins connector, with the exception of the 5-way.

expert reply by: Kyle S