Recommended 7-Way Wiring and Brake Controller for 2016 Ram 1500 without Tow Package
Question:
I have a 2016 ram 1500. The truck did not come with a tow package. I bought a horse trailer with electric brakes. I installed a hitch but still need to wire. What do you recommend for a brake controller and 7 pin trailer connector?
asked by: Matt S
Expert Reply:
We can definitely get your 2016 Ram 1500 set up to safely tow your new horse trailer that's equipped with electric brakes. If the Ram truly has no factory trailer wiring, you'll just need a few items.
You will want to start by installing a 4-Way connector harness with the Tekonsha # 119250KIT, which will splice into the truck's tail light wiring. From there you can upgrade it to the needed 7-Way with the Universal Wiring Kit # ETBC7. These two components will provide everything needed to install a fully functional 7-Way (and 4-Way) at the truck's rear bumper.
Lastly you will need a trailer brake controller, for which I highly recommend the Brake EVN # TK63VR. This proportional controller will send power back to the trailer's brakes in relation to your truck's deceleration, providing a nice smooth ride for you and the horses.
I have included a few video demonstrations on these products along with the installation manuals below.
Products Referenced in This Question
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
ZCI Circuit Protected Vehicle Wiring Harness w/ 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector and Installation Kit
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Hayes Energize III+ Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Q&A: 2023 Volvo XC60 Hidden Hitch and Trailer Wiring Recommendations
- Q&A: Should Tekonsha P3 be Recalibrated with Trailer Fully Loaded
- Q&A: Converting a Semi 7-Way Trailer Connector to an RV 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Parts Needed To Install A Brake Controller On A 2023 Freightliner Cascadia
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Trailer Running Lights Staying On when Vehicle is Turned Off
- Article: Routing the Power Wire for a Trailer Wiring Harness
- Q&A: Recommended Hitch for a 2024 Honda Pilot