Adjusting Draw-Tite Activator II to Control Electric Trailer Brakes On Single Axle Trailer

Question

Question:

Just purchased a Dodge Ram 1500 pickup that came with a Drawtite Activator II installed. How do i set up my single axel trailer to use this devise?

asked by: James T

0

Expert Reply:

To use the Draw-Tite Activator II that you already have on your 2001 Dodge Ram 1500 it will operate similar to most timed brake controllers.

Assuming that your single axle trailer does have electric brakes already installed and the brake controller is in proper working order you will be able to increase and decrease braking force sent to the trailer brakes with the wheel that is located on the top left of your Activator II. On the new Activator it uses a slide versus the wheel. Since this is a timed controller you will want to drive around a parking lot and simulate your typical braking force that you apply when under normal driving conditions. You will want to adjust the trailer brakes to the point that you feel that they are grabbing enough to match the vehicle braking. Remember since it is a timed controller no matter how hard or soft you hit your brakes the same braking pressure will be sent to the trailer brakes. There is also a sync control on the back left of your controller. This will adjust the level of aggressiveness of the trailer brakes. The higher the number setting the more aggressive the brakes will be.

If you do not have trailer brakes on your single axle trailer or your Activator II is displaying an error code when you connect to the trailer please let me know and I can help you with those issues.

A great upgrade would be to install a Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195 as this is a proportional brake controller. It uses an internal inertia sensor that will adjust braking force sent to the trailer based on how hard your Ram is braking.

expert reply by: Bud M

0

Answer 1

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…

view full answer...

Answer 2

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…

view full answer...

Answer 3

Seal 171255UC has an inner diameter of 1.719 inches and outer diameter of 2.565 inches. A seal that has those dimensions would actually be #58846. I've added a link to a video review of this seal for you to take a look at.

view full answer...

Answer 4

If your old axles have a 5 bolt brake flange the assemblies like Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Left Hand - 6,000 lbs part #23-105 or Dexter Electric Trailer Brake Assembly - 12" - Right Hand - 6,000 lbs part #23-106…

view full answer...

Answer 5

I've never heard of an actual third brake light connector on a camper shell to plug in on a truck and we don't carry any parts to do that. The light generally needs to be hardwired into the truck's brake light circuit. The issue with this…

view full answer...

Answer 6

If the trailer wheels scrubbed (dragged and scrapped the ground instead of rolling) when jack knifed then it could have thrown something out of alignment or damaged something. First, inspect the suspension. Look for any elongated holes where…

view full answer...

Answer 7

I did some checking and the hub/drum we offer that will work for you is the part #8-430-5UC3. This uses the same bearings as the 8-415 and will be an exact fit aside from the fact this is a non-ABS setup and the 8-415 came in an ABS setup and non-ABS…

view full answer...

Answer 8

If you are needing the hub and drum assembly then you will want to go with the Dexter Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly #8-201-5UC3-EZ but if you are just looking for an idler hub then you will want part #8-213-5UC1 instead. These come with the correct…

view full answer...

Answer 9

I would be happy to help you set up your 2022 Toyota Highlander to haul your new travel trailer. The wiring harness you currently have controls your trailer's lighting functions only. You do not need to rewire your Toyota you just need another…

view full answer...

Answer 10

While we may have an option for you, we do not have the exact specs on your Allis grease seal part number 5013 29772. However, with the 1.6" ID and 2.5" OD measurements you provides, that is very close to our #58846. This particular grease…

view full answer...

Answer 11

The manual lockout on your Atwood 85778 surge brake coupler is there so that you can back up the trailer without the brakes locking up on you. Yes you can safely tow your trailer with the broken manual lockout, you just have to make sure you…

view full answer...

Answer 12

You will need the Red LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light #328-K-52 or Amber LED Trailer Clearance or Side Marker Light #328-K-51 for your 2018 Forest River Sunseeker motorhome. These lenses have the same Top Command SAE-AP2-16 markings on the…

view full answer...