Trailer Wiring and Weight Distribution Ball for a 1993 Dodge W350
Question:
My wiring was so not wired correctly so Im starting fresh. Ive done some reading and noticed these trucks have less than adequate wiring coming from the headlight switch which can cause failures to the switch itself due to overload. My trailer is a 40foot tri axle which brakes on all wheels. I really want to plug into existing factory wiring and avoid splicing. Whats my best bet? Another problem... My trailer weighs 4500 lbs. With a gvw of 14,500. My load level Hitch head is a Hidden Hitch with a 1" diameter ball. I don't see a weight rating on the current ball. I want to replace the ball with a 2 5/16" 20k USA made ball. Who makes one?
asked by: Scott
Expert Reply:
For your 1993 Dodge W350 you can use Curt trailer wiring harness # C55317. It plugs in line with the truck tail light wiring. But if you are concerned about overloading the truck wiring I recommend a hardwire, powered harness # C59496. This will draw power for the trailer lights directly from the truck battery.
Then to add a 7-Way you will need # ETBC7. I have included some links that show and explain the # ETBC7 installation.
The links also explain how a brake controller will be installed. For a brake controller I recommend the P2, # 90885. This is one of our most popular controllers because it is easy to set up and use and it is reliable. It will work with the 6 brake assemblies on your tri-axle trailer.
You has also mentioned needing a new ball for your weight distribution system. It sounds like you need a ball with a 1 inch diameter shank and a 2-5/16 inch diameter ball. B&W ball # BWHB94001 could work for you. It has a 1 inch diameter shank that is 2-1/2 inches long. It is rated for 12K and it is made in the USA.
Since a 1 inch diameter shank is not common, if you actually find that you need a 1-1/4 inch diameter shank then you can use B&W ball # BWHB94004.
Products Referenced in This Question
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/2" Long Shank - Raw - 12,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Raw Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/2 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 12000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- B and W
more information >
2-5/16" Hitch Ball - 1-1/4" Diameter x 2-1/2" Long Shank - Raw - 30,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Raw Steel
- 2-5/16 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/2 Inch Shank Length
- 1-1/4 Inch Diameter Shank
- 30000 lbs GTW
- Class IV
- Class V
- B and W
more information >
Curt Powered Tail Light Converter w/ 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- 8 Feet Long
- Universal Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
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 >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Shop: Tekonsha Powered Tail Light Converter w/ 4-Way Flat Trailer Connector and Install Kit
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Curt Trailer Connector Adapter with Backup Alarm - 4-Way to 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat
- Shop: Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: brake controller
- Video: Choosing the Right Trailer Wiring
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Shop: Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Video: Choosing the Right Brake Controller
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Search Results: etbc7
- Shop: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Q&A: My Vehicle has a 4-Pin Trailer Plug, but Trailer has 7-Pin Trailer Plug
- Shop: Suspension Enhancement
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Shop: 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Shop: Vehicle Tow Bar Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Search Results: trailer hitch wiring
- Q&A: Where Do the Wires on the Universal Install Kit for Trailer Brake Controllers Get Installed?