Wiring a Brake Controller and a 7-Way Connector On a Dodge 2500

Question:

My Dodge 2500 is wired for a 4 pin connector, however I need to install a brake controller and a pin connector. Once the brake controller is attached under the dash do I need to run the blue wire for the brake controller all the way to the back and hook to the 7 pin connector? The controller looks as though it has a 14 or 16 gauge wire this wire heavy enough all the way back to the 7 pinn connector? Is the bumper a good ground?

asked by: Bill

Expert Reply:

With the factory 4-Way connector you will need a brake controller with the proper wiring connection for Dodge vehicles. I would recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy, item # 90885 and adapter item # 3020-P, for your vehicle. This adapter is a vehicle specific brake controller connector. You will also need a 7-Way, item # 30717, adapter. With these parts you can use the specific instructions on our brake controller wiring page for 1995-present Dodge Ram trucks (see link).

From the front wheel well (see link), or the brake output wire behind the vehicles brake controller connector, either one, you will need to run a 10 gauge wire back to the connector at the rear of the vehicle. You will also need a hot wire to go back to the rear if you are towing a trailer with a battery or interior lighting. Use 10 gauge wire, item # 10-2-1, for these connections and a 40 amp circuit breaker, item # PK54540, to attach the power wire to the positive post of the vehicle battery.

I would not use the bumper as the grounding point. You will be much better off attaching the ground to the vehicle frame after cleaning a small area down to bare metal.