How to Use a Dexter Electric Over Hydraulic Actuator with a 2014 Ram 3500

Question:

When I hook up my trailer brake plug to my truck my pump runs. My plug has 1.5 volts on blue wire at all times this makes the pump run a little. What can I do to fix this. Is there an actuator I can buy that will work with ram intigrated controller for sure. Dexter says it works with most is there one for ram?

asked by: Troy

Expert Reply:

You are going to need to install a brake controller designed to work with electric over hydraulic brakes as the integrated one in your 2014 Ram will not work with the Dexter Electric Over Hydraulic Brake Actuator # K71-650 and Dexter does not offer any adapters for this actuator for integrated controllers like what you have.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This controller is confirmed to work on electric over hydraulic systems like what you have.

To install an aftermarket brake control you will have to disconnect the ITBM. This will turn on a warning lamp on the instrument cluster. In order to disconnect the ITBM and not get the warning lamp, your local Dodge dealer will have to reconfigure the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module), of the truck. Once this is done you can install a brake controller like the # 90885 with the Wiring Adapter part # 3023-P. If you live in California you will also need the part # 30235-P.

I attached a couple helpful links for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Bill

3/10/2024

Is this true on all 2014 up 3500 Dodge with factory brake controller? I don't see why if the blue wire activates the trailer brakes and should turn the pump on, why it would make any difference when you have a car battery already on the trailer powering the pump. Mine use to work on my 2016 but now it says brakes not connected. I thought maybe it is a fuse in the truck.

Jameson C.

3/11/2024

@Bill The issue is that brake controllers test the output circuit looking for the load of a set of trailer brake magnets to determine if a trailer is connected or not and EOH setups don't have magnets. This makes the controller think a trailer isn't connected.

Bill

3/12/2024

@JamesonC I emailed Dexter on this also they have not said anything about this but I can understand where your coming from don't know if a Dodge dealer would have the same opinion or not. I don't think That duel hook up for brake controller will work in a newer truck I don't think it has the same plug in as the early dodges did under the dash.