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Dodge Ram 2009-Present: How to Install Trailer Brake Controller

Fourth generation Dodge Ram 1500s can pull trailers weighing from 4,250 pounds to a ponderous 9,250 pounds. If you are towing a heavy trailer and need to stop, will it stop with you? The installation of a trailer brake controller in your Ram would be a great idea, so your trailer can know when you're stopping... and how quickly it needs to be done.

By Tom Cavanagh - July 14, 2015

This article applies to the Dodge Ram 4th Generation (2009-Present).

Trailer brake controllers let your trailer know when you are applying the brakes in your truck, when the trailer needs to start braking, and how quickly the trailer needs to stop. There are two types of trailer brake controllers: proportional controllers and time-delay controllers. Proportional controllers sense when you are slowing or stopping, and tell the brakes on the trailer to do the same with the same intensity as the tow vehicle. In time-delay controllers, when you slow or stop, the controller tells the brakes on the trailer to stop at a rate pre-set by you. Both types have their pros and cons, but overall, the proportional type controller provides less wear and tear on the brakes for both your truck and the trailer. As you drive with a trailer, you have over 5,000 pounds of weight traveling at 55 mph attached to the back of your truck, so having this weight stopping when you do is a good thing. In this article, you will learn how to install a trailer brake controller in your 4th generation Dodge Ram.

Note

These instructions are for the installation of non-OEM trailer brake controllers.

Figure 1. Help your trailer slow down when you do.

Materials Needed

  • Screwdriver (size and type determined by manufacturer)
  • Power drill and drill bits
  • Zip ties or electrical tape
  • Small flashlight (if needed)
Figure 2. Tekonsha P3 trailer brake controller kit.

Step 1 – Install the mounting bracket

Starting with the 2013 Ram model year, Dodge changed the position of the wiring harness from the left side of the steering wheel to the right side. Owners have asked that it be moved to be closer to the main dash control cluster.

  • Choose a location for the installation of the brake controller somewhere on your dash. Be sure to allow room for you to access the screws with your screwdriver.
  • Check behind the dash to be sure that the mounting bracket screws do not hit any pre-existing wiring or objects.
  • Drill pilot holes in the dashboard, and screw in the mounting bracket.
  • Attach the brake controller holder to the mounting bracket.
Figure 3. Mounting bracket installed.

Pro Tip

Dodge Ram 1500s from 2009 and on have an integrated plug-in wire harness that eliminates the need for splicing wires. Order the wire harness to go with your trailer brake controller.

Step 2 – Locate the wire harness connectors

If you are installing an aftermarket controller (Tekonsha, Curt, etc.), make sure to buy the wire harness specifically designed by that manufacturer for the 4th generation Dodge Ram. The 2009 and later Ram 1500s have trailer brake controller connections stashed up underneath the dash.

  • Locate the main plug-in connection, which is behind the dash just above the gas pedal.
  • In some Ram models, this may be found on the left side of the steering wheel above the parking brake pedal.
  • Loosen the tape bundling up and securing the wire harness, so the connector is easier to access. Be careful not to disconnect any of the wires.
  • Look directly above the brake pedal and you will find the small brake light connector.
  • Figure 4. Brake controller connector.
  • Figure 5. Brake light connector.

Step 3 – Plug in the wire harness connectors

  • Take the large connector from the controller wire harness, and connect it to the main controller plug.
  • Take the red wire from the harness, and connect it to the brake light plug.
Figure 6. Connected brake controller wire harnesses.

Pro Tip

Use electrical tape or zip ties to secure the red brake light wire, and tug it away where it cannot be accidentally pulled free or damaged.

Step 4 – Connect the wire trailer brake controller

  • Now that the under dash wiring is complete, plug in the wire harness module into the back of the brake controller.
  • Then insert the controller into mounting bracket, and test the system.
Figure 7. Plug in wire harness connector to the brake controller.

Featured Video: Trailer Brake Controller Installation

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