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trailer brakes?

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Old Aug 29, 2007 | 03:04 PM
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Lambethcp's Avatar
Lambethcp
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Default trailer brakes?

I just purchased a 23ft travel trailer. I a going to pull it with my 97 ram 1500 ext cab. The owners manual said I have a plug for atrailer brake controller taped to the wiring harness next to the steering column under the dash and I do. My question is where are these wires at the back of the truck? How do I connect the 7 pin plug to operate the trailer brakes?
 
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Old Aug 29, 2007 | 04:07 PM
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TurboABA
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Default RE: trailer brakes?

Pin #2 on the 7-pin connector (blue I think) should be your electric brake wire
 
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Old Aug 30, 2007 | 07:15 AM
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Lambethcp
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Default RE: trailer brakes?

But what do you connect that blue wire to. I mean does the wiring harnes under the run all the way back to the rear bumper? Is it hidden under the bed somewhere?
 
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Old Aug 30, 2007 | 07:59 AM
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rtmorrisjr
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Default RE: trailer brakes?

ORIGINAL: Lambethcp

But what do you connect that blue wire to. I mean does the wiring harnes under the run all the way back to the rear bumper? Is it hidden under the bed somewhere?
do you have the 7 pin plug at the back of the truck? If so, the brakes are already connected to it. If not, you will need to buy a 7 pin plug and harnest. I think i know where to get one but let me look online and see if i can find it for ya.
 
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Old Aug 30, 2007 | 08:14 AM
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rtmorrisjr
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Default RE: trailer brakes?

here ya go....i found the one for starting from scratch. if you need the one for existing wires, let me know.

Starting From Scratch


[/align][/align]


Parts Needed:
[ol][*]The Brake Controller[*]The Brake Control 7-Way or 6-Way Installation Kit or one of Draw-Tite's Installation Kits (5505 or 5506)[*]4-Pole Trailer Connector for the Vehicle
[ul][*]If needed, use the Hitch Finder to see the quick, easy, no-cutting wiring adapter that is recommended for your vehicle.[/ul][/ol]

Step 1 - In the Back:
Start in the rear of the vehicle by first installing the 4-Pole trailer connector. Next, find a good place to mount the 7-way or 6-way trailer connector and then connect it to the newly installed 4-Pole. Ground the 7-Way or 6-way connector and run the extra-long wire lead up to the front of the vehicle. A good place to run the wire is between the truck bed and its cross members.

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Step 2 - Under the Hood:
After slicing open the sleeve that holds the two wires, run the blue wire through a hole in the firewall. This will connect to the brake controller and carries the signal that activates the trailer brakes. The other wire will be for a "hot" lead (if needed) and will run to the battery through a circuit breaker.
Finding a hole in the firewall can sometimes be a little difficult. Before drilling a hole, always look for wires already running through the wall. On this Dodge, a hole was found just to the right of the emergency brake pedal (see picture close to bottom of page). It is often easier to run the wires through the hole by removing the grommet and put a slice into the grommet. Then insert the wires into the grommet and reinstall.

[/align]

Find a safe place to mount the circuit breakers. The hot lead attaches to the 40 amp circuit breaker given in the kit. The 20 amp circuit breaker is for the brake controller power supply
Note: Some brake controller models require a 30 amp circuit breaker which is not included in the installation kit. Also a smaller circuit breaker or an in-line fuse can be used on the hot lead.

[/align]

Run two wires to the battery on from each breaker. Each post on the circuit breaker is labeled. Be sure to connect the battery to the post labeled "BATT" on the breaker.

[/align]

After connecting the wires to the positive post on the battery, the ground wire will need to be run to the negative post. Start at the battery and route the wire back through the firewall. It will be connected to the ground wire on the brake controller (white wire).

[/align]

Now that all the leads are run into the cab, the red wire on the brake controller needs to be connected to the brake pedal.
To do this, follow the wires connected to the switch at the top of the brake pedal. Using a circuit tester, find the wire that carries the signal once the brake pedal is engaged. Usually it is the white wire with a tan stripe. Scotch lock the brake controller's red wire to this one.

[/align]

Before connecting the rest of the wires to the brake controller, be sure to remember to slide the wires through the grommet in the firewall. Connect the ground wire to the brake controller last.

[/align]

After mounting the controller where it is easily accessible, installation is complete.[/align][/align][/align][/align]


*EDIT: Forgot to mention that this is from www.etrailer.com Maybe i will make a diy as long as i am allowed to do outside info like this.
 
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Old Aug 30, 2007 | 12:34 PM
  #6  
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Lambethcp
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Default RE: trailer brakes?

thanks for the info. it will be a little bit before i do this. the camper needs some work first.
 
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