Hey everyone,
i have the factory tow package, which includes the 7 prong trailer input jack...
I was wondering if there is a specific trailer brake controller that is compatible with the equipment that came with the truck... if anyone could give me brand names and/or model numbers i'd really appreciate it...
Thanks

-Anthony

 

Any controller out there will work with the truck. all you need is the connector that should have been in the glove box. it will plug in just above your fuse panel and then you just connect it to your brake controller

 

I would reccomend getting a Tekonsha brand controller though, used 'em for years with no problems at all.

 

Anthony,

I hope your wiring is better than mine was. My truck was only wired for the 4 pin flat connector instead of the 7-pin. I had to get an adapter ($95) to go from the 7 pin to connector to [up under] the dash to get all pins to work properly. I found out the hard way that I didn't have any trailer brakes or +12VDC going to my trailer. Are you pulling a trailer that requires brakes (TT perhaps) or additional 12VDC? If not, it's no big deal. Here's a link that might help http://www.dodgeram.org/tech/mods/el...ailer_wire.htm

 

hey thanks for the input guys... Well, i already have the 7 prong plug integrated into the rear bumper, it came that way... Now i didnt go under the dash yet and check out the wiring, but im thinking that if the plug is there, all the wiring SHOULD be there... but in my experience, its hope for the best and expect the worst, yah know... lol... also, i have a ton of stuff in my glove box that i truthfully havent even gone through yet, but i dont recall seeing any adapters, ill have to get back to you guys on that....

 

The top of the line Tekonsha and the Husky Excursion have separate adaptors available with one plug end to fit the unit and the other to fit the factory tow harness plug in. The trailer dealer I bought my controller from didn't have the adaptor for the 06 so I cut the wires and used the harness end supplied in the package in the glove box. Only 4 wires connect to the controller. the Hot from the battery side, the Ground, the Stop (brake lights) wire, and the power feed to the brakes. Turn signals, tail lights, brake lights and trailer power feed run separately so the 4 prong plug outlet for trailers without brakes will work without a controller.

If you want to recharge RV batteries while running the truck engine you will want to install a separate breaker and heavy gauge wire to handle the loads. The 14 ga hot supplied in the factory trailer tow harness is too light to handle heavy current loads so I ran an 8 ga. wire from a 50 amp breaker installed next to the battery tray in the truck all the wy to the RV battery array.

Might be better solutions but these worked for me.

 

Thanks for the info, I'm going to get one of those controllers tomorrow and get busy... I'll let you guys know how i made out...

 

Take silverram99's advice and get the Tekonsha Prodigy controller, you will not be sorry. I would try to find the harness that fits the rear of this controller and the plug under your dash, there should be one available. Otherwise you can do as XFordMan suggests and splice the one that comes with the controller into the one you should have gotten with the truck.

XFordMan Wrote:

With a factory tow package this should not be necessary. I have owned and pulled several RV trailers and am yet to find one that needed heavier wiring to charge the battery. What brand and size trailer do you have? I'm presently pulling a 24' Conquest and have no problems with it.

 

I installed a Prodigy on my truck at 500 miles. I love it. I had a different model controler on my old truck and it sure did not work as great as the prodigy. I bought mine from http://www.brakecontroller.com/ they got it to me very quickly. for 125 it includeds shipping and also the harness that plugs directly into the truck. I had it installed in about 30 minutes that included trying to find the plug to connect it to and finding a good spot to mount it. You wont go wrong with the Prodigy.