|
|
07-21-2016, 03:44 PM
|
#1
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 26
|
2016 Ram trailer brake controller
Wondering about folks' experience with the trailer brake controller in the 2016 Ram heavy duty diesel pickups.
We just purchased a 2016 Ram 3500 Laramie diesel to replace our 2011 Laramie 2500 diesel, with which we pull a Columbus 320RS fiver. I'm wondering about the trailer brake controller on the 2016. We had the OEM controller on the 2011 go out, and it was not pretty. In very short order, it resulted in all sorts of damage to both front and back brakes on the truck (mostly covered under warranty and extended warranty). Our Dodge dealer replaced that controller with a new OEM unit, which we have never used. Instead, we bought a Tekonsha with which we have been very happy. (Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice....) The after-market controller is coming home with us when we swap trucks next week. Question is, shall I run right over to the local trailer hitch place and have that Tekonsha installed on the new truck or just keep it in ready reserve? Anybody have experience with the OEM trailer brake controllers on the 2016 Ram heavy duty pickups? Are they reliable and electrically powerful enough to do the stopping required on a trailer that weighs in at somewhere around 12,000 pounds? I don't want to step on the brakes in Albuquerque and come to a stop in San Diego. Nor do I want to fry any more brake pads, rotors and calipers.
Thanks for any background you can supply.
__________________
Dennis and Kathy
And Aggie the Gordon setter
2015 Columbus 320RS
2016 Ram 3500 diesel
Employment was great, but retirement is better
|
|
|
07-21-2016, 03:51 PM
|
#2
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Iowa
Posts: 1,413
|
I have a 2015 Ram 1500 laramie (which I know is a different animal) with the factory brake controller. It is a terrific unit and out performs any of the after market units i've had on my 3 previous 1/2 ton pickups. Assuming the 3/4 and the 1 ton brake controllers work as well as mine, you will not be disappointed!
__________________
Days camping (2016)----181 days
Days camping (2017) --- 82 days
2016 Wildcat MAXX 28RKX (33' TT), 2007 13' Scamp
2015 Ram Laramie Hemi, w/air suspension
30 years RV'ing
11 different RV's
|
|
|
07-21-2016, 04:42 PM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 3,464
|
I have the p3 in my ram.
Although, I did install the factory brake controller as well.
I use the p3 for towing. Not a fan of the stock controller, but wanted it for other reasons.
2016 Sabre 36QBOK
2015 Ram 3500 CUMMINS
__________________
2017 Dynamax Isata 4
|
|
|
07-21-2016, 04:59 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: Central Washington State
Posts: 106
|
2016 3500 SRW 4x4 Big Horn here and pretty happy with the oem controller. Tow a 10000 lbs toy hauler with no problem stopping.... Had a 2010 Ram 3500 before the 2016 and seems like the 2016 controller adjust better than the 2010.
|
|
|
07-21-2016, 05:47 PM
|
#5
|
Engineer of Crazy Train
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Tiverton, RI
Posts: 1,585
|
Do a search, and you will see that there has been an issue. My 1500 is cranked up to 10 and can't lock up the Roo. I do feel it braking hard when I use the slider. I am tempted to get something to measure the voltage while running. (Bluetooth logging meter that also measures PWM)
__________________
TV - 2015 Ram Truck EcoDiesel
TV - 2006 Jeep Liberty Turbo Diesel (Retired to Daily Driver)
TT - 2015 Rockwood Roo 183 (SOLD due to 2 years off work)
Locomotive Engineer
Nights Camping --- 2015 - 19 Camped | Winterized -- 2014 - 18
Come read my Camping Blogs
|
|
|
07-21-2016, 07:32 PM
|
#6
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Bethel Heights, AR
Posts: 35
|
I don't a 2016 Ram, but I do have a 2015 Ram. I had the same question you have. I decided to keep my P3 from the previous truck but I'm currently using the OEM controller. I did buy the wiring harness for the P3 just in case I did need it. So far the OEM controller has done fine. I had read several negative comments about the OEM controller, but it seems to be working well.
__________________
Mark and Dianna
along with Hank the Wonderdog
2016 CC Silverback 33IK
2015 Ram 3500 DRW
|
|
|
07-22-2016, 05:02 AM
|
#7
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Posts: 427
|
My 14 Ram has the brake controller.... I have had no problems with it at all and have used it on many trailers now.... no issues.
__________________
2014 RAM 3500 4x4 CCLB Dually, Cummins / 68RFE / 3.42 / B&W Patriot 16K
2016 Coachmen Chapparral 360IBL
SOLD - 2012 Salem Cruise Lite 281BHXL
SOLD - 2005 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 QCLB Cummins
|
|
|
07-22-2016, 05:42 AM
|
#8
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 120
|
I have a 12 Ram and have had nothing but problems with the OEM! Been the shop 4 times! Finally installed a P3.
|
|
|
07-22-2016, 12:52 PM
|
#9
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Charlotte
Posts: 8
|
Our 2015 3500 DRW has had no issues with the OEM controller, I have several dif types of trailers, use the options in the settings menu on the touch screen to specify what type of braking the trailer has. Between the TOW mode and the exhaust brake I don't have to use brakes much anyway.
|
|
|
07-22-2016, 12:54 PM
|
#10
|
Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 35
|
I have a 2011 Ram and have nothing but problems with my OEM brake controller. I pull a 14000 lb fifth wheel and it will push my truck when I have to do a hard stop. The controller will not supply anymore than 50% to my trailer on a hard stop. It will supply a lot more than 50% if I hit the manual knob. What did you have to do to put the P3 in your truck?
|
|
|
07-22-2016, 03:42 PM
|
#11
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 120
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnE
I have a 2011 Ram and have nothing but problems with my OEM brake controller. I pull a 14000 lb fifth wheel and it will push my truck when I have to do a hard stop. The controller will not supply anymore than 50% to my trailer on a hard stop. It will supply a lot more than 50% if I hit the manual knob. What did you have to do to put the P3 in your truck?
|
I bought the pigtail (3021-P) unplug the 4 wire connector from the OEM (you can get to it from under the dash) and plug it into the pigtail. Mount the P3 and plug in the other end of the pigtail. Took about 20 min's.
|
|
|
07-22-2016, 05:30 PM
|
#12
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,275
|
I have experience with 2012 2500 CTD and I'll tell you the factory has HD settings which were little help. I installed the P3 and with its boost feature I love it. I left the OEM in place and "repurposed" two wires... the brake lead to the rear and the wire from the brake light. I ran a separate B+ and ground for the P3. local dealer could not remove the factory brake controller in software and with out that it will show a warning every time i stopped.. left in place like I did is a good work around and I can for the first time actually stop!!!
WW
__________________
Hyper Lite was sold
2017 F-250 4x4 6.2L Gas
I can't fix everything, but I can make it so nobody else can
|
|
|
07-22-2016, 06:37 PM
|
#13
|
Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 35
|
Thank you for the information. I look forward to being able to stop my RV especially during hard stops.
|
|
|
07-23-2016, 12:48 AM
|
#14
|
Global Nomad
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: In my 36CKTS 5th Wheel
Posts: 811
|
Brake Controller
I have a 2015 RAM 3500, dually, with the OEM brake controller set at 4.5 no problem stopping my 36CKTS 5th wheel weighing 8 tons.
__________________
Steven J. Scheinin
2015 RAM 3500 4X4 6.7L CTD Dually pulling a
2016 Cedar Creek 36CKTS (Center Kitchen Three Slides)
|
|
|
07-23-2016, 03:08 PM
|
#15
|
Member
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 35
|
In with the 2015 Ram brake controller you can make a lot more adjustments to the settings. On the 2011 Ram I only have one adjustment that I can make. I can adjust the brake control power from 1 to 10, and I have mine set at 10. I cannot adjust boost etc. I have had mine to the dealership a number of times and they stated that there is nothing wrong. If that is so, why did they give a lot more ability to make adjustments to the settings, if there is nothing wrong with what I have. 2010 and 2011 Ram brake controllers is a big enough problem that trailer life magazine had an article last year about the problem.
|
|
|
07-23-2016, 04:09 PM
|
#16
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: SE Arizona's Gila Vally
Posts: 1,505
|
My 2016 Ram 1500 stock brake controller works great. I am at 10K plus miles up and back to Alaska with no problems. I have it set at 3.5 and working great. I fail to see how a stock brake controller could damage the foundation brakes on the tow vehicle. It is your foot on the brake pedal and your butt feeding the info to the brain.
__________________
2016 RAM 1500 - 2016 Keystone Laredo 265SRK
The road goes on forever and the party never ends.
Illegitimum non carborundum
|
|
|
07-23-2016, 05:34 PM
|
#17
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 3,275
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by JohnE
In with the 2015 Ram brake controller you can make a lot more adjustments to the settings. On the 2011 Ram I only have one adjustment that I can make. I can adjust the brake control power from 1 to 10, and I have mine set at 10. I cannot adjust boost etc. I have had mine to the dealership a number of times and they stated that there is nothing wrong. If that is so, why did they give a lot more ability to make adjustments to the settings, if there is nothing wrong with what I have. 2010 and 2011 Ram brake controllers is a big enough problem that trailer life magazine had an article last year about the problem.
|
My 2012 stock controller can be optioned using the EVIC while with the key on not running... under electric brake options there is: Light, Heavy, Light EOH, and heavy EOH... its a diesel and I thought 2011 diesels were same, but obviously not sure. Even doing this my trailer brakes were weak, weak, weak. They were not broken-in after 8000 miles. But, now they are with the P3. I did read a trailer life question that there was a recall or some kind of dealer fix.
WW
__________________
Hyper Lite was sold
2017 F-250 4x4 6.2L Gas
I can't fix everything, but I can make it so nobody else can
|
|
|
07-27-2016, 11:52 PM
|
#18
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Alberta
Posts: 139
|
havent had the luxury of pulling my XLR much with the '16, but i have towed many other (lighter, 10-15k/lbs) things and its been good so far.
Stops the XLR no problem, and shes about 16k empty, at any given time shes at 18k+ with all the junk onboard
Had about 20,000km of towing on my '15 before it ended up tits up in the field, again no issues with the brake controller. and no i didnt roll it because of the brakes, unless you count zero traction from an unloaded dually on ice as being a braking issue lol
__________________
'14 XLR 395AMP
'16 Ram 3500 DRW, 6.7 cummins w/aisin trans and 4.10 gears
|
|
|
07-28-2016, 12:03 AM
|
#19
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 441
|
No issues for me, I actually prefer the integrated controller over aftermarket. One thing I found when I got my 15 DRW is the voltage output is cut below a certain speed, 35mph IIRC. So while I always have adequate braking, it is not as harsh at low speeds anymore. Just takes some getting used to.
FWIW I have used solely the integrated brake controller in my current truck as well as my last. Had Prodigy before that. Our Trilogy scales in a little over 18k rolling down the road, while our Seville was 16 right on the nose.
__________________
Trilogy 38RE
|
|
|
07-28-2016, 02:38 PM
|
#20
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Canton, Michigan
Posts: 1,348
|
Wow! Never heard so many complaints for a OEM controller. After several years on the market with Ram, you'd think they would have any bugs worked out.
I don't have a Ram, but I have the original Tekonsha Prodigy (before the P3 became available), now on it's 14th camping season, thru 2 campers and 3 tow vehicles.
__________________
thebrakeman ('70), DW ('71), DD ('99), DD ('01), DD ('05)
2004 Surveyor SV261T (UltraLite Bunkhouse Hybrid)
2006 Mercury Mountaineer V8 AWD Premier
Equal-i-zer WDH (10k), Prodigy Brake Controller
|
|
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|