Testing for electric brake set-up on Dodge Ram 1500

[dhfenton]

Originally Posted by AmandaN

Sounds though like we're of the rigjt mindset that it may need to be hooked up in order to register

I have ram 1500 w/trailer brakes. It senses the trailer and will give you power when connected. I wouldn’t worry about it now. Just be sure to take it out and calibrate your brake for the specific trailer, and it will remember your trailer. Mine stops the entire rig with just trailer braking, so I know it is operational.

[5picker]

Originally Posted by AmandaN

Okay so it turns out that despite the fact he has the tow package he did not have the brake controller installed as he thought. As his very wise wife (that would be me) had suggested he could not make assumptions that it was equipped already. Good thing I made him check ;-)

While you can install an aftermarket brake controller such as the Prodigy with great results, you might look into having the factory brake controller installed if your model year allows it. I don't see where you ever mentioned the year of the tow vehicle. The factory controller often works in conjunction with the factory brake system to control sway and enhanced braking options.

[AmandaN]

Originally Posted by 5picker

While you can install an aftermarket brake controller such as the Prodigy with great results, you might look into having the factory brake controller installed if your model year allows it. I don't see where you ever mentioned the year of the tow vehicle. The factory controller often works in conjunction with the factory brake system to control sway and enhanced braking options.

It is a 2008 Dodge Ram (Big Horn). I believe he is in contact today to have the factory one installed ☺

[Bob Maager]

Originally Posted by AmandaN

My hubby asks:
Should my test light light up when touched to the pin for the electric Brakes on my 7 pin connector? Every other pin showed power on the test light except the electric brake pin. Fuse in fuse box labeled electric brake controller is goodAttachment 161871Attachment 161872 .

What year is your Ram? I have a 2015 1500 with factory installed brake control. When I first plug it in, it will tell me the brake is plugged in. It also has a sensor that tells me if there is a problem. It does not say whats wrong. It will disconnect the brakes electrically. I found out that the hard way. I was pulling older 26 ft. travel trailer and had brake problems. I had a "loose" wire going to one of the magnets. replaced the wire, problem went away. I would suggest plug your connector and take a quick drive to see if they work. Actuate your manual brake control rather then your foot brake. Hope this helps.

Bob

[5picker]

Originally Posted by Bob Maager

What year is your Ram? I have a 2015 1500 with factory installed brake control. When I first plug it in, it will tell me the brake is plugged in. It also has a sensor that tells me if there is a problem. It does not say whats wrong. It will disconnect the brakes electrically. I found out that the hard way. I was pulling older 26 ft. travel trailer and had brake problems. I had a "loose" wire going to one of the magnets. replaced the wire, problem went away. I would suggest plug your connector and take a quick drive to see if they work. Actuate your manual brake control rather then your foot brake. Hope this helps.

Bob

They don't even have the trailer yet.
They mentioned they are simply planning ahead.
They also mention it's a 2008 Ram. (see post right before yours)

[PenJoe]

Brings back some memories. We had a Ram with the tow package. Low and behold, no brake controller. Sometimes we overlook the obvious.

[Mr. Dan]

Originally Posted by dhfenton

I have ram 1500 w/trailer brakes. It senses the trailer and will give you power when connected. I wouldn’t worry about it now. Just be sure to take it out and calibrate your brake for the specific trailer, and it will remember your trailer. Mine stops the entire rig with just trailer braking, so I know it is operational.

See post #14. Their truck doesn't have a brake controller at all. That is the cause of their issue.

[Murbella7]

Originally Posted by AmandaN

For the record "for a gErl" was purposeful. Lol

Yeh, it was important that you point that out.

[AmandaN]

Originally Posted by PenJoe

Brings back some memories. We had a Ram with the tow package. Low and behold, no brake controller. Sometimes we overlook the obvious.

What did you end up doing? He seems to be having issues finding a brake controller that fits his wiring hatness