FYI, most brake controllers call for running the ground back to the battery and not using the chassis as ground due to the amount of current being sent to the brakes. This type of grounding is called 'star grounding'. Having a poor ground can cause brakes not being applied.
Running the brake controller directly to the negative battery terminal is recommended, however in this installation the factory ground is already ran through the firewall using the tow package wiring. In this instance, there's no need to run an additional ground. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Tekonsha/3020-P.html
Is it the same process for a 97 ram 2500 cummins? Do you sell just the wiring and the controller? I already have the 7 pin connector, I just need to replace the wiring and install the controller.
Ethan Transue Yes, the process would be pretty much the same. We do have the brake controllers available on their own: www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Brake_Controller.aspx If the 7-way is already on the truck and functioning, all you need is the wire to send the signal from the brake controller back to the 7-Way and the needed circuit breakers, part # 5505: www.etrailer.com/p-5505.html
Hello why would you cut the blue wire from the brake control harness. Wouldn’t cutting it mean you are only sending a signal from the brake controller not by pressing the brakes also. Would it not be more beneficial to tie into the wire with a three way connector? I could be completely wrong but I’m doing this exact job and I’m gonna try to tie into first
The blue or brake output wire isn't run to the rear of the vehicle on Ram trucks that don't have the factory installed 7-way. This is the easiest way to run that circuit to the rear of the vehicle.
Hello there, just a comment regarding the last part of the installation, where you guys hooked up the power wire to the battery itself, in between the clamp, would it not be better to install the ring terminal outside the pinch of the battery clamp? Reasoning being that the clamp, if worn out or if the battery terminal would be worn down from use, adding a spacer depending on how thick the ring terminal would be, may cause tightening issues because the clamp cannot tighten any further, which can, and probably will cause power issues with the vehicle itself.
Does it matter which brake control you put in there I took one out of a 1997 GM truck hopped on it heavy duty and put it in a 2005 Dodge Ram and my toload package is not working the way it's supposed to I was wondering if it matters what style or what brand you put in cuz it has a soft and low setting your slider control and another switch on the side for the leveler I'm just wondering what I've done wrong?
Brake controllers are a very universal accessory that can be fit to different vehicles. You just want to be sure to change the braking force based off of the trailer that you are pulling so that you have the correct power to the trailer brakes. www.etrailer.com/bc-1999_Dodge_Ram+Pickup.htm
I know it’s a long shot… but I went to my 1999 dodge 1500 and it does not have the blue female plug for the brake controller. I can see where I’m assuming it was suppose to mount to on the side of the harness. Any idea where to start looking into finding where the plug ties into?
If your truck wasn't equipped with the factory tow package, it will not have the blue connector you spoke of. You'll need to hardwire the controller, which isn't terribly difficult. You'll need a functional 4-pole connector, use # C55329 if you don't already have one. Then, use our # ETBC7 install kit. www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-Vehicle-Wiring/Dodge/Ram+Pickup/1999/C55329.html www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/etrailer/ETBC7.html
Hello, I wired it up just like in the video to the breaker but it keep clicking as if it's popping the breaker. What am I doing wrong? The black ground is tied into the white ground and grounded to the truck and the blue goes to the brake control, then black to the aux breaker and a pig tail from the copper to the positive
Ok now, I’m going to go ahead and leave a comment. I’m going to go ahead and try this install myself with fingers crossed. That may make it more difficult to perform the install, but I’m going to go ahead and thank you for the helpful video while gently teasing you about your repetitive catch phrase
It seems as if that might be his favorite phrase. Thank you for the feedback! We are happy to help! www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/etrailer/ETBC7.html
You cut the purple wire without explanation I believe. It is for the reverse lights. I don't understand. Are the reverse lights already hooked up with the old 4 pin?
We have had great results with using heat shrink butt connectors. Soldering is a more permanent connection but takes more tools and skills that some may not have. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/etrailer/ETBC7.html
It's funny that they ran all that wire through the frame 4 power wires to the rear of the truck considering it has the factory wiring loom for brakes in the truck which means there should be an access port at the back of the truck 4 power they only install that port on trucks with Factory tow packages built into the truck 4 trailer brakes
By using heat shrink butt connectors to make the connections we are making a much more permanent and reliable installation. You can just plug the 4 pole into the connector on the new 7 pin harness but we've found that there are corrosion issues that may come up. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/etrailer/ETBC7.html
That is the case with most vehicles. You will want to connect the wiring directly to the battery so that you do not have interference with other accessories. The vehicle did not come equipped from the factory with a 7 pole outlet. www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/etrailer/ETBC7.html www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Brake-Controller/Tekonsha/90195.html www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Tekonsha/3020-P.html
I think you may have mis-typed a part number as the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 brake controller (shown in the video) is part # 90195 with the adapter being used being part # 3020P. The Prodigy P3 is still an active brake controller which you can find on our site here www.etrailer.com/Brake-Controller/Tekonsha/90195.html and the adapter can be found here www.etrailer.com/Accessories-and-Parts/Tekonsha/3020-P.html
