After market trailer brake controller

I'm having a travel trailer hitch and brake controller set up on my 2014 Ram 1500 it already has the 7 pin plug but no brake controller. I know Dodge sells the brake control for this truck which from what I understand would run around $300 which includes programming. My question is if I use a after market controller do I still have to have the programming done?

No, not for aftermarket. But, with that said, the factory one is well worth the price. Post 2012 anyway.

You’re looking around $150 for a decent aftermarket controller, not including install. If you can get a factory one installed and programmed for $300 I’d go for it.

Agreed. For $300 do the factory one. Pre-2012 and most aftermarket controllers are inertia driven. That means when the controller “feels” you braking then it will brake the trailer depending on how hard it feels you braking. The problem comes when doing things like light braking over bumps. You’re not braking hard, but the controller feels like you are over the bumps and pumps the trailer brakes hard. For me this has caused magnets to lock and I’ve dragged my brakes. It’s also super uncomfortable feeling the trailer jerk behind you.

The factory controller is proportional to your brake pedal. Meaning it sees how hard you’re pushing the brakes on the truck and gives that much braking to the trailer. This wears the brakes on the trailer more naturally, and you won’t have any of the jerking over bumps or down hills.

Of course both controllers can be adjusted for hard they brake the trailer vs. how hard you brake the truck... but the factory one does a much better job of it.


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There are aftermarket proportional brake controllers available that can be found on sale for $120... I had the Tekonsha P3 installed on my 14' 1500 - took about 20 min to install.

The factory unit works with the built-in sway and traction control systems. It’s worth the money.

I had the P3. While it’s probably one of the best options aftermarket, it doesn’t work as smoothly as my factory one.


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Personally i feel the P3 is an excellent, stronger braking unit than the factory itbc. The factory unit is very good, i have no complaints, but the P3 is just as good in my opinion

I also have both (factory controller, and Prodigy P3 from my previous truck). Both work well. If you do choose to go aftermarket, don't even look at anything except the Prodigy P3. It's the best aftermarket one, and super easy to use.

Hmmm...so with my '09, I should go aftermarket? I've looked at the ITBC, and I don't care for the location, but if it's better than aftermarket, I'd go with it.

i have the Tekonsha P3 from previous install. Just had to buy the 15 $ harness to connect it. Would like the factory brake controller, but for have already spent the 120~ on the P3 and only minor purchase to get it connected and 5 minute install, couldn't bring my self to pony up the money for the factory brake. Maybe one day.

Would definitely recommend Tekonsha P3 for anyone looking though.

Thanks everyone for your input it was very helpful I decided to go with the factory control since there wasn't that much of a price difference and the information I received on here helped me understand why this would be a good choice. Thanks again for you help!

glwhitetail said:

i have the Tekonsha P3 from previous install. Just had to buy the 15 $ harness to connect it. Would like the factory brake controller, but for have already spent the 120~ on the P3 and only minor purchase to get it connected and 5 minute install, couldn't bring my self to pony up the money for the factory brake. Maybe one day.

Would definitely recommend Tekonsha P3 for anyone looking though.

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The P3 is a great controller, had one in my ‘06. Actually still have it in a box somewhere. If my ‘13 hadn’t come with the factory one I’d still be using my P3.