Adding OEM trailer brake control

[Rcers]

2012 ram 1500 4x4 tradesman hemi

My truck does not have the fancy electronic dash (evic?).If i add the oem brake controller,do I still need to have the dealership reprogram the computer for trailer brake to function properly? If not,is it a plug and play installation ?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thx

 

[lukedukem]

that is something i would call the dealer on. being that its OEM i would say yes. why not go with aftermarket kit, do it yourself and avoid dealer cost of flash (if its possible to do this in the first place). but its up to you.
i would call dealer, service department and ask.

Luke

 

[Sweetee]

2012 ram 1500 4x4 tradesman hemi

My truck does not have the fancy electronic dash (evic?).If i add the oem brake controller,do I still need to have the dealership reprogram the computer for trailer brake to function properly? If not,is it a plug and play installation ?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thx

I was in your dilemma a while back. Having an Express, I didn't have the upgraded EVIC. I went with a Tekonsha P3 and mounted it where the OEM goes. It is plug and play and works flawlessly. From my research, there wasn't a consensus as to whether you needed a flash with the OEM unit. Plus, you will save bucks going with the Tekonsha and you'll be able to transfer it at a later date if you so choose.

 

[DannyMK2]

you dont need a flash for it to work. you do however need to make sure you have both plugs under your dash in order for it to work. if you are missing the second plug, you can make your own harness or buy one and splice it in if its still available.

 

[Sweetee]

you dont need a flash for it to work. you do however need to make sure you have both plugs under your dash in order for it to work. if you are missing the second plug, you can make your own harness or buy one and splice it in if its still available.

Totally forgot about the two plugs. My Express didn't have two and the work-arounds worried me that I might affect my warranty. Going aftermarket just seemed simpler since I still wouldn't have display capabilities. Again, I think you'd be very happy with the Tekonsha.

 

[Express SN95]

Besides checking for the spare plugs under the dash, you will need a reflash if you have an EVIC. If you do not, like my old 2012 Express, then yes it is plug and play. The reflash will allow it to be activated in the EVIC.

 

[DannyMK2]

Besides checking for the spare plugs under the dash, you will need a reflash if you have an EVIC. If you do not, like my old 2012 Express, then yes it is plug and play. The reflash will allow it to be activated in the EVIC.

you dont need a flash for it to work, only if you want to control it through the evic using steering wheel controls. if you dont flash it, it functions just like any other brake controller would.

 

[Express SN95]

you dont need a flash for it to work, only if you want to control it through the evic using steering wheel controls. if you dont flash it, it functions just like any other brake controller would.

That's why I stated "The reflash will allow it to be activated in the EVIC."

Sorry if that came across as not working, should've clarified.

 

[Rcers]

Thx for the suggestions

Thx for all the suggestions. So your saying the tekonsha will fit in the same spot as the oem unit?

 

[Sweetee]

Thx for all the suggestions. So your saying the tekonsha will fit in the same spot as the oem unit?

I did what he did! Good luck!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcUAKOZ03xg&index=8&list=FLJ7xAKhMgPgxfEY1LOZfwNQ

 

[Sweetee]

I did what he did! Good luck!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tcUAKOZ03xg&index=8&list=FLJ7xAKhMgPgxfEY1LOZfwNQ

Here's a photo of my install.