Electrical Brake control

[Goober]

I have a 2021Ram 1500 Big Horn. I would like to install the electric brake controller in the dash the truck has the 7 way plug. Would the truck have the wire harness in the dash for the controller if so could I just purchase the controller for the dash and install that ( plug and play).

 

[KeithP]

Someone correct me if I’m wrong here but it should be plug but not play. You’ll have the computer flashed to recognize the brake controller is there. Dealership can do it for a charge. You might want to call around Different dealers to see what that charge will be.

 

[Rlaf75]

I have a 2021Ram 1500 Big Horn. I would like to install the electric brake controller in the dash the truck has the 7 way plug. Would the truck have the wire harness in the dash for the controller if so could I just purchase the controller for the dash and install that ( plug and play).

If you're going to use the factory brake controller it should be plug & play. I believe you will need to have the dealer active it or you can use alfaOBD to do it. Im sure someone with more experience will chime in with a better explanation though

 

[Goober]

Thanks for the reply’s. I will check with the local dealer and see what they say. I have found the controller that goes in the dash on line. I was just hoping I could just install it and it will work. I was a diesel mechanic for 40 years but thinks have really changed since retiring in 2009.

With the truck having a tow mode switch and the 7 way plug I am hoping that the dash unit is all I need.

 

[chopperman1]

Use an OEM controller. Not a compatible, ebay or Amazon one. Way to many problems with them.

 

[LouM]

I finally got around to installing my factory brake controller in my 2019. The install wasn't near as bad as I thought it was going to be. Mounting the under dash module bracket was the worst part. Then worrying if I installed the security bypass correctly.
I used Alfaobd to program the controller, there are several threads about the install and programing.

If you search this site and/or u-tube you will find an amazing amount of information.
using;

installing trailer brake controller​

 

[turkeybird56]

I have a 2021Ram 1500 Big Horn. I would like to install the electric brake controller in the dash the truck has the 7 way plug. Would the truck have the wire harness in the dash for the controller if so could I just purchase the controller for the dash and install that ( plug and play).

As others said. Use OEM. The switches fer lack of better name mount in dash spot. Additional module mounts under dash. Switch hooked into module and module into wiring harness. Than U will need BCM flashed for the TT controls unless U plan on flashing yourself with proper equipment.

Mounting switch and module is plug. To play/work module needs to be flashed to BCM showing installed.

 

[Goober]

Thanks everyone for the information. That is exactly what I need. Now to see what arm or leg I need for the set up.

 

[chopperman1]

Thanks everyone for the information. That is exactly what I need. Now to see what arm or leg I need for the set up.

I got mine from "stevewhitemotors" on ebay, fraction of the price elsewhere. Worth checking out.

 

[Goober]

I have done some more research on this. I have look up the Trailer brake control on the Ram website (the parts that goes in the dash) part number 82215278AF. It said for this part to work it needed two 4 pin trailer brake module connections. They would be on the left side of the steering column I do not have them. So I guessing that I will need the modules also. Sound like it will be right expensive set up.

What do you guys think about an after market controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P3. Will that work on my truck?

 

[chopperman1]

There are 3 parts to a brake controller kit.

The "in dash" switch. It replaces the the blanking plate in the dash. That wiring is clipped in to the blanking plate.

The next 2 parts consist of the actual module itself and a mounting bracket. This get's mounted up under/behind the dash. The wiring for this is covered in a foam wrap tucked up under the knee bolster on the right side of the steering column.

Here it is from the seller I mentioned previously. https://www.ebay.com/itm/3566796167...ioX/huTX3wC3AdOBaKchos+ElRAD|tkp:BFBMuImApcVl

 

[Riccochet]

And make sure you get one that is model year specific with your year truck. They changed them several times over course of a couple model years.

And, yes, you'll need the sales code programmed at the dealer, or do it yourself with AlphaOBD and a bypass cable.

 

[RamDiver]

What do you guys think about an after market controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P3. Will that work on my truck?

I have no towing experience but I've learned from hanging out here that OEM is the far better solution for our trucks.

AFAIK, the OEM trailer brake controller will work in concert with the transmission to provide a supreme towing experience that aftermarket controllers cannot match.

.

 

[LouM]

I have done some more research on this. I have look up the Trailer brake control on the Ram website (the parts that goes in the dash) part number 82215278AF. It said for this part to work it needed two 4 pin trailer brake module connections. They would be on the left side of the steering column I do not have them. So I guessing that I will need the modules also. Sound like it will be right expensive set up.

What do you guys think about an after market controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P3. Will that work on my truck?

The wiring should all be in place, the wiring that goes to the physical control should be taped up behind the radio. The wiring for the control module is taped up in the area that the mount goes to.
Most of the aftermarket controlers are going to require mounting the control were you can reach it (very limited space) and then either taping into the factory wiring or running new wiring which would be duplicating what is installed on your truck.

 

[LouM]

I have done some more research on this. I have look up the Trailer brake control on the Ram website (the parts that goes in the dash) part number 82215278AF. It said for this part to work it needed two 4 pin trailer brake module connections. They would be on the left side of the steering column I do not have them. So I guessing that I will need the modules also. Sound like it will be right expensive set up.

What do you guys think about an after market controller like the Tekonsha Prodigy P3. Will that work on my truck?

Here is a video showing how to do it.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bu53Cb7kHbM&t=12s

 

[Goober]

Thanks LouM, for the link to the video. It looks to be relatively easy but with my physical disability I would not be able to do the work under the dash and that is disappointing. I have a local shop that has been doing a lot of work on your cars and trucks I may see if he may do this. I just hate to take it to the dealer but I may have to.

 

[LouM]

I can understand that issue, between my arthritis and bad knees and back I was very leery of attempting it myself. But I managed at 73 years old to do it. While not knowing your abilities I will say it wasn't bad.
Before I went ahead and did it myself I asked at my dealership ( they certainly made the stealership tag) with me having the componets I was quoted $600 for the install and programing. A somewhat local radio install place quoted $350.

 

[Goober]

I can understand that issue, between my arthritis and bad knees and back I was very leery of attempting it myself. But I managed at 73 years old to do it. While not knowing your abilities I will say it wasn't bad.
Before I went ahead and did it myself I asked at my dealership ( they certainly made the stealership tag) with me having the componets I was quoted $600 for the install and programing. A somewhat local radio install place quoted $350.

Ya 74 with 3,4,5 discs all plated and screwed. I going to check to see what the dealership will say if I get the parts knowing them they propeller will not do it unless I purchase the parts from them. Them programming is intimidating too.

 

[EriikK]

Tekonsha P3 is a quality product, I have one in my Ram, have towed a toyhauler many thousands of miles. Super easy install. And I used a P3 in a previous vehicle too. No problems, works fine. But as others have said the OEM built in unit is probably even nicer.

 

[Captain Freon]

I have a 2021Ram 1500 Big Horn. I would like to install the electric brake controller in the dash the truck has the 7 way plug. Would the truck have the wire harness in the dash for the controller if so could I just purchase the controller for the dash and install that ( plug and play).