Towing without a towing package

[turkeybird56]

You would see it in the dash

2016-2024 Ram Electronic Trailer Brake Controller 82215040AC | Mopar OEM Parts Outlet

Electronic Trailer Brake Controller - 82215040ac. Genuine Mopar® Parts & Accessories. Manufacturer Warranty. From the Dealership to your Door.

www.moparoempartsoutlet.com

 

[Tulecreeper]

Dumb question, first time towing an RV. Bought my 2019 Ram 1500 Classic used a few years ago. Came with the towing package. How do know if it has the brake controller installed?

It would be right there in the middle of the dash, under the radio.

 

[wrench78]

Dumb question, first time towing an RV. Bought my 2019 Ram 1500 Classic used a few years ago. Came with the towing package. How do know if it has the brake controller installed?

You should have a little pinch slider with a + and - above it. Similar to this. this is mine in a 2017 Laramie 1500

 

[1500RAMman]

Your truck likely already has key components like a hitch and receptacles, but you'll want to add an OEM or aftermarket brake controller and a weight distribution hitch (WDH). These additions will help manage the trailer's weight, improve braking, and enhance overall stability.

 

[Blizzard736]

i'd rather take it to a dealer and install the electric brake control,it's the perfect job and your dash will look kleen,no drilling,no screws,it's a litle expensive but i guess that's the way to go,in Canada it cost me $800,in US it has to be cheaper

In Calgary dealer quoted me 1200 to get OEM controller installed (800 for controller and 400 for installation). October 2024

 

[crash68]

In Calgary dealer quoted me 1200 to get OEM controller installed (800 for controller and 400 for installation). October 2024

Even knowing those are Canadian prices that's a rip-off.
Buy the OEM ITBM kit install it yourself and then have the dealership program it, shouldn't cost you more than an hour labor (book rate). AlfaOBD is another route to program it.

 

[KeithP]

If your truck has the 8spd transmission (shift knob), it already has a transmission cooler. The rest of a "tow package" would include towing mirrors and the electric brake controller. There will be a slide lever on the center stack of the truck below the radio/HVAC controls if your truck has the brake controller.

You definitely need the trailer brake controller and a WDH to tow a 6K lbs trailer.

I have a Ram 1500 Laramie 2016 with a Hemie v8 5.7 liter 3.92 ratio, without a towing package. I have a hitch a two electric receptacles. Can I tow a travel trailer wight 6000 lbs ?
Thanks

Several mentions that you’ll need a WDH. You absolutely do need a WDH. My apologies in advance here if I'm wrong, I’m going to guess from your original post that you may not know what a WDH is. WDH = “weight distribution hitch”.

Now, open a big can of worms and ask “which one is best?”