Brake controller for 2003 Dodge Dakota with Factory Tow Package

Expert Reply:

For your Dodge Dakota I would recommend a proportional brake controller that uses a motion sensing device to apply the trailer brakes equally with the towing vehicle. A time delayed controller is another option and it uses a preset (by you) amount of braking power to apply the trailer brakes no matter how hard the towing vehicle is braking.

On the time delayed controller there is a short delay (user adjustable) before the trailer begins to brake after the brake pedal has been pushed. While time delayed brake controllers are less costly the benefits of the proportional brake controller make them worth the small price difference.

For ease of wiring the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, # 90885-3020P, is an excellent proportional-type controller. For a time delayed controller the Draw-Tite, # 5100 with # 3020-P, is a good choice. Both of the controllers mentioned (see links below) come with the vehicle specific wiring adapter for a 2003 Dodge Dakota with a factory 7-Way trailer connector.

If your Dakota does not have a factory 7-Way or any other connector, you will need to install wiring harness # 118329 and a 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. If it has a 4-Way already you would just need ETBC7. I have included a link to the installation instructions for the wiring harness and the ETBC7 kit along with a video showing a typical installation.

I will also provide links to the operating manuals for both controllers.

expert reply by: Bob G