Troubleshooting 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 with Factory Brake Controller

Published 01/16/2015

Question:

I have this unit on a brand new CampInn Ultra 560 tear trailer. My tow vehicle is a 2014 Dodge Ram 1500 with factory brake controller. When I hook up the camper through the 7 pin connection, I get the following message on the EVIC in the truck: No Trailer Connected, Check Trailer Wiringinch All other lights blinker, brake lights, running lights work perfectly. I have had the truck to the dealer twice and they say the brake controller meets specifications and is functioning normally. Any suggestions? Thanks

asked by: Randy G

Expert Reply:

It is possible that you have an electric over hydraulic braking system on your trailer. Most OEM brake controllers are not compatible with electric over hydraulic actuators. If your trailer brakes are working, you may find your actuator is cycling on and off when connected to the truck and this will significantly shorten the life of the actuator.

The Dodge factory brake controllers are designed to be used with electric trailer brakes only and are not designed to be used with electric over hydraulic trailer brake systems. If this applies to your application, you will need to install an aftermarket brake controller with a setting that makes it compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes, like the P3 brake controller, # 90195. Along with the brake controller you will need a vehicle specific brake controller wiring harness, for the P3 brake controller you can use part # 3021-P.

Once you have these parts you will need to contact your Dodge dealer and have them remove the sales code XHC, then reconfigure the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) and then disconnect the ITBM (Integrated Trailer Brake Module) connector under the dash. You can then install the aftermarket brake controller and no fault codes will display on the vehicle dash.

We have a technical bulletin, see link, that explains this in detail and your Dodge dealer should be able to help you also.

expert reply by: Chris O