Weak Trailer Brakes Using Factory Brake Controller in a 2014 Ram 3500

Published 01/22/2015

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Question:

I just purchased a 2014 Dodge 3500 cab and chassis,it has the intergrated trailor braking system built in.It had the harness ran back for the plug but i had to wire the plug once we got our custom bed installed.My issue is when i hook my trailor to the truck the trailor brakes are very weak,i can feel they are engaging when i manually check them and i have the system set for heavy trailor on setting 10.I can hook the same trailor to another truck and the brakes actually will stop the truck or slide the tires.Its almost as if there is not enough output going to the trailor from the truck system.Any Ideas?

asked by: Terry K

Helpful Expert Reply:

Since your trailer brakes work fine with other trucks, the issue seems to be on your 2014 Ram 3500. Factory integrated brake controllers do not work as well as the aftermarket controllers. If the proper voltage is getting back to your trailer connector, The only solutions are to adjust the trailer brakes more aggressively or replace the factory controller with an aftermarket one such as the Prodigy P3 # 90195.

Testing your trailer connector at the back of your truck is the first thing I would do. If you aren't getting full voltage then be sure to check the harness for any pinched or frayed wires. If the wiring harness looks okay, I recommend visiting your local Dodge dealer to have the factory brake controller inspected. If the bed is aluminum, make sure nothing was grounded to the bed itself.

If you decide to go with an aftermarket controller, you will receive a fault code. You will then need to visit your local Dodge dealer to have them reset the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module).

I included a couple helpful articles for you to look at too.

expert reply by: Chris B