Installing Brake Controller on 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 with Existing 4-Way Trailer Connector

Published 04/07/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Dodge

(965)

$20.37

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(107)

$1.65

Question:

I have a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 with a 4-way connector. What Prodigy brake controller should I get and what else will I need for the installation? Thanks

asked by: Matt W

Expert Reply:

The Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885 and the Dodge Adapter, part # 3020-P is what you need. This wiring adapter would plug into the connector behind the emergency brake pedal, and the adapter would wire color for color to the brake controller.

Because your Ram was not equipped with the 7-way trailer connector, you will also need the 4 to 7-way Adapter, part # 37185. When you plug in the brake controller adapter under the dash, the connector will provide the power, ground and stoplight switch connection for the controller, but not the brake output circuit. You will need a length of 10 gauge wire, part # 10-1-1 (sold by the foot) to run from the blue wire on the brake controller to the rear of the vehicle, ultimately connecting to the blue brake output wire on the trailer connector adapter (part 37185). When attaching the controller to the brake control wiring adapter, leave the blue wire loose, and attach it to your length of wire that you have run to the trailer connector.

The trailer connector will plug into your existing 4-way, with 4 extra leads. The blue wire, as I mentioned before, attaches to the brake output wire that you have ran from the brake controller to the rear of the vehicle. The black wire is used to provide 12-volt power for any trailer accessories. It is not mandatory to install it, but if you wish to you would run another length of the 10 gauge wire to the positive battery terminal via an inline 40 amp circuit breaker, part # 9510. The white wire is grounded to the vehicle by securely attaching it to clean metal. The purple wire is typically used to power the reverse lights if your trailer is equipped with them. This wire would tap into the reverse light circuit on the vehicle. If you do not need the reverse lights for your trailer, it is perfectly acceptable to leave that wire disconnected. Just apply electrical tape to the end and bundle the wire up out of the way.

expert reply by: Mike L