Completing Brake Controller Output Circuit on a 1998 Dodge Ram

Updated 03/28/2016 | Published 03/25/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(94)

$41.20

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(104)

$1.84

Curt Universal Wiring Kit for Trailer Brake Controllers - 10 Gauge Wires

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$39.76

Question:

Hi, I have a 98 2500 Dodge Ram that according to the build sheet came without trailer wiring, I want to wire the truck with a 7 pole harness so I can pull a gooseneck horse trailer. Ive installed the brake controller and connected it to the under dash factory plug. Also, the previous owner has installed the 4 prong harness to the tail lights 118329 to a 7 prong plug. Ive done lots of research and have several questions. -the factory brake controller wire I believe terminates near the driver front tire. Is there a harness that I can plug into that and run to the rear of the truck -your video shows the blue wire connecting under the dash where the brake controller connects to the factory plug. Is this necessary to cut as the factory plug terminates outside the truck see above? -Do I need to install the under hood power wire to a 40A breaker, or can I connect direct to the power distribution center under the hood? If I need to do as your video says, do you sell just the wire and breakers? I dont need the all of ETBC7. thanks

asked by: Paul

Expert Reply:

The easiest way to install your brake controller is going to be to run the blue wire of the controller back to the 7-way with ten gauge wire like our part # 10-1-1 (sold by the foot). Trying to track down factory wiring on the older Dodge trucks can be a bit of a headache and this will bypass all of this.

Or you could use just the # C51500 that comes with the wiring you would need to hardwire the brake controller to your vehicle. This comes with power and ground wires for the controller, plus a relay, and wiring for the trailer connector.

If all you need really is the connection for the controller to the 7-way then you would just need to do what I mentioned in the first paragraph. Or if you find the circuit under the fender you would need to run the 10 gauge wire from there to the 7-way. There is no harness available that would do that for you.

expert reply by: Jameson C