Adding a 7-Way Trailer Connector to a 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 with Factory 4-Way

Updated 07/18/2016 | Published 07/15/2016

Products Featured in This Question

12 Gauge Wire - Black Primary - Per Foot

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Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

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Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

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Pollak Circuit Breaker - Cycling/Automatic Reset - 40 Amp - Straight Mount Bracket

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Question:

I have a 2005 dodge ram 1500 and need to tow a pop up with a 7 way plug. The dodge has a 4 flat. The trailer has a battery that needs to recieve power as i am driving. What wire would i connect where to make sure the trailer battery is charging while i drive? I dont have a brake controller. Do i really need one? The trailer only weighs about 3500lbs loaded

asked by: Chris P

Expert Reply:

In order to add a 7-Way to your 2005 Dodge Ram 1500 that came with a factory 4-Way you will need to use a 4- to 7-Way adapter such as # 30717. The white wire will ground to the truck frame. The black wire is the 12 volt power circuit you will need to supply power to the trailer battery.

The black wire will need to connect to the positive battery terminal on the truck. You will need some wire and a 40 amp circuit breaker. For wire you can use # 12-1-1 which is sold by the foot. I recommend getting 25 feet so you have plenty of wire to complete the installation. For a 40 amp circuit breaker use # PK54540.

The wire will go from the 7-Way to the AUX post on the breaker then another length of wire will go from the BAT post on the breaker to the positive battery terminal.

The blue wire on the adapter is for electric brakes and the last wire is for reverse lights. If you determine that you want to add a brake controller I recommend # ETBC7 instead of the adapter, wire, and breaker listed above. The ETBC7 kit comes with all the parts you will need except for a brake controller.

Whether or not brakes are needed is largely dependent on the laws where you will be towing the trailer. Each state has different trailer braking requirements. Really it is easier and safer to just have a brake controller to activate the trailer's electric brakes. So because of that I recommend going with the ETBC7 and adding a brake controller such as the P2 # 90885. I have included some links that show and explain the ETBC7 installation for you.