2016 RAM 2500 Brake Controller Recommendation to Bypass Factory Controller

Updated 01/09/2017 | Published 01/08/2017

Question:

Hi, I am towing a 43ft 5th wheel with the RAM. Prior to that was a 25ft TT. I never had brake issues with the 25ft trailer. The 5th wheel has 12 inch tires with oversize brakes. I had it the shop for an entire day trying to isolate why when connected, it will work for a few minutes then say trailer brake disconnectedinch and Check trailer brake wiring. The truck was checked and both 7-pins show they are good. I am now learning, the hard way, that the RAM brake controller is not providing sufficient volts to the bigger brakes. Thus rendering the brakes useless. I am going to a RAM dealer this week to seek a fix. Im pretty sure that will go nowhere. So, Is there a fix? Can I bypass the OEM controller and put an aftermarket in? This issue has been on RAM forums. Havent seen a fix. Any help is much appreciated.

asked by: Thomas K

Expert Reply:

Yes if you installed the Prodigy P3 brake controller part # 90195 in your 2016 Ram 3500 it would totally bypass the integrated one you have. You will need the install harness part # 3024-P as well.

To install an aftermarket brake controller on a 2016 Dodge Ram that has the factory integrated controller you will have to disconnect the ITBM (Integrated Trailer Brake Module). Doing so will turn on a warning lamp on the instrument cluster. In order to disconnect the ITBM and not get the warning lamp, your local Dodge dealer will have to reconfigure the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module), of the truck. Once the TIPM has been reconfigured, and the ITBM has been unplugged, you can use a vehicle specific brake control harness such as the Tekonsha # 3024-P, to install the aftermarket brake control.

To disconnect the ITBM, you or the dealer will need to contact the Business Center to remove the sales code (XHC). The TIPM will need to be reconfigured. Once the sales code has been disabled you can disconnect the ITBM electrical connector, under the dash, without getting the warning lamp. Basically the computer needs to be told that the truck does not have a brake controller so you can unplug it without getting that warning light.

expert reply by: Jameson C