Replacement Brake Controller for 2017 Ram 3500 with Integrated Brake Controller
Updated 07/12/2017 | Published 07/11/2017 >
Question:
I am evidently not getting enough current to the electric brakes on my 5th wheel trailer equipped with 2 Lippert braking axles trailer weight about 11K. Even with the gain set a 10 there is very little braking force applied by the trailer brakes. In fact, I cant tell any difference between a setting of 6 and a setting of 10. The ITBC is set for Heavy Electric. I do not think it is the trailer brakes I disconnected the trailer wiring from he truck and removed the emergency brake disconnect, which applied 12V from the trailer battery to the brakes. The brakes held tight when I tried to accelerate. When I manually hold the ITBC with the gain set at 10, when the truck is in idling in Drive, it pulls the trailer with little resistance from the brakes. When driving, I can feel the brakes apply, but it does little to slow the truck and trailer. If I did not have engine braking Id be in trouble the way it is. Is this a know issue with Ram ITBCs? I am considering the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ram Item # 3024-P and Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional Item # 90195 or Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional Item # 90885. Will those better ensure that enough current is applied when braking? If so, which do you recommend? Also, what do I need to do to avoid messing up the trucks computer by not using the ITBC?
asked by: Ron
Expert Reply:
Sounds like you have eliminated the problem down to being related to the integrated brake controller. Does your trailer by chance have disc brakes? Sometimes integrated controllers don't like electric over hydraulic actuators.
The P3 part # 90195 and the P2 part # 90885 are basically the same controller internally, but the P3 has a more comprehensive gauge display and offers more settings options. The harness you need is the part # 3024-P.
If your truck came from the factory with an OEM brake controller your dealer will need to reconfigure the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module) to remove the warning lamp on the instrument cluster. This is only necessary when replacing a factory controller. Please refer to the linked article.
Featured Help Information
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Search Results: trailer brake controller
- Shop: Brake Controller
- Shop: Pacbrake Alpha XD Pro Air Bag Suspension Kit w/ Internal Jounces - Rear - Stainless Steel - 7.5K
- Q&A: Do You have a Generic Wiring Diagram for Installing a Brake Controller on a 2010 Dodge Ram
- Shop: Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Autowbrake Electric Brake Controller - Trailer Mount w/ Remote Fob - Up to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: Curt TriFlex NEXT Trailer Brake Controller w/ Custom Harness - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Shop: B&W Ball and Safety Chain Kit for Ram Underbed Gooseneck Trailer Hitch
- Q&A: Troubleshooting Curt Triflex Brake Controller that Stopped Working with Brakes
- Shop: Air Lift LoadLifter 5000 Air Helper Springs - Rear Axle
- Search Results: curt gooseneck ball
- Shop: Replacement Magnet Retaining Clips for 10" and 12" Electric Trailer Brakes - Qty 10
- Search Results: brake magnet clip
- Search Results: tekonsha brake controller harness
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Search Results: trailer wiring
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Video: Firestone Ride-Rite Air Bags with Easy Mount Compressor Feature Breakdown
- Search Results: trailer tires and wheels
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: What Is An OEM Prep Package And How Do I Know If I Have It
- Video: How to Choose a Trailer Brake Controller
- Video: Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller Review RED24FR
- Q&A: Installation Time for Blue Ox BX1128 Flat Tow Base Plate Kit for 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
