How to Install a 7-Way Connector on a 2001 Dodge Ram 1500

Updated 05/09/2011 | Published 05/07/2011

Products Featured in This Question

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

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10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

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$1.84

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

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$36.84

Adapter 4-Pole to 7-Pole and 4-Pole

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$61.55

40 Amp In-Line Circuit Breaker - Perpendicular Mount Bracket

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Question:

I have a dual ax trailer.It has a 7-wire hook up. How do I install a 7-wire on my Ram?

asked by: Woodrow S

Expert Reply:

There will be two options available to install a 7-Way on your 2001 Dodge Ram 1500, depending on what you have on your vehicle right now.

If you have a 4-Way connector on your vehicle right now, you can use the Hopkins Adapter, part # 37185 to install a 7-Way. This adapter will plug into the 4-Way on your vehicle and give you a 7-Way and 4-Way connector at the rear of your vehicle. After plugging in your 4-Way to the back of the adapter there will be four extra wires that will need to be hardwired to your vehicle.

The four remaining wires will need to be hardwired to the corresponding circuits on the vehicle. The white (ground) wire will need to be attached to the vehicle frame, the black (12 volt power) wire is connected to the vehicles battery with 10 gauge wire like the # 10-1-1, through a 40-amp circuit breaker # 9510, the blue (trailer brake) wire will be connected to the blue trailer brake feed wire on the brake controller, and the purple (auxiliary) wire is for reverse lights if you need that circuit. If any of these connections are not needed, just wire tie them up out of the way for future use.

If you do not have any trailer connector on the rear of your vehicle, you will need to install the Tow Ready T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness, part # 118329 along with the Brake Controller Install Kit, part # ETBC7. I am including a link to the installation instructions on the wiring harness # 118329 and a FAQ page on installing the # ETBC7 kit.

Also, I am including a video link to a brake controller, wiring harness # 118329, and # ETBC7 kit being installed on a 1999 Dodge Ram.