Is Brake Controller Needed if 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 Has a Tow/Haul Button Feature

Updated 09/30/2011 | Published 09/28/2011

Question:

I am looking to buy a 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT with a 5.7 hemi 3.55 gear. The trailer I am looking at should be about 8000# GVW. The truck comes with a tow/haul button feature. Do I need to get a separate brake controller?

asked by: Cliff H

Expert Reply:

The tow/haul button will control the transmission on your 2011 Dodge Ram 1500 SLT. It will keep the truck in a higher RPM when engaged, which will keep the torque up to give you more power when towing , especially over hills. It also keeps the transmission from frequent shifting when towing on hilly terrain.

The tow/haul feature will also force the transmission into a lower gear as the vehicle is braking, so the engine will help with the braking of the load on your trailer. It might sound like you would not need a brake controller with the tow/haul feature, but the brake controller is still needed to actually apply the brakes on the trailer.

A brake controller is needed if the trailer you will be towing has electric or electric over hydraulic brakes. It applies electric current to the brakes on the trailer to aid in braking the trailer in relation to the braking on your truck. I am including a link to a FAQ page on brake controllers and a link to a page on installation of a brake controller on a Dodge Ram truck.

I would recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, part # 90885. This is our most popular brake controller. It is a proportional brake controller, which means that it applies power to the trailer brakes in proportion to vehicles braking action. I am including a link to the instructions on the Prodigy brake controller.

I would also recommend to get the tow package with the factory 7-Way when buying the 2011 Dodge Ram. This will give you all of the wiring you will need to add a brake controller to your vehicle.

expert reply by: Jeff D