Completing Tow Package Wiring on 2006 Dodge Ram 2500 with Factory 4-Pole Trailer Connector

Published 10/18/2011

Products Featured in This Question

10 Gauge Wire - Blue Primary - Per Foot

(108)

$1.61

40 Amp In-Line Circuit Breaker - Perpendicular Mount Bracket

(100)

$9.95

Question:

I have a 2006 2500 dodge and i have hooked up the electic brake controler to the oem outlet underneath the dash. problem being is that i have a 4 pin connector on the rear of the truck that has been connected to a 7 pin which i need to tow my trailer but there is a blue wire, purple wire and black wire coming from the 7 pin connector that is not hooked up to anything and the 4 prong adapter coming from the 7 pin adapter is hooked up to the 4 pin on the back of my vehical. Do i need to hook up the 3 hanging wires to have electric brakes.

asked by: Dusty

Expert Reply:

You are correct, at least two of those remaining wires will need to be dealt with in order for your trailer brakes to function.

On the Ram trucks equipped with the OEM 4-pole trailer connector, the blue brake output wire from the outlet under the dash simply ends in the engine compartment, and does not continue to the rear of the vehicle.

You might be able to access the blue wire in the engine compartment, behind the drivers side wheel well. Look for a wire connector as shown in the photo. There will be a larger gauge wire that is usually blue that carries the brake controller output. Tap a length of 10 gauge wire into the wire, and extend it back to the 7-way trailer connector, and attach to the blue wire. If you cannot find the connector behind the wheel well, you can tap into the blue wire on the brake controller pigtail before it plugs in under the dash. Then, run the wire back and attach to the blue wire from the trailer connector adapter.

The white wire on your 7-way adapter should be grounded to the vehicle frame. The black wire is used for a 12-volt accessory power feed for any trailer mounted accessories that might need power. If needed, this wire can be extended with a length of 10 gauge wire, part # 10-1-1 and ran to the positive battery terminal via a 40 amp circuit breaker, part # 9510. If you do not need the 12-volt circuit, the black wire can be taped up out of the way. The purple wire is typically used for reverse lights on the trailer, if needed. If not needed, it can be taped off as well.

I've linked you to some FAQ articles that you might find helpful.

expert reply by: Mike L