2018 Dodge Ram 3500 Brake Controller Bypass Recommendation for Towing Hydraulic Trailer Brakes

Updated 02/18/2019 | Published 02/16/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

(6581)

$158.69

Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers - Ram

(811)

$30.29

Question:

I have a horse trailer with electric hydraulic brake system.. the built in brake controller states it should work however when I plug trailer in and truck is running it constantly pumps my brake box. Guessing we need to install after market controller as we had to do with 2012. What do we need to do to change it.

asked by: Deb G

Expert Reply:

We've found that integrated controllers are pretty hit or miss with electric over hydraulic actuators so I'm not totally surprised you are having an issue. Your best option is bypassing the controller and using one that is compatible reliably like the Prodigy P3 part # 90195.

You will need the install harness part # 3024-P as well.

To install an aftermarket brake controller on a 2018 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