How to Wire Draw-Tite Activator 5504 Brake Controller in 2002 Dodge Van

Updated 06/03/2019 | Published 05/30/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Draw-Tite Activator IV Trailer Brake Controller - Up to 4 Axles - Time Delayed

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$103.31

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

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$28.56

Replacement Brake Control Plug-In Harness for Tekonsha and Draw-Tite Brake Controller 12" Long

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

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Question:

I have a 2002 Dodge 1500 van, where would the harness connection be located. If the is none , how can I get power from the brake harness to the brake switch to the brake activator. I have all three of the wiring connected but cant get power to the activator.

asked by: John R

Expert Reply:

Your 2002 Dodge van does not have a connection port under the dash for direct connection of a trailer brake controller like the Draw-Tite Activator # 5100 so the installation needs to be hard wired. Installing the Activator # 5504 in your van requires a pigtail lead # 20127, a basic 4-pole trailer harness like # 118381 (if you have a factory 7-way) or # 18252 (without factory 7-way) along with brake controller Installation Kit # ETBC7.

These kits have all of the parts needed to compete a hard wired trailer brake controller installation. An installation video and article are linked to help you through the install, as well as a photo of the pigtail.

The controller will be wired as shown in the article and video with the pigtail # 20127 connecting as follows: BLACK wire connects to battery + terminal via the included circuit breaker to provide operating power to the Activator; RED wire connects to the cold side of the brake light switch (to the wire that carries power only when the pedal is pressed); the WHITE wire is ground and connects to the battery ground terminal; and the BLUE wire carries the output from the controller back to the 7-way so it can operate the trailer's electric brakes.