Adding 7 way Connector and Brake Controller to 2004 RAM 1500

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Question:

I want to add a 7 way and break controller to my 04 Ram 1500. I have the quick connect under the dash and have the 4 way wiring ran to the back of the truck. What wires do I need to splice into to get the trailer brakes to activate? I am assuming I need to run a break control wire to the 7 way from somewhere because my truck doesnt have the heavy duty wiring already? Also, what parts do you recommend for this install? Thanks!

asked by: William T

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Expert Reply:

In order to add a 7 way connector to your existing 4 way plug I recommend using the Universal Installation kit for Trailer Brake Controllers # ETBC7 4 Pole to 7 Pole adapter. This plugs in to your existing harness at the back of the vehicle for an easy installation and is designed for use with a Brake Controller system. This kit includes everything you need to install an electric trailer brake controller and 7-way connector if your Dodge Ram already has a 4 flat connector: 25' 10 gauge wire, 4 and 7 way pre-wired connectors, heavy duty circuit breakers (10w, 20w and 40w), circuit tester and all wiring hardware.

Once this is accomplished we can start working on the brake controller setup. The Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885 is a proportional braking system that is a great choice. In order to make the installation more simple I would also recommend the Tekonsha Plug-In wiring adapter that will plug into the existing brake controller wires already in your cab.

On models that had the 4-pole, the brake controller voltage output circuit will not be ran all the way to the rear of the vehicle but will terminate under the hood behind the drivers side wheel well (see photo). The blue wire on the side of the connector closest to the front of the vehicle can be tapped into, and a length of 10 gauge wire ran back to the new 7 way connector. If you need a 12-volt accessory lead, you need to run another length of 10 gauge wire from the connector to the positive battery terminal, via the provided 40 amp circuit breaker. If you do not feel like playing wire detective under the hood, you can sever the blue wire a few inches behind the controller and tap in there, as shown in the diagram I produced for you. If you need more 10 gauge wire than provided you can use # 10-1-1 which is sold by the foot.

I have linked a video to this question that explains not only how to install the 4 way to 7 way adapter but also the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 brake controller.

expert reply by: Erik B

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Answer 1

Even though I cannot comment specifically on the grease you used because I am not familiar with it, I can tell you the best grease for trailer bearings is a a grease with a rating of GC-LB, which just means it is made to withstand very high…

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Answer 2

To wire in the Tekonsha Voyager Trailer Brake Controller #39510 you will first need to determine if your 2004 Dodge Ram 1500 has any factory trailer wiring provision. If you do not have any factory trailer wiring you will need the Brake Control…

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Answer 3

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 4

Hi Paul, you’re definitely on the right track here, and I can help you narrow this down with confidence. With your tandem 3,500 lb Dexter axles and 33 inch spacing, both the Dexter EZ Flex part #K71-652-00 and the Lippert Road Armor part #LC53CK are…

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Answer 5

The #84 spindle is just a common way to identify the spindle dimensions typically used for 3,500 lb axles. So instead of listing out the parts, people can just say they have #84 spindles and it's easier to know what fits it. The CE Smith Trailer…

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Answer 6

Hi Calvin! All of the pre-greased hubs/drums, like the Terran Industries Trailer Hub and Drum Assembly - 3.5K Axles - 10" Diameter - 5 on 4-1/2 #TX68VJ, come with bearings made overseas and are all basically the same quality. At least that I…

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Answer 7

It sounds like you are speaking of the wires for the brake magnets. If this is correct, you will need to connect one of the wires to the brake controller output wire on your trailer connector and the other wire will need to be grounded to a clean…

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Answer 8

Trailer wheel bearings are specific to the spindle that is installed on the axle that is on your trailer. You will need to safely support the trailer, remove the wheel and tire, remove the grease cap, remove the cotter pin and washer that secures the…

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Answer 9

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 10

To determine the size of the brake assemblies you need you have to measure the depth and width of the hub drum on the axle like what you see in the picture I attached. The most common size is 2-1/4 inch wide like the #T4071600-500 that you…

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Answer 11

Hey Thomas, in the Timken bearing kit part #TMK52VR the race that corresponds with the inner bearing L68149 is L68111. Do you have a 3,500 lb trailer axle?

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Answer 12

The BTR and BT8 denotations refer to the spindle, not the trailer hub. The difference between a BTR and BT8 spindle is that the BTR spindle uses a 1.063" diameter L44649 bearing and the BT8 spindle uses a 0.99" diameter L44643 bearing. In…

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Adding 7 way Connector and Brake Controller to 2004 RAM 1500

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