Brake controller for 2003 Dodge Dakota with Factory Tow Package
Updated 07/14/2009 | Published 07/13/2009 >
Products Featured in This Question
Question:
I have a 2003 Dodge Dakota V8 with the factory towing package. What brake controller do you recommend for occasional use? I would probably only tow a trailer a few times a year. Ease of installation is also something Im looking for. Thanks.
asked by: Kevin M
Expert Reply:
For your Dodge Dakota I would recommend a proportional brake controller that uses a motion sensing device to apply the trailer brakes equally with the towing vehicle. A time delayed controller is another option and it uses a preset (by you) amount of braking power to apply the trailer brakes no matter how hard the towing vehicle is braking.
On the time delayed controller there is a short delay (user adjustable) before the trailer begins to brake after the brake pedal has been pushed. While time delayed brake controllers are less costly the benefits of the proportional brake controller make them worth the small price difference.
For ease of wiring the Tekonsha Prodigy P2, # 90885 is an excellent proportional-type controller. For a time delayed controller the Draw-Tite, # 5504 is a good choice. Both of the controllers mentioned need wiring harness # 3020-P for installation. This is a vehicle specific wiring adapter for a 2003 Dodge Dakota with a factory 7-Way trailer connector.
If your Dakota does not have a factory 7-Way or any other connector, you will need to install wiring harness # 118329 and a 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. If it has a 4-Way already you would just need ETBC7. I have included a link to the installation instructions for the wiring harness and the ETBC7 kit along with a video showing a typical installation.
I will also provide links to the operating manuals for both controllers.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Splice-In
- Under-Dash Box
- Under-Dash
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Single Trailer Only
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 and the P3 Brake Controllers
- Q&A: Brake Controller Recommendation for a Truck with Air Brakes and a Trailer with Electric Brakes
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a 4-Way and 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Q&A: Does the Curt Base Plate Kit Work w/ the Ford Modular Bumper on a 2025 Ford Bronco Everglade?
- Q&A: Towing a Trailer with Electric Brakes with a Semi Tractor with Air Brakes
- Q&A: Brake Controller Wiring for Ford E-450 Motorhome
- Article: Installing an Electric Brake Controller on 2007-2013 GM Full-Size Truck or 2007-Present GM SUV
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop




