2017 Ram 2500 Factory Brake Controller Only Allows for Light Trailer Towing

Updated 09/21/2020 | Published 09/20/2020

Question:

I own a 2017 RAM 2500 Tradesman with factory brake controller. Controller only allows light trailer option any help would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: John D

Expert Reply:

If your 2017 Ram 2500's factory brake controller is having trouble handling heavier loads, then you may need to adjust the GAIN. This is a setting with your brake controller that allows for stronger or weaker breaks (in a sense) depending on the load size. You can check your owner's manual for how to adjust this, but there is an Integrated Trailer Brake Module (ITBM) that has plus (+) and minus (-) signs that you can use to set your preference. There is also a slider that you can use to manually activate the trailer's electric brakes.

If this does not help you, then you may need to bring your truck up to a local Ram dealer.

Of course, you can forgo the factory brake controller and go with an aftermarket controller. A lot of our customers have done this because many people still prefer the control these controllers offer.

There are, however, some things you will need to do in order to get a new brake controller to work.

The ITBM (Integrated Trailer Brake Module) needs to be disconnected. If you do this, the warning lamp on the instrument cluster will turn on. to bypass that, your local Dodge dealer will have to reconfigure the TIPM (Totally Integrated Power Module). Once that's been reconfigured, you can then prepare to disconnect the ITBM by contacting Business Center and having them remove the sales code. From there, simply disconnect the ITBM electrical connector under the dash. After all of these steps, the warning lamp will not turn on.

Then, you can install one of the aftermarket brake controllers we offer.

I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3, part # 90195. It's a proportional brake controller with automatic leveling and is designed for electric and electric over hydraulic (some of which the factory controller can't handle) brakes. For your 2017 Ram 2500, you will need the harness made for it, part # 3024-P. I've linked to a video installation of this combination on a 2017 Ram 2500.

expert reply by: Kef G