How To Determine if 2002 Dodge Ram With Mopar Hitch Has Factory 7-Way Trailer Connector

Updated 11/27/2012 | Published 11/23/2012

Products Featured in This Question

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

(967)

$20.69

Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot

(328)

$3.66

40 Amp In-Line Circuit Breaker - Perpendicular Mount Bracket

(98)

$9.89

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

(3476)

$118.67

Question:

I have a 2002 Ram 1500 with the Mopar hitch and 7 way connector. Im not sure if the truck has a true factory 7 way or not, though. When I follow the 7 way connector, it looks like it is just simply an extension plugged into a 4 way connector. Do I have a true factory 7 way? Thanks, I really want to get this controller, but I just need to know which connector to get, thanks.

asked by: Lindsey

Expert Reply:

The Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter, part # 3020-P, you have referenced is for connecting a Tekonsha brake controller to the brake controller port located in the cab of your vehicle. It will be used if you have the factory 4-Way or the factory 7-Way on the rear of your vehicle.

If your Ram did not come with a factory trailer connector the # 3020-P wiring adapter is not needed since there will not be a factory brake controller port under the dash. You would have to hardwire the brake controller to your vehicle using the Brake Controller 7 and 4 Way Installation Kit, part # ETBC7. I am including a link to a FAQ page on installation of the # ETBC7 kit.

A factory 7-Way connector on your Dodge Ram would not have a 4-Way plugged into the back of the connector and have four remaining wires that would need to be wired separately. It sounds like your truck might have the factory 4-Way trailer connector, if it has the factory brake controller port under the dash, and the factory 4-Way is plugged into a 7-Way adapter like the Hopkins Adapter, part # 37185. If this is the case you will need to make sure the remaining four wires from the 7-Way adapter are connected properly.

The Hopkins adapter will plug into the 4-Way on your vehicle and give you a 7-Way and 4-Way connector at the rear of your vehicle. After plugging in your 4-Way to the back of the adapter there will be four extra wires that will need to be hardwired to your vehicle.

The blue wire would carry the output voltage from the brake controller, and would need to be extended under the vehicle, up through the engine compartment, and through the firewall to the blue wire exiting the rear of the controller. The black wire is used for 12-volt power for any trailer mounted accessories that might need it. The black wire would be ran to the positive battery terminal via a 40 amp circuit breaker like part # 9510. A length of our duplex cable, part # 10-2-1 could be used to carry both the brake output and 12-volt accessory power from the front of the vehicle to the trailer connector. The white wire would be grounded to the vehicle frame, and the purple wire which is typically used for the trailer reverse lights is typically tapped into the reverse lights on the tow vehicle if needed. If not needed, it can be taped up out of the way.

I am including a link to a video that will show the # 37185 adapter being installed on a 2006 Dodge Ram.