Installing a Brake Controller on a 2004 Dodge Ram Without a Factory Tow Package

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Question:

Can you help me with where to tie in the harness for the brake controller.

asked by: JIMMY B

0

Expert Reply:

We have everything you need to install a brake controller on your 2004 Dodge Ram. Since your truck does not have any factory trailer wiring, we will want to install a trailer connector first because the brake controller will tie into the trailer connector, vehicle battery and the vehicles stoplight switch.

You will notice 4 wires on the back of your brake controller. The black wire is for 12-volt power from the vehicle battery via a 30-amp circuit breaker. The white wire should be grounded to either the vehicle battery or to a clean bare metal surface. The blue wire will run to the trailer connector at the back of the truck and the red wire will splice into the cold side of the stoplight switch. The stoplight switch is located on the arm of the brake pedal (see photo). Dodge traditionally used a white wire for this, but they have been known to change the wire color. I recommend using a circuit tester, like part # PTW2993 to test the wire before splicing in the red wire. The wire should only show power when the brake pedal is pressed.

Before you install the brake controller, I recommend installing a trailer connector. If your truck does not have a 4-way flat trailer connector, then I recommend installing the Curt T-Connector Wiring Harness, # C55504. This harness plugs into the trucks taillight harness to provide the light functions. If your truck already has a 4-way trailer connector, then you do not need this harness.

The next part you will want to install is a 7-way trailer connector. For this, I recommend installing our Brake Control 7-Way Installation Kit, # ETBC7. This kit comes with a 7-way and 4-way trailer connector along with all of the wiring and hardware necessary to complete the installation of your brake controller. I have attached the installation instructions and an installation video on a Dodge Ram for you to check out. The truck in the video is slightly older than your Dodge Ram, but the installation process will be the same.

I have also attached a help article on installing a brake controller on a Dodge Ram truck that explains each step of the installation.

expert reply by: John H

0

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Answer 1

Hello Dan, We can most definitely get you set up to use your Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty brake controller in your 2022 Toyota Highlander. Since you were looking at the #ETBC7, I’m assuming your Highlander does not have the factory tow package. To equip…

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Answer 2

Good question, Todd! I looked at some pictures we have of the Curt #C37RV hitch installed on a 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe and I think I found a good way to do it. Take a look at the picture I have included and you will see what I am thinking (circled in…

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Answer 3

Yes, you can! The display light on the Curt Venturer NEXT Trailer Brake Controller item #C74VV is an LED so it draws an extremely low amount of power from your truck's battery. It will not kill your battery.

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Answer 4

If you have the factory tow package on your 2014 GMC Sierra 1500, which from your description it sounds like you do, then the Curt Venturer Trailer Brake Controller #C74VV is plug-and-play. All you need is the Curt Custom Wiring Adapter #C51451; one…

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Answer 5

If your 2004 Dodge Ram has the factory 7-Way or 4-Way connector, then there should be a plug located under the driver's side of the vehicle right behind the front wheel well (see attached image). There will be more wires on the hood side of the…

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Answer 6

Yes, it is very possible to install/fit a 7-way trailer connector on a 2004 Dodge Ram 1500. I first recommend looking under the vehicle for a square ten pin connector. This (if present) will be located behind the rear bumper near the spare tire and…

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Answer 7

You can add a 7-Way trailer connector and retain the use of a 4-Way as well by installing #37185. The 4-Way you have will plug into the 37185 and the remaining wires would have to be hardwired in. The white wire grounds to the truck frame. Black is…

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Answer 8

Start by plugging in the brake control adapter #3020-P into the OEM harness located under the steering wheel, just to the right of the emergency brake pedal. Then find a place to mount the brake controller. It should be in a position that is easily…

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Answer 9

If your 7-way says 'Mopar' on it, it should be the factory 7-way although it might have been a dealer installed instead of a factory installed option. Only vehicles with the factory installed tow package will have the blue under-dash…

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Answer 10

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 11

Your 2004 Dodge should have the connector if the 4-pole connector was factory installed, but it might be a bit tricky to locate. Behind the emergency brake pedal on the firewall is a white junction box. The blue connector you are looking for is…

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Installing a Brake Controller on a 2004 Dodge Ram Without a Factory Tow Package

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