Where is the Brake Controller Plug on a 2019 Ram 5500?

Question

Question:

I have a 2019 Ram 5500 yes, you read that right a 5500!! The Redarc 87CR is the one compatible. I have watched the video re installation in a 1500. I removed the panel under the steering wheel. My truck does not have the needed plug in that area. Is it elsewhere or maybe the 5500 is not equipped with the plug shown?

asked by: Larry V

0

Expert Reply:

Thanks for reaching out Larry,

Yea I did a double take when i seen 5500 lol

If your 2019 Ram 5500 has the factory trailer tow package, the # RED87CR is indeed the correct fit and the mating connector should be present somewhere behind the dash. The 5500 uses the same REDARC # 331-TPH-020 harness as the Ram 4500/5500 chassis cab trucks.

A couple of things to check:

The connector may not be directly under the steering column like it is on many 1500s. Look for a gray connector taped back to the main dash harness. On many Ram trucks it is secured with tape or a zip tie and isn't immediately visible when the lower panel is removed.

Verify the truck has the factory trailer tow package. The # 331-TPH-020 harness only plugs into the factory brake controller connector. If the chassis was ordered without the tow package, the connector may not be present and the controller would need to be hardwired instead.

What do you usually tow with the Ram 5500?

expert reply by: James D

0

Larry V.

6/23/2026

We have a 34’ custom built New Horizons fifth wheel which weighs 17-18k#. The 5500 Ram, which comes as a chassis cab and is often used as a wrecker or with a flatbed for construction, has a Bodywerks bed. We got it in fall of 2023 from a couple in Las Vegas who were not towing/traveling anymore. Therefore, I will need to pursue details about whether the factory tow package was ordered. I am wondering if the connector could be somewhere else?? The connector I found under the panel is rectangular, about 2&1 2” x 3/4” and has at least a dozen tiny pins which are recessed in the plastic. It looks nothing like the plug shown in the video. I have very thoroughly searched under there with a flashlight. No luck. Larry

James D.

6/24/2026

@LarryV The connector you found doesn't sound like the brake controller connector. The factory brake controller plug is typically a smaller connector with only a handful of circuits, not a large rectangular connector. Since you've already done a thorough search under the dash, I think your next step should be to verify whether the truck was equipped with the factory trailer tow package. If it was, then I'd expect the connector to exist somewhere on the vehicle, even if it's been relocated or tucked away during the Bodywerks installation.

Gary

6/25/2026

I have a1500 22 model ram and my plug was over near the center console wrapped with a 2 sided sticky tape to hold it up in place.If you have the tow package its somewhere in there good luck with the set up and the controller works very well and isn’t a knee knocker like my other truck lol.Only complaint is it should have a lighted dial for at night because the numbers are hard to see

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Where is the Brake Controller Plug on a 2019 Ram 5500?

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