Forum Discussion

panamacamper1's avatar
panamacamper1
Explorer
Oct 15, 2013

Question on brake controllers

I know it is highly recommended and I currently have one on my TV (ram 1500 quad with hemi)
I am looking at a truck ( 06 ram 2500 cummins mega) might trade in for tomorrow and we are supposed to hit the road tomorrow evening for a campground. The TV I am looking at does not have a brake controller on it. Should I risk towing 150 miles one way without it? Once there I can get someone to connect mine since it is only four wires. Or is it something I can do myself? I am trying to get the dealership to put it in but this is just worst case.

6 Replies

  • boosTT's avatar
    boosTT
    Explorer
    Oct 16, 2013
    Its an easy DIY. Can't you at least rig up four wires with electrical tape for this trip? Most are plug and play even.
  • buntina's avatar
    buntina
    Explorer
    Oct 16, 2013
    What's your life worth? Ten years on the road pulling experience.
  • hammer21661's avatar
    hammer21661
    Explorer
    Oct 16, 2013
    Make the dealer switch them or install yours. unplugs in like 5 seconds and pretty sure dodge has kept the same plug for years and years.
  • spike99's avatar
    spike99
    Explorer
    Oct 16, 2013
    .

    For a little utility trailer < 1,500 lbs, probably don't need a brake controller. For a TT over 3,000 lbs, I would install a Brake controller in the TV.

    Actually, do investigate the towing laws within the region you plan to tow. Some regions use minimum 1,500 lbs law and others use 3,000 lbs law.

    As a minimum.... If your attached "loaded" TT is over 3,000 lbs, I would recommend a Brake Controller (within the TV) and ensure trailer brakes are working properly as well...

    Trailer brakes save lives.
  • orlandimal's avatar
    orlandimal
    Explorer
    Oct 16, 2013
    ScottG wrote:
    No way I would tow that far without it.
    The controller is plug and play plus mounting the unit someplace.


    X2 This may be the time that you need to make a sudden stop and you will not be able to stop.
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    Oct 16, 2013
    No way I would tow that far without it.
    The controller is plug and play plus mounting the unit someplace.

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