Searching_Ut wrote:
I almost crashed because of the design defect in the 2015 Ram IBC. I've tried to get it fixed twice by my dealer, and they claim it works as designed. I've got one more appointment scheduled and hope they can fix the other issues I currently have with my truck but am almost certain they will refuse to admit to the defect with the IBC so I'm also working other avenues for recourse. My opinion is there will be some serious mishaps because of this.
As for the current reading you got, that is about right. If you put a scope on the circuit you will see that it uses a pulse width modulated signal, with a max duty cycle of approximately 65 percent. I've read that Chrysler claims it will give full output if you're above 35mph but I've tried it twice with a parallel cable run to the cab and hitting the brakes on a deserted road at 45mph and the output duty cycle was still only 65 percent with the IBC brakes set to heavy electric and gain on 10. My 2011 RAM was pretty much the opposite in that the brakes would apply more braking than I wanted in the snow even with the gain turned to the lowest setting.
As for why you haven't seen more complaints about this I find that interesting as well. I tend to change my settings based on the conditions I'm driving in and especially in the mountains I often like to set them fairly high in some conditions. With all three trailers I've towed with my 2015 it's blaringly obvious the max braking is seriously limited. Hooking up a scope makes it very obvious it's doing just what it feels like it's doing.
Thanks for chiming in, Searching_Ut.
Agree, 65 percent sounds about right. Breakaway switch generates 3.3a on each of the 4 brake drums on my 5th wheel. Total current, 13.2a. The Ram IBC only generates 2.3a maximum with it set to "heavy electric with hydraulic" or 2a maximum with it set to "heavy electric". In both cases gain was set to 10 (maximum). When I used the manual slider or applied the brakes hard the LCD bar graph on the EVIC went to the far right indicating maximum current. Unfortunately, not near enough braking (current) to be safe when using the manual slider or during normal operation on the road.
I'm going to give the dealer once chance to address the issue. If that attempt fails, I'll probably install a P3. I was aware of the IBC issues before I purchased my Ram 3500 in Feb. I could have easily purchased it without the IBC, but hung on to the hope I'd get a good one.
Anywhoser, I'm hoping there's somebody that can shed some light on the process of installing an aftermarket brake controller on a late model (2014-2016) Ram that originally came with the factory installed IBC (intregrated brake controller). Curious whether it requires a dealer reprogram/reflash, or is it just plug & play. Also curious how to access the IBC cable connector, which I assume would be plugged into a Ram specific aftermarket brake controller connector. Is this connector accessible from underneath the dash or does it require removal of some of the center dash panels at or near the IBC?
