Set up advice

Coach-man wrote:


Thanks everyone for your responses, I did not realize that the 06 Dodge had the wiring harness for a controller, that sounds like that part of the setup will be very easy, same with the extension for the 7-pin harness! Again thank you!

None of the really good aftermarket controllers are made anymore. BrakeSmart, MaxBrake and Jordan. The Prodigy is a compromise that you may have to make. If so they will have a plug and play vehicle cable that goes from the controller to the vehicle mating plug, which makes installation a breeze.

There is one other higher end controller that you can research:
http://store.mrtruck.net/servlet/Categories?category=MaxBrake&sfs=f904724e

Regarding the hitch installation. You need the kit that bolts around the frame rails as Dodge recommends to not weld or drill the frame rails.

Chris

Bob Shaw wrote:
As for your truck being a 2500, start looking around and you'll find the the majority of 5th wheels are being towed by 3/4 ton trucks. You just need to make sure you watch your tongue weight. My 2002 2500HD was actually rated to tow a larger 5th wheel than the one-ton version of the same truck. From what I've heard, one-tons are designed to haul, 3/4's are designed to tow. Don't shoot me, that's what I've heard. As for your hitch rails, I think you would be well advised to use the rails that come with, and that are matched with, the hitch, you are going to buy, and get a professional to install it. They will be familiar with any idiosyncrasies that might be involved with your truck. Make sure you know what size trailer you are buying before you buy your hitch. You don't want to get a 12k hitch (and rails) when you are going to tow a 16k trailer. You can get and use an extension 7-pin harness, but I think an in-bed connection is safer and more convenient. JMHO

My cousin is hauling a fifth wheel with the same truck as I have with no problems! I asked him how much squat he gets with the 5th wheel and he stated about 2 inches! From my reading hear, I am under the impression that the pin weight will be my limiting factor. The rig I have looked at has a pin weight at just under 1,300 lbs. I don't think I will be a problem, but with the info I have gained from this forum, I will be very careful about all items before I sign the check!

Thanks everyone for your responses, I did not realize that the 06 Dodge had the wiring harness for a controller, that sounds like that part of the setup will be very easy, same with the extension for the 7-pin harness! Again thank you!

As for your truck being a 2500, start looking around and you'll find the the majority of 5th wheels are being towed by 3/4 ton trucks. You just need to make sure you watch your tongue weight. My 2002 2500HD was actually rated to tow a larger 5th wheel than the one-ton version of the same truck. From what I've heard, one-tons are designed to haul, 3/4's are designed to tow. Don't shoot me, that's what I've heard. As for your hitch rails, I think you would be well advised to use the rails that come with, and that are matched with, the hitch, you are going to buy, and get a professional to install it. They will be familiar with any idiosyncrasies that might be involved with your truck. Make sure you know what size trailer you are buying before you buy your hitch. You don't want to get a 12k hitch (and rails) when you are going to tow a 16k trailer. You can get and use an extension 7-pin harness, but I think an in-bed connection is safer and more convenient. JMHO

Second on the Prodigy. There is a blue connector tucked in the harness, should be up over the emergency brake that the controller will plug into. If the harness is not in the glove box, then Dodge parts can get you the piece you need. Then it's plug and play.
If you are using the Pullright hitch, then follow the Pullright instalation directions.

Bill

Depending on the age of your dodge, more recent models also require a special kit to bolt the rails in place due to obstructions under the bed.

Prodigy Brake controller
Should be plug & play.....check under dash behind center cup holder/ash tray for where to plug in harness. Then check in main fuse compartment for fuse/relay being installed----owners manual will give info 'fuse--tow section'.

As for the in bed 7 pin receptacle.
Just get an extension kit.
Unplug factory harness at rear bumper receptacle, plug in extension harness---pull factory harness back in, then run extension receptacle to location in truck bed and install
Easy-peasy...........LINK

PawPaw_n_Gram wrote:
How old is your 2500? Recent models almost always have a built in brake controller.

I have Prodigy that I used on my F-150. Easiest thing I ever installed in a vehicle. But my 2500 has a built in controller.

Somebody is going to get a great deal on the Prodigy at the Texas Samboree in early April.

2006, and I do not think it has an IBC!

How old is your 2500? Recent models almost always have a built in brake controller.

I have Prodigy that I used on my F-150. Easiest thing I ever installed in a vehicle. But my 2500 has a built in controller.

Somebody is going to get a great deal on the Prodigy at the Texas Samboree in early April.

Here's a link to Pullrite install documents

Brake controller? first. Get a Prodigy. It is probably the gold standard that all others try to reach up to.
The rails may or may not work. Each vehicle usually has brand specific fifth wheel hitch mounting systems. They are not really hard to install, but there are shops that specialize and do it quick and relatively cheap.
As for the wiring? Unless your really handy and have the tools to do the job correctly, you might just go get an extension harness. Plug that into the 7way on the trucks rear bumper, snake it up into the truck bed secure it with a few ty-wraps and plug the fivers pig tail into that.
You did not ask, but since you did mention a 2500 series, just be very careful with choosing a fiver. It is very easy to drastically overload a 2500 with the wrong fiver. Generally speaking a fifth wheel will place about 20% of its actual weight on the hitch. Meaning directly over the rear axle.