Forum Discussion

longislandcampe's avatar
longislandcampe
Explorer
May 23, 2022

Can You Swap Brake Controller Temporarily

I’ve got a 2013 Ram 1500 Big Horn with a tekonsha primus iq brake controller for out trailer that’s probably about 8,000 loaded. I was supposed to bring the trailer to a campground for my Dad to use but we just had a baby and I can’t get away long enough for a trip like that.

We have a family friend who is going on this trip too and he’s got a newer 1500 but no brake controller.

Is it an easy thing to just remove my brake controller from my truck, install it temporarily in his and then put it back in my truck once the trip is over? We had the rv dealer install the unit years ago so I’m not sure if it’s as simple as just unplugging it from mine and plugging it into his truck and then tidy up the slack wires.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    May 23, 2022
    You had a professional install your brake controller initially. That was a good idea then...and it is a good idea now.
  • bob213's avatar
    bob213
    Explorer
    May 23, 2022
    Ram to GM more than likely requires a different wiring harness. Other than that (after setting it up) it should work.
  • jdc1's avatar
    jdc1
    Explorer II
    May 23, 2022
    bob213 wrote:
    Ram to GM more than likely requires a different wiring harness. Other than that (after setting it up) it should work.


    Bob's correct. UHaul should have the correct harness.
  • dockmasterdave's avatar
    dockmasterdave
    Explorer
    May 24, 2022
    Look on e trailer, they'll have the harness cheaper than anyone and you'll have it in a couple days.
  • bob213's avatar
    bob213
    Explorer
    May 24, 2022
    Sorry..I saw 1500 and thought GM. It looks like Ram 2013 and 2019 use same wiring harness.
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    May 24, 2022
    Lwiddis wrote:
    You had a professional install your brake controller initially. That was a good idea then...and it is a good idea now.


    Yet people who aren't "professionals" do it all the time with no issue...
  • Grit_dog's avatar
    Grit_dog
    Navigator
    May 24, 2022
    cm11599ps wrote:
    I’ve got a 2013 Ram 1500 Big Horn with a tekonsha primus iq brake controller for out trailer that’s probably about 8,000 loaded. I was supposed to bring the trailer to a campground for my Dad to use but we just had a baby and I can’t get away long enough for a trip like that.

    We have a family friend who is going on this trip too and he’s got a newer 1500 but no brake controller.

    Is it an easy thing to just remove my brake controller from my truck, install it temporarily in his and then put it back in my truck once the trip is over? We had the rv dealer install the unit years ago so I’m not sure if it’s as simple as just unplugging it from mine and plugging it into his truck and then tidy up the slack wires.


    If the pigtail on your 2013 is the same as the one in the newer Ram, 99% chance it's plug n play. May still have to mount it in the truck so it can be tuned for level.

    Other options, good enough friend to swap trucks with?
    Wireless brake controllers are stupid easy, but will cost someone a couple hundo?

About RV Tips & Tricks

Looking for advice before your next adventure? Look no further.25,102 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 17, 2025