How to know if my truck is equipped with trailer brakes.

[Binfordtexas]

I just bought a 2013 Dodge ram 1500. It has an after market back bumper with a 4 prong and 7 blade trailer plug. There is no brake controller in the cab I can find. But I was wondering if I need just a breaker controller or if I will have to wire everything back to the plug. What's the easiest way to figure this out?

[Fisherguy]

If the truck has the 'trailer tow package' it will have the factory 7 pin connector and the original owner shoulda got the cable that plugs in down by the wiring block under the dash. You can probly buy that cord from a dealer or a used one from a wrecker.

[ScottG]

bikendan wrote:
If the OP's truck has an aftermarket receiver, it may not have the factory tow package, therefore no brake controller pre-wiring.

Take the VIN to the local Dodge dealer and they can tell you if it has the factory tow package, which would include wiring for the BC.

Not necessary. If the OP's truck has an existing OEM 7 pin connector in the bumper, then he has the wiring for the brake controller.

Dodge/RAM will not install a 7 pin without it being fully wired.

But this is really simple!! Stick your head under the dash and look for the light blue connector. It's the ONLY connector that color.

[Binfordtexas]

Thank you everyone. Yes what I was worried about was that the bumper is aftermarket so I was worried the plugs are as well. I used a multimeter and everything is working on the 7 pin. I googled through some installation videos and I found the connection to plug into under the dash. I'm assuming if it has the connection for the wiring harness that it's functional and just needs the harness and the controller.

[bikendan]

If the OP's truck has an aftermarket receiver, it may not have the factory tow package, therefore no brake controller pre-wiring.

Take the VIN to the local Dodge dealer and they can tell you if it has the factory tow package, which would include wiring for the BC.

[The_real_wild1]

Like ScottG said your truck is wired already. Under the dash.

[ScottG]

If you have a stock 7 pin connector at the back of your truck then yes, you have the wiring for a trailer brakes.
It is light blue, about 1/2" wide X 2" long and is usually tied up under the dash on the left side.

[time2roll]

Binfordtexas wrote:
I realize I need a brake controller but I'm trying to figure out if the truck is already wired back to the bumper. I don't know how to figure that out.

Put a test light or meter on your 7-pin connector or take it in to a trailer shop.

[BFL13]

Binfordtexas wrote:
I realize I need a brake controller but I'm trying to figure out if the truck is already wired back to the bumper. I don't know how to figure that out.

At the 7-pin and 4-pin on the bumper, use a multimeter with the prongs between "ground" pin and the various pins to see if you have any voltages (With the engine running) See a standard diagram for which pin does what. The brake pin (blue wire) won't be live, but the others could be for brake and signal lights etc.

Your 12v power line (pin 4) should go from 12.x with the truck not running (unless your truck has an isolator--Chevs don't, Fords do-) to 14ish with the engine on.

Check the truck's driver's manual for fuse locations that are for trailer towing, to make sure they are there and the right sizes.

[Binfordtexas]

I realize I need a brake controller but I'm trying to figure out if the truck is already wired back to the bumper. I don't know how to figure that out.

[BFL13]

https://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/brake-control-adapter-for-dodge-chrysler-jeep/A-p8181216e;jse...

https://www.princessauto.com/en/b/trailer/truck/truck/electrical/brake-controllers/N-15t8cxd

[RoyB]

My 2010 Ford has this OEM Brake Controller built-in


Google Image

It also has the 4-way and 7-way dual connector on the rear of the truck...

Google Image

It also has the 2-inch receiver hitch on the rear of the truck...

My 2004 F150 truck also had the dual 7-way and 4-way Brake controller connections on the rear and had the BRAKE CONTROLLER harness available under the dash and it plugged directly into the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller that I purchased separately ...

Roy Ken

[2oldman]

Is there an owner's manual anywhere around?

[BFL13]

Binfordtexas wrote:

BFL13 wrote:
There is such a thing as a four wire off a 7-pin back at the bumper.

For the bumper 7-pin to work any trailer brakes you need a brake controller in the cab. It will have a Dodge (in this case) adapter plug that gets to the 7-pin.

So I would just need to purchase a controller and wire to the 7 pin?

You need a truck brand adapter to go the connector down by the pedals in the truck. In your case a Dodge adapter, not a Ford's or Chev's. Might come with the controller or not.

It explains that in the brake controller's user's manual.

[time2roll]

My old Ford had a harness near the driver's feet to be connected to an aftermarket controller. Check if yours has similar.

Check your 7 pin connector actually functions. You will not have a brake signal but you can check the rest is connected and operating.