Forum Discussion

MadFinnHockey's avatar
MadFinnHockey
Explorer
May 23, 2013

2011 Ram 1500 Integrated Brake Controller

Just purchased a 2011 Ram 1500 SLT (picking up next week) with the factory towing package, but it doesn't have the integrated brake controller. So my options are to either put in an aftermarket controller or the factory controller. I still haven't checked under the dash to see if I have 1 or two connectors (two required for the factory controller).

So my questions are, in reading about installing the factory controller I've read where the trucks computer must be reflashed so the controller appears on the dashboard display.

What is the purpose of seeing it on the dashboard display, what information is displayed, and will the controller still function if the trucks computer isn't reflashed?

My old controller (Hayes) was simple to operate, one knob to adjust to apply more or less braking pressure, and of course the manual brake slider. How do you setup the Ram factory controller, the more detail the better!
Thanks
Tow Vehicles
  • ScottG's avatar
    ScottG
    Nomad
    May 23, 2013
    Just like a Prodigy, it will display the set point and other pertinent info on the dash.
  • 2012Oudoorsman's avatar
    2012Oudoorsman
    Explorer
    May 23, 2013
    It will first tell you when a trailer is hooked up. It will also tell you which setting you hav it on. You have 4 setting. Heavy and light electric and heavy and light electric over hydraulic. For your ft it will most likely need to be on heavy. I do not know which setting its on if you install it as I purchased my 2012 with it already integrated. From what I've read the prodigy p3 is just as good if not better and its cheaper.
  • SJR's avatar
    SJR
    Explorer
    May 23, 2013
    I have the factory controller on my 2010, all the displays I need are shown on the controller itself, they also show on the dash. So to answer your question, if the 2011 is the same as my 2010, then you don't need to see the display on the dash everything you need will be displayed on the controller itself.
  • MadFinnHockey's avatar
    MadFinnHockey
    Explorer
    May 23, 2013
    So if I install the controller and don't have the trucks computer reflashed, the controller will still function normally (just not display on the dash)?
  • gcloss's avatar
    gcloss
    Explorer
    May 23, 2013
    I have a 2012 Ram 2500 with the factory installed brake controller. Take my advice, get a Prodigy P2 or P3. Lots of posts here from people who don't like the Ram factory controller, which I also do not like. I took the Prodigy P2 out of my 2007 Ram 1500 before I traded it for my Ram 2500. I'm glad I did because I can see myself installing the Prodigy in the near future.
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    May 24, 2013
    gcloss wrote:
    I have a 2012 Ram 2500 with the factory installed brake controller. Take my advice, get a Prodigy P2 or P3. Lots of posts here from people who don't like the Ram factory controller, which I also do not like. I took the Prodigy P2 out of my 2007 Ram 1500 before I traded it for my Ram 2500. I'm glad I did because I can see myself installing the Prodigy in the near future.


    x2, just installed a Primus IQ. Had enough of the OEM. I will be towing this weekend so we'll see. I can take it back where I bought it and they will let me trade it for a P2, P3, just swap controllers and leave the mounting stuff in the truck.

    To the OP if you don't have an OEM TBC installed then the ECM shows nothing when you hook up the after market. All you need is one factory connector and a plug n play harness. I wouldn't waste my money on the OEM.
  • 2012Oudoorsman's avatar
    2012Oudoorsman
    Explorer
    May 24, 2013
    SJR wrote:
    I have the factory controller on my 2010, all the displays I need are shown on the controller itself, they also show on the dash. So to answer your question, if the 2011 is the same as my 2010, then you don't need to see the display on the dash everything you need will be displayed on the controller itself.


    I do have the OEM controller installed by factory, how do you select heavy or light electric brakes. All that's on my controller is gain +and -, and the manuals slide co troller for the trailer brakes
  • MadFinnHockey's avatar
    MadFinnHockey
    Explorer
    May 24, 2013
    well from all of the good replies, I think I'll go with the P2 or P3, they seem easy enough to install and use, thanks everyone.
  • boosTT's avatar
    boosTT
    Explorer
    May 24, 2013
    2012Oudoorsman wrote:
    SJR wrote:
    I have the factory controller on my 2010, all the displays I need are shown on the controller itself, they also show on the dash. So to answer your question, if the 2011 is the same as my 2010, then you don't need to see the display on the dash everything you need will be displayed on the controller itself.


    I do have the OEM controller installed by factory, how do you select heavy or light electric brakes. All that's on my controller is gain +and -, and the manuals slide co troller for the trailer brakes


    Also would like to know.
  • goducks10's avatar
    goducks10
    Explorer
    May 24, 2013
    It's my understanding that the 1500 doesn't have the 'elec over hyd' option do to load capacities. At least according to the 2012 Ram manual.
    To set them up you need to go into the EVIC and select 'system setup', scroll down to 'trailer brakes', select load. Light or heavy. And thank you Ram for not giving load weight definitions.

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