Trailer Brake Control?

[cccougar]

The Dodge Ram 1500 Big Horn I am looking at has 4 whell anti lock brakes with heavy duty cooling/transmission etc.. but does not have a trailer brake control. It does have a tow/haul switch. We will take maybe 6-8 trips a year and all within 150 miles. Because we do not use too much, is this still something to be concerned about and should I add an after market? Thanks

[TurnThePage]

What year is that Ram? If it's newer, I think it's worth it to spring for the integrated Ram brake controller. I added it to my '15 1500 and am very happy. Much smoother than my previous prodigy. Regardless of brand though, you ought to have one.

[Drew510]

Just piggybacking with others. The answer is YES. I have a Prodigy and it works great.

Unfortunately, I pull 2 RVs and the brakes are vastly different on both so I have to fully adjust it every time I switch. I wish it had the option to save the settings for trailers, kind of like memory seats, but that's just my situation and I don't imagine many people have that need.

[TF1]

Tow with a 2008 1500 Ram Big Horn. Installed a Prodigy 3. As stated above you need the pigtail for a dodge, drill two holes to mount it, plug it in and it works, would never tow without.

[mgirardo]

Every state has difference regulations as far as trailer brakes are required. For some, any trailer over 1,000 lbs must have brakes. For others, it's 1,500 lbs, etc.

We did not have a brake controller with our Pop-up. At the time we lived in NJ and NJ did not require trailer brakes for anything less than 2,000 lbs. Our popup was only about 1,500 lbs. When we upgraded to our Hybrid TT, weighing 4,300 lbs dry, we added a trailer brake controller. We went with a Prodigy and let the RV dealer install it on our Astro Minivan. When we switched to towing with our Xterra, I moved the brake controller from the Astro to the Xterra. The hardest part of the setup was getting behind the brake pedal to splice the wires.

-Michael

-Michael

[RoyB]

Check with your local DMV/STATE DOT office to see if you are required to have Electric brakes on your trailer and what the local laws pertaining to trailer brakes might be.

Here in Virginia if we are required to have electric brakes then we also must have a working brake controller along with a Break-away switch arrangement on the trailer with a working 12VDC battery setup in the event the trailer becomes disconnected while being towed on public roads. This arrangement applies max BRAKE voltage to stop the run-away trailer... This is an annual inspection item for us here in Virginia...

I suspect all of this varies from state to state.

Roy Ken

[troubledwaters]

Does the trailer have electric brakes on it? What is the weight of the trailer?

[Lwiddis]

First time some clown left turns in front of you and you hit the brakes and your truck and the trailer come to a complete stop in a straight line you'll thank the Good Lord above for your trailer brake controller. And that clown isn't just around on long trips or if you pull more than 6 to 8 times a year. Without a trailer brake controller and while the truck is trying to stop itself what do you think the trailer is doing? Cuz your truck isn't going to stop the trailer. PS-the tow haul switch has to do with shifting...stops gear hunting. You need to do some studying.

[time2roll]

Yes you must have a brake controller. Easy install.

https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-Brake_Controller.aspx

I just upgraded to the P3

[afidel]

Yes, you need to add a controller. Personally if I had to do it over again I'd get the Prodigy RF, costs about the same as a Prodigy 3 plus installation and you can use it on multiple vehicles or sell it if your next tow vehicle has an integrated controller.

[Lwiddis]

"We will take maybe 6-8 trips a year and all within 150 miles"

Why would the number of trips or distance determine whether or not you need a trailer brake controller? Weight determines whether or not you need a TBC. California says "Every trailer coach or camp trailer with a GVW of 1,500 lbs. or more must be equipped with brakes on at least 2 wheels." Truck brakes stop the truck...trailer brakes stop the trailer. Basic stuff.

[Nicholsfamily05]

On my 06 Mega Cab 1500 we installed a prodigy controller. Was very easy about 20 minutes and we were up and running. Just plugs into the factory harness under the dash. Route your wires to an area you want the controller to be and bam your done once you mount it.

But if you can find a truck with the integrated one go for that even easier. Our last two trucks had that and we loved it.

[rbpru]

What size TT, my 2000 lb. PUP did okay with out them but better with them.

My 25 ft. TT needs them. I would go with factory installed of I could but others may be more versed on this than I am.

Good Luck