Forum Discussion

YnotTurbo's avatar
YnotTurbo
Explorer
Jan 05, 2014

Trailer Brake Settings 2012 Ram 3500

I just found out on the Cummins forum that my truck as well as other newer Ram trucks have different trailer brake settings for lighter and heavier campers. It also has a setting for Electric/Hydraulic. I towed all last season with mine set at electric light when I should of had it set to Heavy EOH electric over hydraulic. Just wanted to share with others towing with newer Ram trucks. To check, use the steering wheel controls and go to "SETTINGS" then "TRAILER TYPE" then "BRAKE TYPE" on the screen between the speedometer and Tach.
Tow Vehicles
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jan 05, 2014
    Now your RAM brakes won't be so hot when towing.

    Might want to check truck brake rotors for signs of heat checking



    If they show signs........new rotors
  • YnotTurbo's avatar
    YnotTurbo
    Explorer
    Jan 05, 2014
    My trailer was engaging, but not as quickly as I wanted. My exhaust brake did the majority of slowing me down... Thank you for the advise... I will take a gander at my brakes.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jan 05, 2014
    Gotta love them exhaust brakes.

    I finally replaced my OEM pads after 100,000 miles.
    Tow 14K 5vr FT and the aftermarket exhaust brake I installed was the first/best mod done.
  • I_am_still_wayn's avatar
    I_am_still_wayn
    Explorer
    Jan 05, 2014
    YnotTurbo wrote:
    I just found out on the Cummins forum that my truck as well as other newer Ram trucks have different trailer brake settings for lighter and heavier campers. It also has a setting for Electric/Hydraulic. I towed all last season with mine set at electric light when I should of had it set to Heavy EOH electric over hydraulic. Just wanted to share with others towing with newer Ram trucks. To check, use the steering wheel controls and go to "SETTINGS" then "TRAILER TYPE" then "BRAKE TYPE" on the screen between the speedometer and Tach.


    WOW! I am surprised none of this is in the owner's manual.
  • Water-Bug's avatar
    Water-Bug
    Explorer
    Jan 05, 2014
    I don't understand the Electric/Hydraulic setting. Been using Heavy Electric for my 10, 000 lb Montana 5er. Is that the right setting?
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Jan 06, 2014
    OP nothing personal but this is a good example of why it is a good idea to read the owners manual front to back even tho there is a bunch of useless info in there.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    Jan 06, 2014
    Water-Bug wrote:
    I don't understand the Electric/Hydraulic setting. Been using Heavy Electric for my 10, 000 lb Montana 5er. Is that the right setting?


    Because that Mobile Suite weighs in around 20K and has disc brakes
  • 2008Wildcat's avatar
    2008Wildcat
    Explorer
    Jan 06, 2014
    Ha Ha, owners manual....?

    My 2011 never had an owners manual. It has a dvd to watch, but no paper book manual. There are updates for the software on the factory brake controller also.

    Mine sucked so bad, I have it disconnected and use a Maxbrake controller.
  • Cummins12V98's avatar
    Cummins12V98
    Explorer III
    Jan 06, 2014
    2008Wildcat wrote:
    Ha Ha, owners manual....?

    My 2011 never had an owners manual. It has a dvd to watch, but no paper book manual. There are updates for the software on the factory brake controller also.

    Mine sucked so bad, I have it disconnected and use a Maxbrake controller.


    Ha Ha……..All you had to do was ask for the manual and they will send it to you.

    Your truck and mine do NOT have the options for light/heavy electric/hydraulic. That started with the 2012 RAM's.

    I did not like my brake controller either and went with the MaxBrake.

    The 12 and newer controllers work as well or very close to the MaxBrake.

About Travel Trailer Group

44,029 PostsLatest Activity: Jan 13, 2025