Trailer wiring.. where do I start?
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 0
From: Amherst, WI
Trailer wiring.. where do I start?
I'm not sure if my truck had a towing package from new but its obviously had a brake controller installed at one time.
I've never wired one up myself so I need a clue on what to do.
What do I look for under the dash?
I need to get trailer brakes and lights working for the weekend if possible.
I've never wired one up myself so I need a clue on what to do.
What do I look for under the dash?
I need to get trailer brakes and lights working for the weekend if possible.
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,749
Likes: 4
From: Cypress, TX
The first question is - do you have a 7-pin Pollack-style connector installed back at the factory receiver below the rear bumper?
If so, you have the trailer tow package and the wiring is in place. Simply go to your Dodge dealer or a trailer hitch dealer, pick up a brake controller pigtail (if you don't have one), splice the wires from your controller to the pigtail (being careful to match them by function, NOT by color), mount your controller, plug in the pigtail to the under-dash connection (above the emergency brake linkage on my 1996), set and trim the controller per the manufacturer's instructions and you're good to go!
IIRC, you may also have to plug a trailer running/tail light relay that came with the trailer tow package into the power distribution center on the driver's side fender under the hood. This may or may not have already been done if the truck previously had a brake controller.
If you don't, then you don't have the trailer tow package. Your dealer can get a wiring harness to retrofit your truck, or you can wire your own.
Rusty
If so, you have the trailer tow package and the wiring is in place. Simply go to your Dodge dealer or a trailer hitch dealer, pick up a brake controller pigtail (if you don't have one), splice the wires from your controller to the pigtail (being careful to match them by function, NOT by color), mount your controller, plug in the pigtail to the under-dash connection (above the emergency brake linkage on my 1996), set and trim the controller per the manufacturer's instructions and you're good to go!
IIRC, you may also have to plug a trailer running/tail light relay that came with the trailer tow package into the power distribution center on the driver's side fender under the hood. This may or may not have already been done if the truck previously had a brake controller.
If you don't, then you don't have the trailer tow package. Your dealer can get a wiring harness to retrofit your truck, or you can wire your own.
Rusty
Thread Starter
Registered User
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,146
Likes: 0
From: Amherst, WI
No, the plug is not there.
It would have been quite obvious otherwise
I'm thinking it may have been cut off..
I'm not sure if it had a tow package or not.. I'll have to check the window sticker..
It would have been quite obvious otherwise
I'm thinking it may have been cut off..
I'm not sure if it had a tow package or not.. I'll have to check the window sticker..
'People of Wal-Mart' 2010 finalist
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 456
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma/Texas
www.marksrv.com is a good reference site I have mentioned before.
Trending Topics
Registered User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,749
Likes: 4
From: Cypress, TX
Originally posted by Bobcat698
No other answers?
No other answers?
1. Have your dealer retrofit the trailer tow package wiring harness.
2. Have it wired by an auto electrical or a competent trailer hitch shop.
3. Wire it yourself using sources such as the factory shop manual, the Mark's RV website cited, etc.
There ain't no silver bullet that's gonna solve this one.
Rusty
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
wyododge
Performance and Accessories 2nd gen only
4
Jan 13, 2009 02:25 AM
CoolumConst
3rd Gen High Performance and Accessories (5.9L Only)
9
Oct 11, 2008 10:00 PM
charcoal600
Towing and Hauling / RV
2
Apr 30, 2005 02:34 PM