Mopar Trailer Brake Installation & Program with alfaOBD, 2015 Ram 1500

You can add a mopar trailer brake to your Ram 1500, if you have two harnesses taped to the side under the steering wheel. Make sure to get the right model number for your year. You can pick up the trailer brake module and switch from various mopar dealers, junk yards, or even Amazon. I got mine from Amazon. There are just four things you need to turn on in alfaOBD to program this feature.

[@sturner454]

Couldn't change it to heavy electric. Looked all over the internet and owners manual. It just took me 30 sec. once I saw your video. Thank you

[@WorkingOnStuff]

Glad it was helpful

[@mtbjim1670]

Great vid, thanks for the write up. And yes showing the AlfaODB settings was most important.

[@Thwarptide]

Due to disability I had a friend install mine a couple days ago and program it. The only issue he said is one screw is a bother to put in due to location issue. We did not possess a swivel which would have made it easier. I have read that some folks got frustrated and simply used a zip tie instead, only to complaint later about the vibration rattle. Do yourself a favor, take your time and be patient. You'll get it. If your hands are too big, don't be afraid to ask a friend to give it a try. Any job worth doing is not always worth doing well. Any job worth doing is worth doing right!

[@ramecodiesel8271]

If you get a rattle with only two screws then the two screws were not tightened all the way, the third hard to reach screw on the bracket has a tab that slides into the existing frame work you are bolting the bracket to so the bracket is secure, the two other screws solidly secure the bracket. There is really no need for three screws to secure this bracket, the brake control module is not heavy at all so it is not like you are holding up a heavy part. I did not install the third hard to reach screw and my bracket is solid with no movement at all and I have no rattles from it. I was unable to contort my hands to reach that hard to reach screw and trying to install it from the the front with an extension, universal and socket was a no go because my 2019 Ram 1500 Classic has a large stiff wiring harness that runs right behind that hard to reach screw so the socket with universal would not fit and due to the stiffness of that large harness there was just no room to get to that third screw.

[@CharlesD4rwin]

I used three zip ties because my controller didn’t come w the screws and I’m lazy. I made them ultra tight and experience zero rattle.

[@nickmclay]

Amazing how people make their vids so damn complicated by TALKING. Yours was perfect. Thank you!

[@WorkingOnStuff]

I'm glad it was helpful.

[@hfbroady]

I have the 8.4" display and I change all three setting in ALFAOBD and I can't see the option for adding trailer settings, different trailers with names and settings. I will try again tomorrow. Not sure why I can't see those. Nice video!!

[@evanb0869]

Every video I’ve seen shows the person spending hours trying to get the module screwed into firewall and I’m just sitting here thinking why not just zip tie it up out of the way lol

[@ramecodiesel8271]

I installed this brake controller in an hour, the one hard to reach third screw is not needed if you can't get your fingers/hands in a position to install it. The other two screws hold the bracket securely in place, also where the third hard to reach screw is there is also a tab that slides into the existing metal frame work that the bracket is attached to. Another tip on installing the bracket is when you get the screws started and the end of the screw sticks through take a pair of pliers and turn the screw with the pliers until it is all the way in then use the wrench to finish tightening the screws, that will save you a lot of time.

[@ptc1961]

Thats what the dealership did on mine, no bracket at all...

[@jamesbrown2492]

That's what I just did haha f that noise

[@sebrofc]

Nice Video, thanks. This is real fun when you have to tear out half the center console on trucks that have it just to remove the front media bezel.

[@WorkingOnStuff]

Yeah, that would be a pain.

[@ramecodiesel8271]

You only have to remove the top of the center console, there are only three screws that you need to remove all easy to reach then you just pull up on the top of the console until the tabs release and you have the top of console off, it takes all of 3 minutes to remove it. The same with the face trim panel on the dash there are a total of three screws that secure it they will be a number 20 torx screw, just remove those three screws and pull out on the panel until the tabs release and the panel is off again a three minute job. You can use plastic trim removal tools you can purchase to help you release the two trim panels if you can't get a strong enough grip on the panels to just pull on them. Re installing both panels goes just as quick you just push the panels back on and they will clip back into place then put the screws back in, replace the rubber trays and you are done. The center console top you will need a Phillips screwdriver for two of the screws and you will need a 7mm socket for the one bolt that holds the console top in place.

[@sebrofc]

@@WorkingOnStuff is that all, oh my bad.

[@Trentchi]

Thanks for the video! Especially the AlphaODB settings. The only problem I have is the actual physical +/- buttons and squeeze slider don't change or register anything on the dash screen when looking at the trailer settings. Its not Mopar but do you have any ideas?

[@WorkingOnStuff]

You could try to run it be the Ram Forums. There are a lot of knowledgeable techs on there.

[@Trentchi]

@@WorkingOnStuff Turns out I didn't have the 2 connections plugged in all the way on the controller. You really have to push with some force before you hear the "click". Haven't towed yet but all buttons now function properly. Thanks again

[@jessephone5411]

Thanks for showing AlfaOBD settings. Saved me some grief.

[@bearcagle]

No problem

[@kayleighjansen4412]

@@bearcagle for real there's no telling what kinda hell we would have to go through to find the right settings

[@TheConan851]

After programming with Alfa OSB following the instructions provided, I have trailer options in the dash but not the infotainment console, any suggestions.

[@TheConan851]

Never mind, just took a few minutes. Thx for the vid,specifically the flash instructions.

[@bearcagle]

@@TheConan851 it could be, the type of obd plug you used. The AlfaOBD website recommends OBDLink MX . It could be, you didn't wait long enough before turning the next switch on. The switches named "CustomerSetMenu" are for your radio. Try tuning off, and then back on again. It could be the type of radio you have or the frameware on the radio needs to be updated.

[@thomaslee6894]

Great video, thankyou

[@assami9736]

Great video, do you have to programming by dealer or no

[@WorkingOnStuff]

You either have to take it to the dealership to have them Flash the computer or you can program it with the Alpha OBD app on any android device

[@pjtj2k]

I have a 2016 Ram 1500 Laramie 4x4 with the Uconnect 8.4 radio. I followed this video step by step and everything worked. There was one thing that was different with mine, After I made the changes with the AlphaOBD, the trailer came up on my dash computer but not on the radio. I turned the truck off and went inside to research (5ish) minutes I came back out and turned the truck on to acc. and when I looked at my radio the trailer options were there. I THINK that with some models, you need to turn the truck on and off a few times for the changes to replicate out to the other computers. Thanks for this great video! Here is a list of items I ordered : OBD reader : www.amazon.com/OBDLink-Bluetooth-Professional-Grade-Diagnostic-Performance/dp/B07JFRFJG6/ref=sr_1_24?keywords=obd&qid=1561693174&s=gateway&sr=8-24 Mopar OEM trailer break Module : www.amazon.com/82215040AB-2016-2017-Trailer-Brake-Module/dp/B073PLFNT5/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=Ram+1500+trailer+brake+controller&qid=1561693264&s=gateway&sr=8-4 Then I downloaded the AlphaOBD reader software for andoid : play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.AlfaOBD.AlfaOBD

[@dav8388]

Glad to see i'm not losing it. I just noticed the same on my 2017. I went to watch this video again to make sure I got everything activated with AlphaOBD and glad i saw this comment

[@alexiscolonlopez9282]

@barrycage which version of AlfaOBD did you use for this, the demo or paid version?

[@WorkingOnStuff]

You can't do anything with the demo. You have to pay to make changes

[@sammydavis5865]

Well done. Super helpful.

[@WorkingOnStuff]

Thank you, Sammy

[@ramecodiesel8271]

If you have a 2018 or newer you will have to install a security gate bypass kit, I have a security gate bypass from my Green Diesel Engineering tuner but I can't program the brake controller for some reason, I have an android tablet with the AlfaOBD software on it, I have the OBDLinkMX+ module and when I access the menu to activate the brake controller is does not activate. I am having to go to the dealer to have them activate the brake controller. It might be a better idea to just pay the dealer to activate the brake controller anyway because that will add the option to your vin number and if they have to do any future updates the update will know you have the brake controller and will do the update needed retaining the brake controller in the programing. Otherwise the update will remove the brake controller and you will have to go back into the AlfaOBD software and re-enable the brake controller, you will have to do this every time the dealer updates the software because the brake controller will not show up in their system.

[@ramecodiesel8271]

I would not advise using a power drill to install the screws in the plastic panel, if you strip them you are going to have to replace the panel piece. They are not long screws, just use a screwdriver instead so you don't strip the screw holes. I notice in this video that hard to reach screw I did not see the large stiff wiring harness that sits right behind that screw. My 2019 Ram 1500 Classic had a large stiff wiring hardness in the way of that screw and my socket with universal and extension would not fit due to lack of clearance. Due to the harness issue I did not install that third hard to reach screw, the bracket is solid and secure with only two screws.

[@whitesrt4059]

So essentially the alfaOBD bypasses having to go to the dealership so they can “unlock” the trailer brake module for your truck?

[@WorkingOnStuff]

You got it

[@whitesrt4059]

Genius!

[@mathieubastien-gagnon5100]

I got a 2017 express i assume this is all the same witch code reader did you use and will this void any warrantys

[@bearcagle]

I don't know anything about warranties. I wouldn't think so. Not all vehicles work the same. For your year, the alfaobd website recommends the OBDlink MX. I used a $10 Veepeak and it worked fine on my truck.

[@irisgg858]

@@bearcagle what year is you're truck I have 2016 ram 2500 6.7 tradesman I wanna do this on?

[@WorkingOnStuff]

@@irisgg858 I have a 2015. The best thing to do is call the parts department at your local ram dealership. Find out the parts # for your year and model. Then look online to see if you can get it cheaper. You can check Amazon or there are a number of mopar distributor. www.tascaparts.com/?year=&make=&model=&search_str=Trailer+brake+control+module+&p=catalog&mode=search&scat=&search_in=all

[@stevelaborde7945]

@@bearcagle do you have a link to the Veepeak you used?

[@WorkingOnStuff]

@@stevelaborde7945 I bought it 10 years ago on Amazon. Just note that it doesn't work on all years. It does work on 2015s. If you don't have a 2015. You may want to get the OBDLink MX.

[@willlLab2]

thank you did good video!

[@brothertrucker3304]

i recently got a service teailer brake systwm message is there anything i can do within the app to fix this?

[@WorkingOnStuff]

If you fix the trailer, the error message will go way. If the trailer is not that old, Climb under there and look for broken springs, broken bolts, pinched or broken wires. Or it could be time to change the pads.

[@brothertrucker3304]

@@WorkingOnStuff it shows up when im not hooked up to a trailer

[@WorkingOnStuff]

@@brothertrucker3304 there is a way to delete fault codes, but if the problem is still there, it will come back on.

[@devronjo025]

What do I use to change the settings (alpha OBD)?

[@WorkingOnStuff]

Alpha OBD is an app you can download in the Google Play Store and use it to change settings

[@pwp5741]

What did this cost you?

[@WorkingOnStuff]

www.amazon.com/AUTOKAY-82214492AB-Integrated-Trailer-Control/dp/B0C7GYMN1D/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=1QQ964G1SB9CH&keywords=ram+trailer+brake+controller&qid=1696302623&sprefix=2015+ram+1500+tra%2Caps%2C128&sr=1-1&vehicle=2015-1168-16227-2227-111--6--18229-2663--1---1&vehicleName=2015+Ram+1500

[@joshjohnson5347]

Mine doesn’t come up on the radio?

[@rustyshackelford1776]

Where can i find the alpha obd

[@WorkingOnStuff]

The Google play store

[@mchertonok]

Will that work for 2016 ram?

[@WorkingOnStuff]

Yup

[@Medicalgas-Doug]

Can someone explain the alpha obd to me? What is required to be able to activate it with alpha obd?

[@WorkingOnStuff]

An android phone, the alfaobd app, and a obd bluetooth adapter.

[@Medicalgas-Doug]

Barry Cagle does it work on an apple device? Any particular obd Bluetooth adapter?

[@WorkingOnStuff]

@@Medicalgas-Doug It does not work with apple. Android phone, or tablet or pc. Alfaobd recommends the mx bluetooth adapter but some have had success with cheaper blue adapters.

[@TxJason]

I did everything and trailer controller works but won’t let me change trailer, name trailer or change to heavy electric. Anyone have the same issues?

[@WorkingOnStuff]

I'm not positive, I only have a light electric trailer.

[@LindenRanch]

Thanks.

[@Italianborn]

Ordering mine peace to peace to save money...

[@philh9238]

Looks like a launch scanner rebranded

[@monsteroyd]

Rock Auto has these for $132. it looks the same, and way less than $250

[@WorkingOnStuff]

What?! I got robbed. I should have looked on rock auto

[@monsteroyd]

OK the rock auto part I got was not Mopar, but a 3rd party part. Looks the same, we'll see if it works.

[@lookileftpooponyourpage5604]

@@monsteroyd How'd it play out? Everything work ok?

[@monsteroyd]

@@lookileftpooponyourpage5604 works fine.

[@lookileftpooponyourpage5604]

@@monsteroyd do you have a 1500?

[@mrbillpurcell6203]

what is alfaOBd?

[@WorkingOnStuff]

alfaobd.com/