RAM 1500 Trailer Brake Controller (OEM) Install | 2017 Big Horn

[@wvpyrotech]

I am going to try to install the Ram controller in my 2023 Ram 3500 Van. This video I found very insightful.

[@roninstickersonetsy9510]

Really good install video, it’s great how these trucks are already pre wired for all the higher trim options.

[@rachelpierson9802]

do you happen to know if the 2017 tradesman is wired for trailer breaks?

[@arturrakhmistryuk130]

Yes if you had an option for it

[@whatintarnation...7891]

Thanks to your helpful video, I just finished installing this in my 2017 Ram 3500 Tradesman (hard to believe it didn't come with this feature from factory!). * Edit: wires were all there in my truck. * The two screws up top of the dash were T20 in my truck (just a heads up for anyone pre-gaming here). The bracket was by far the most aggravating job I've ever done. I did find that just biting the bullet and shoving my arm in near the drivers heater vent area and going by fingertip-feel with that 7mm end wrench ended up being the best way to go for those top two bastards. Pretty painful job, took me a number of hours altogether to be totally honest, but glad it's done! By the way, I ordered my part straight from Mopar. Cheaper than buying through the dealer, even with shipping. Also, reccomend disconnecting the battery for this job. No idea what I did, but when I first jammed my hand in there to feel around, my dash lights flickered on. 🤷‍♂️ Anyway, thanks again! Super helpful video. 👍🏻

[@Sprucegrove123]

Awesome video, just changed out my Dodge Ram controller that failed with the help of your video. Thanks for posting!

[@tpike46w]

I just installed this instead of putting the stupid screws in through the bracket I just used the couple self tapping screws and drill them right in

[@juanvalerio6837]

You crushed this one! Only thing on my 2017 ram 1500 was I had an extra screw in my dash right above my outlet. Maybe that’s just an option in the Big horn but I ripped and puckered up a little when I noticed.

[@r2bboats]

Thanks for the video man. I just picked up a 2017 Ram 1500 and need to do exactly what you showed and prefer the factory look of a trailer brake controller. Your video was very helpful. Kept me from screwing an aftermarket controller somewhere into the dash.

[@jdmatts9427]

Great video, helped a lot! I ended up just putting the bottom screw on the bracket, and used zip ties to hold it in place. The top screws are basically impossible to get to.

[@GettysGarage]

they are very hard to get screwed in.

[@jacknazimek8364]

I used all zip ties perfect doesn’t move at all!!

[@glenmccormack3293]

that look pretty simple and putting the brake controller on and i was thinking about to add one for my truck and thanks for making the video it nice and clearly understanding how to do it and install it.

[@GettysGarage]

Awesome man, and yes it is a pretty simple install. The only tough part to going to the dealer to get the trailer break control activated. But its so seemless its worth it!

[@toolman380]

Thank you for your information, I installed mine in less then an hour thanks to you.

[@HH-CA]

nice video , would you please put the link of the parts...thanks

[@kevinfrancom1833]

Great video. By far the most annoying thing to install was that metal bracket. I don’t know how you did it so easy

[@stevem268]

our dealer did this for us when we bought our '17 1500. but that's simpler than our first 2 tow vehicles, which were a ford windstar and a dodge dakota! both of them used an aftermarket controller and i had to run wires all over

[@sic-n-tiredtired4273]

Excellent video best one I've seen out of a bunch good luck in your travels

[@GettysGarage]

Thank you sir!

[@JeffBowe]

Literally on the way to pick up a truck without the controller ao this is very helpful to know what I'm getting into.

[@GettysGarage]

It's a little bit of work but nothing crazy. the pricy part is the module that has to come along with it but it does work very seamlessly with the truck

[@blakeumthun8128]

I bought an '18 with the max tow package, but it didn't come with the OEM brake controller. I asked the salesman about it and he said it needed to come built in from the factory, so I'd need an aftermarket. If I new it was pre-wired, I'd have had it put in already. Definitely gonna do this if I don't upgrade to a 2500.

[@GettysGarage]

not the cheapest option but everything is just plug and play.

[@VinceFromNH]

Awesome video, thanks for taking the time to share!

[@thebrandonlee8264]

A good option that worked really well for me is to drill the plate out with a 1/4” bit and use 1/4” rivets on the plate, way easier and a lot tighter squeeze on the plate!

[@josephwilson5100]

Just got that third screw in!!!!!! Praise!!!

[@GettysGarage]

It's a tight spot lol

[@denvernn]

Good job on the install. Geez that center panel removal for sure sounded brutal.

[@GettysGarage]

ya you really have to give that panel a good tug lol sorta scary actually!

[@martinanne2006]

Great video!!! This will help alot of people, i like how you kept things simple and didn't over explain , loke most you tubers do lol, on your move will you be keeping a log on how many KM between fill ups, and your AVG MPG? And avg RPM lol and what gear it holds in lol yeah i know its alot to ask lol

[@Joe-yx7yh]

On 2017 Big Horn, at least mine. There is screw in that mini storage opening. Found out after pulling real hard, broke one corner but unnoticeable. Also two screws at bottom of console

[@stevenhoshor4023]

Exactly what i was looking for, thanks.

[@Amxracer]

I have seen multiple vendors on eBay selling them. Is that where you bought yours or did you go through the Ram dealership ?

[@lowboi4229]

Man, you just helped me out!! Appreciate your video

[@GettysGarage]

happy to hear that!

[@waltercastro2015]

I totally need this controller. I just changed my brakes and notice rotors overheat due to friction. Also will install electrical brakes on the trailer. Where can i find obd DIY programming?

[@user-lq5fd3pl6z]

If your still looking I highly recommend the obd genie. I used two of there flashes now with the power mirrors and dimmable rear view and worked flawlessly. Next thing on my list is to add the trailer brake controller.

[@yamipizza8357]

Look up alfaobd. Do it yourself and save lots of money.

[@RobertFranklin-j1c]

Great video - has anyone had 4wd power issues after? I did not do the flashing, will check connections today. Ty

[@PatriotPlus179]

I recently bought a 2017 RAM 1500 Laramie 4x4. I was surprised it doesn't have a factory trailer brake controller. I have 3.92 rear gears, so hopefully I can still tow the 10,010 pounds.

[@GettysGarage]

those gears make a big difference! she'll tow real nice

[@pwp5741]

Where did you purchase and do you have a link?

[@alexlubbe]

So, even if you already have the wire where the actual controller goes do you still need the module as well if your truck didn’t come factory with the controller? OR do you just install the controller and plug it into the harness that’s there and then your good to go.

[@MeMe-gf7wt]

Where did you buy the parts?

[@thomasdunn6463]

Where did you order your trailer brake control I have a 2016 ram need some help did you have to have a program after you install it

[@Amxracer]

Good tech install video , thanks !

[@Aaron-e1z4f]

Did you take it to the dealer and get it flashed and everything how much did they charge you

[@andrue17]

I would of passed on the bracket install and just zip tied the module in that same spot. Good job on the install though.

[@GettysGarage]

Honestly though about it lol but I figured I'd do it right

[@czarlelee2939]

Did the dealer give you a hard time or say they couldn’t do it because they didn’t install it etc ..

[@czarlelee2939]

I heard that someone brought it to the dealer and they told him they couldn’t do it

[@GettysGarage]

Nope they didn't. They charged me .5 hours. I worked at a truck dealership and honestly software updated are free money. you plug into the truck hit upload and drink your coffee for 20 minutes as the software uploads.

[@ricky5807]

I needed this video. How did you know yours came pre wired?

[@turboboy0]

part numbers for the 2 parts??

[@jakeblue0]

Can i ask where you bought this one? Seems like there are many on amazon that dont work so im scared to buy one being unsure.

[@GoingwiththeFlow-90]

Does it work for a 17 2500 tradesman? And where can I buy it in USA??

[@tylerfucile9629]

will the the display show on the dash with the smaller cluster gauge?

[@Lawrosa1]

You didnt show the nuts for the mounting bracket. Infotainment sent me square ones. But like yours I have round holes....

[@GettysGarage]

They are kind of tough to get at. but they were just normal nuts if I remember correctly.

[@bobabooie6389]

Good job 👍🇺🇲

[@Chris-wk7xq]

great video of how install.. i need help fixing!🙃

[@GettysGarage]

Thank you!

[@Amxracer]

Cool 😎 !

[@RobertSiwik1968]

I just subscribed! Thank you great video.

[@randywedell91]

I just added mine. Good video but unrealistic. It is NOT this easy. First Hint: Do not pre-thread your holes. Just drill the damn things out and go buy yourself some 10-24 x 3/4" bolts with nylock nuts. You can get a wrench on the back side to hold the nut and then it's easier to tighten from the front rather than trying to install the screws and tighten it from the impossible to get at back side. I still only used 2 holes. Top left is impossible. Getting my bezel off from around my screen was not a simple pull. More like yank it has hard as you possibly can. OH YA, 2 bolts hold it to the center council in that little storage area under the bezel (not shown in video-unless i missed it). Then, to get it all of the way out .. no way. It pinches and where the 2 bolts hold it in that storage area, there is a tab under it that keeps that bezel from pulling out. Worse yet was reinstalling it. Bottom left corner would NOT push in (this one ended up breaking the clip but to be fair, I believe it was broken from factory because the hole it was supposed to go into was all scratched up and I always did have a rattle there.) as well as the clip on the back side of the little storage compartment that's in the bezel. Alignment for all the tabs took forever. Total time was almost 2 hours due to impossible holes to access for mounting and reinstalling the bezel around the screen. EDIT. after seeing another video I should have removed part of my center council between the seats and the one screw in the tiny storage area built into the bezel. This video does not show that. The center council screws are under the rubber bottoms in the compartments. This will allow easier removal and installation of the bottom two screws for the bezel.

[@cringeski4177]

Where does one get the kit

[@silverback5347]

Funny. I looked at a chevy right before i bought my ram last week. Salesman told me his service guy told him they can not install a factory system unless you order it that way. Laziness.

[@abowhand]

Thanks for the tips! ,,, 50 cent auto parts MADE IN CANADA, that's funny. The ministry of chasing manufacturing offshore will fix that!

[@d3adt3dgam3s9]

Has anyone tested if it works without getting it flashed?

[@brownsmoovebydesign]

Good job

[@suleimanalkaiyat3769]

Full support for you 👍

[@michaelsvendsen5533]

Did you already have the 7 pin on your truck too?

[@GettysGarage]

Yes I did, Honestly thought those came standard on the Rams. could be wrong though!

[@bobabooie6389]

How much for the controller?

[@dylanbetz9023]

Did your check engine light come on after installing?

[@GettysGarage]

Nope, caused no issues at all. that being said, if you want to actually program the trailer brake you'll need to flash the trucks computer for it fully recognize it. my local dealer charged me 60 bucks to do it

[@AlexMolinaH]

I'm trying to install this exactly the same way but can't find the connectors that go from de module to the switch and am now pretty sure my truck does not have them. Has anyone else had this problem or knows what to do about it?

[@tuber4tuber]

I have a 2017 Ram Express which is a super basic truck and it has the wires and connectors. I was able to find them to the left of the radio without taking the dash apart. To actually install the controller, you will need to strip the dash though.

[@mechanicaldave7981]

Alpha ODB can turn this on

[@johnelliott2745]

What’s the link?

[@gerryvienneau8933]

Did you order the kit online and where did you order it

[@GettysGarage]

ordered it right off the Mopar site. probably could get it cheaper from eBay but I wanted to make sure I was getting the correct stuff so I paid the premium. But I ordered it and it showed up within a week. no issues!

[@makerofmanythings8447]

Good job man, how much was the brake controller?

[@GettysGarage]

I think I paid like 250 US, not the cheapest option but it works very well.

[@tripleb2128]

How much was the kit?

[@dakotazimmerman4638]

My 2012 dodge ram has a factory trailer break controller,

[@GettysGarage]

That's the best case scenario lol you are already ready to tow

[@jamesd.3128]

parts list?

[@mechanicaldave7981]

If you have the larger screen your gonna have to remove the screen lol

[@timingerick7998]

Any one have a good reliable brand I should buy checking online there are a ton of choices