2019-2024 Ram 1500 Electronic Trailer Brake Controller Installation

Ram Truck Trailer Brake Controller Installation Video Walkthrough

Installing an electronic trailer brake controller (EBT) in a Ram truck can be a DIY project if you’re handy and have the right tools. However, it’s important to note that it involves light electrical work and some modifications to your truck’s interior. If you’re not comfortable with that, it’s best to leave it to a professional.

What is the Ram Integrated Trailer Brake System?

The Ram Integrated Trailer Brake System, particularly in models like the RAM 1500, refers to an advanced trailer brake controller that integrates seamlessly with the truck’s electronics. Here’s a detailed overview:

• Functionality: This system is designed to enhance the braking capabilities when towing a trailer by coordinating the truck’s brakes with the trailer’s brakes. It typically features:
  • Automatic and Manual Operation: The system can automatically engage the trailer’s brakes in proportion to how hard the driver presses the brake pedal, or it can be manually adjusted for specific towing conditions.
  • Electronic Control: Instead of a standalone or aftermarket device, this system is integrated into the truck’s infotainment or dashboard system, providing a more seamless user interface. This integration often allows for settings adjustments through the truck’s touchscreen or buttons.
• Benefits:
  • Enhanced Safety: By ensuring that both the truck and trailer brakes apply force in a coordinated manner, it reduces the risk of jackknifing, enhances stability during sudden stops, and provides shorter stopping distances.
  • User-Friendly: Integration means less clutter on the dashboard and easier access to controls. Settings can often be saved for different trailers or towing scenarios.
  • Efficiency: Improves fuel efficiency by optimizing braking force distribution, potentially reducing wear on both truck and trailer brakes.
• Installation and Compatibility:
  • Install: For models equipped as standard (like in some RAM 1500s from specific years), installation might just involve connecting the trailer’s electrical system to the truck. For add-ons or retrofits, it might require professional installation to ensure proper integration with the vehicle’s electronics.
  • Compatibility: Primarily designed for RAM trucks from certain model years (like 2019 onwards for some versions), it’s tailored to work with electric trailer brakes. Always check the truck’s specifications or the system’s documentation for compatibility with different trailers or aftermarket parts.
• Technological Integration:
  • Sensor Integration: Uses sensors to detect changes in speed or deceleration, ensuring trailer brakes engage at the right time and intensity.
  • Feedback Loop: Some advanced systems might provide feedback through the truck’s interface, warning the driver if there are issues with the trailer brakes or if adjustments are needed.
• Considerations:
  • Cost: While integrated systems might be expensive initially, they often justify the cost through enhanced safety, ease of use, and potentially longer brake life.
  • Learning Curve: Drivers might need some time to get used to the settings and how the system interacts with different trailers or load weights.
• Market and Regulatory Trends: With increasing emphasis on vehicle safety and towing capabilities, systems like the Ram Integrated Trailer Brake are becoming more sophisticated. They’re also part of a broader trend towards integrating various vehicle functions into one cohesive system for better performance and user experience.

This system represents a significant step forward in towing technology, aiming to make the towing experience safer, more intuitive, and more efficient for the driver.

General overview of the installation process:

1. Gather your tools and materials:

• Electronic trailer brake controller: We recommend OEM for compatibility with your truck and trailer.
• Drill and bits (including Torx)
• Screwdriver
• OBD programmer
• Socket wrench set (optional)
• Wire cutters/strippers (optional)
• Electrical tape (optional)
• Pry tool (optional)
• Trim removal tools (optional)
• Multimeter (optional)

2. Disconnect the battery:

Before starting any electrical work, it’s crucial to disconnect the negative battery terminal to prevent shock or damage to electrical components.

3. Locate the installation location:

Most EBTs are mounted under the dash or on the center console. Consult your EBT’s manual for the recommended location in your specific Ram model. In this case we are upgrading our Ram truck with EBT.

4. Route the wiring harness:

The wiring harness will typically run from the EBT to the following locations:

• Brake lights: This allows the EBT to detect brake pedal application.
• Trailer brake connector: This connects the EBT to the trailer’s brakes.
• Battery: This provides power to the EBT.

The Ram trucks comes pre-wired for the EBT, so you’ll need to remove the center stack and knee bolster to install the trailer brake module and controller.

5. Make electrical connections:

This is where your EBT’s manual comes in handy. It will provide detailed instructions on how to connect the harness wires to the appropriate terminals on the EBT, brake lights, trailer connector, and battery.

6. Mount the EBT:

Once the wiring is complete, you can mount the EBT in the chosen location, typically under the knee bolster using the provided hardware.

7. Programming the EBT:

We have chose to use the OBD Genie to be able to program the BCM to use the factory settings for compatibility.

1. Find the gateway module behind the headlamp switch and disconnect the two plugs going into the security module and plug them into the security gateway bypass.
2. Turn the car into the on position.
3. Plugin the OBD Genie programmer into the OBD port and wait for the solid green light on the OBD Genie.
4. Turn off the vehicle.
5. Disconnect the OBD Genie and the security bypass module.
6. Reconnect the two plugs into the security module.

8. Test the EBT:

With the battery reconnected, test the EBT by applying the brakes and checking if the trailer brakes activate. Consult your EBT’s manual for specific testing procedures.

Remember, if you’re not comfortable with electrical work or unsure about any of the steps, it’s always best to consult a qualified professional. They can ensure your electronic brake control is installed correctly and safely.