Options for factory brake controller in DRW

[dward]

I'm looking at a new DRW to primarily carry a Lance camper and tow a 5th wheel on occasion.
The 2 I'm looking at are both 17 Tradesman 4x4 with Aisin and 3:42, Chrome package, convience group and Uconnect 5.0. Granite Crystal and White.
The only differences are the Granite (which I prefer) doesn't have the back up camera, sensor or brake control.
With the tailgate removed and camper on the camera and backup sensor are disabled so I really don't need them. However I need a brake controller.
I can save $820 and get the Granite for $42,800.
What options are there or should I just get the factory brake control setup.
Also, since there is no 5th wheel prep, would you add the factory pucks or go with the BW Turnover Ball and Companion 5th wheel hitch?
These prices are making it hard to pass up.

 

[gsbrockman]

If I'm not mistaken, the OEM brake controller can be installed after the fact. In addition to the hard parts, you're looking at labor and a sales code flash. I'm not sure if an aftermarket might not be the better deal from a $$$ point of view.

As to the lack of 5th wheel prep....I'd just go B&W all the way. One other thing to consider....I'd look at the RAM towing chart in your cab & drive configuration, and look closely at the towing capacities. Since you didn't mention the size & weight of your RV, it's hard to know if the 3.42's will be fine---or if 3.73's or 4.10's might get you better results and higher future capacity, in the event you want to move up to a larger RV.

 

[BarryG]

While I cant say for sure about the brake controller I think G is right. And I also would think about going aftermarket to save some dollars. You can get a P3 for what $130ish and while not as good as a Brake Smart or Max Brake (which you cant get anymore anyway) it is decent.
As far as the fifth prep group they can add that for sure. For me I already had a B&W hitch from my old truck. Using the 5th prep group would mean spending $400 for the group then I would have had to change the base of my hitch which was another $879 so a total of approx. $1300. I opted to forgo the 5th group and use my existing hitch which required me to get a B&W gooseneck for $439 and the in bed plug for another $80. So for $519 I was in business (installed myself) instead of the approx. $1300 ( I need the gooseneck option as well not just a 5th hitch). Now if you don't already have a hitch or don't need a gooseneck it will probably make much less difference. You can go to someplace like Etrailer and get an idea of prices for different hitch setups. http://www.etrailer.com/

 

[Cummins12V98]

Tell them to include the controller in the price, they are not that expensive. I would install the factory pucks, they give a much better hitch connection for sure having owned both B&W Companions.

As far as towing capacity I can speak from experience. I towed with 3.42's and a 68RFE for 65K with the ONLY issue being getting the load rolling on a grade. BUT since the trucks you are looking at have the Aisin I would not hesitate towing a combined 28K as I did with the 11.

You will want this hitch!

#ad

 

[Newsa]

Tell them to include the controller in the price, they are not that expensive. I would install the factory pucks, they give a much better hitch connection for sure having owned both B&W Companions.

As far as towing capacity I can speak from experience. I towed with 3.42's and a 68RFE for 65K with the ONLY issue being getting the load rolling on a grade. BUT since the trucks you are looking at have the Aisin I would not hesitate towing a combined 28K as I did with the 11.

You will want this hitch!

#ad

^^^^ This. Tell them to throw in the factory brake controller.

They will.want your continued business in their service dept.

 

[SnoKing]

I installed the pucks and wiring working by myself in around 4 hours. With a helper it would have been a 2-2.5 hour job. RVK3600 and pucks are the way to go as Cummins12V98 said above. SNOKING

 

[Ram4Sam]

Or...... Go with the B&W Turn Over Ball goosneck hitch and the RVK 3500 5er hitch. Six big bolts and it is in. Only one big hole in the bed instead of four big holes.......

Sam

 

[RustyJC]

Or...... Go with the B&W Turn Over Ball goosneck hitch and the RVK 3500 5er hitch. Six big bolts and it is in. Only one big hole in the bed instead of four big holes.......

Sam

You do give up 5,000 lbs of trailer tow rating (25,000 versus 20,000) and 1,250 lbs of pin weight rating (6,250 versus 5,000) using the RVK3500 as opposed to the factory pucks and RVK3600. I went from the RVK3500 on our 2011 Ram to the RVK3600 on the 2016 Ram and definitely prefer the RVK3600.

Rusty

 

[Eagle6.7L]

dward,I suggest you load the truck the way you what it,with a fleet manager in the store you are dealing with and then let him run a search.They just might dealer trade for you.

 

[Ram4Sam]

You do give up 5,000 lbs of trailer tow rating (25,000 versus 20,000) and 1,250 lbs of pin weight rating (6,250 versus 5,000) using the RVK3500 as opposed to the factory pucks and RVK3600. I went from the RVK3500 on our 2011 Ram to the RVK3600 on the 2016 Ram and definitely prefer the RVK3600.

Rusty

For the Op, and I would bet for 95% of Ram truck owners, 20,000 lbs and 5,000 lbs is plenty......

Sam

 

[Cummins12V98]

Or...... Go with the B&W Turn Over Ball goosneck hitch and the RVK 3500 5er hitch. Six big bolts and it is in. Only one big hole in the bed instead of four big holes.......

Sam

That would be fine up to 20K 5er. But why limit your self? I tow 23K with my RVK3600 and it is rock solid, no moans groans or rattles. My pin is ONLY 5,800#.

 

[Ram4Sam]

That would be fine up to 20K 5er. But why limit your self? I tow 23K with my RVK3600 and it is rock solid, no moans groans or rattles. My pin is ONLY 5,800#.

As I get older.......the trailers are getting smaller......:-laf I used to live by the "some in good......more is better" motto......not so much anymore.

Sam

 

[dward]

I solved my dilemma today, I bought a truck with the 5th wheel prep group so it has the brake controller.
However, I decided to go with a SRW SB after thinking about my needs.
The SB with a smaller camper will be easier to travel as I like to cover a lot of miles sightseeing and I have my 5th TH for when I want to stay in 1 place for awhile.
I got the CC SB 4X4 Tradesman Aisin. Just the options I wanted and nothing I don't need.
Now I'm waiting for BW to come out with the RVK 3670. This is a slider hitch with the puck mounts for the new Rams. I called and they plan to release it in a week or so.

 

[Cummins12V98]

I solved my dilemma today, I bought a truck with the 5th wheel prep group so it has the brake controller.
However, I decided to go with a SRW SB after thinking about my needs.
The SB with a smaller camper will be easier to travel as I like to cover a lot of miles sightseeing and I have my 5th TH for when I want to stay in 1 place for awhile.
I got the CC SB 4X4 Tradesman Aisin. Just the options I wanted and nothing I don't need.
Now I'm waiting for BW to come out with the RVK 3670. This is a slider hitch with the puck mounts for the new Rams. I called and they plan to release it in a week or so.

Here is a look at it, hope this helps the time go by quicker. Good call on the b&W!

#ad