2006 TIPM Questions

[lawdog1]

I have a new to me 2006 3500 SRW. I tow fairly regular, have a 2019 TT, and 2021 boat trailer. I need to get a brake controller and have been reading about sensitivity/peculiarity of the TIPM. I saw one post speaking of a trailer light power module/protector kit that adds a fuse or relay outside of TIPM to protect against light/trailer related surges. …it seems the TIPM is sensitive to any add ons and I am not clear if that module would protect/cover a brake controller. I read another post about wiring accessories directly to the passenger side battery to avoid TIPM…not sure if that is wise?

If there is someone with real knowledge/experience with TIPMs I would appreciate input on the follow questions:

1. How to best wire in brake controller to avoid TIPM problems.
2. How to best insulate/isolate/protect TIPM from trailers (lights, wiring, etc.).
3. On an ‘03 I had years ago I had a brite box so fogs and high beam would work together…I feel like that may not be safe/wise with TIPM. Is there a safe solution to get bright box light result?
4. I would like to add cab clearance lights to the truck. From prior experience it should have wiring for clearance lights in the A pillar area. Do you need to add any relay or fuse to isolate/protect TIPM.

This whole TIPM thing is new to me…so appreciate any help or explanations.

 

[Grey Wolf]

I was working a lot at the time and didn't have the time to put this in, but I had a friend put this fuse block in while I was at work. It's been 15 years and I just replaced a fuse a few weeks ago.

I have a new to me 2006 3500 SRW. I tow fairly regular, have a 2019 TT, and 2021 boat trailer. I need to get a brake controller and have been reading about sensitivity/peculiarity of the TIPM. I saw one post speaking of a trailer light power module/protector kit that adds a fuse or relay outside of TIPM to protect against light/trailer related surges. …it seems the TIPM is sensitive to any add ons and I am not clear if that module would protect/cover a brake controller. I read another post about wiring accessories directly to the passenger side battery to avoid TIPM…not sure if that is wise?

If there is someone with real knowledge/experience with TIPMs I would appreciate input on the follow questions:

1. How to best wire in brake controller to avoid TIPM problems.
2. How to best insulate/isolate/protect TIPM from trailers (lights, wiring, etc.).
3. On an ‘03 I had years ago I had a brite box so fogs and high beam would work together…I feel like that may not be safe/wise with TIPM. Is there a safe solution to get bright box light result?
4. I would like to add cab clearance lights to the truck. From prior experience it should have wiring for clearance lights in the A pillar area. Do you need to add any relay or fuse to isolate/protect TIPM.

This whole TIPM thing is new to me…so appreciate any help or explanations.

 

[bigceltic]

IIRC, there is a plug for a trailer brake controller under the dash. I have a tekonsha P.. something or other. I replaced a cheaper controller, but I just plugged it in (plug and play). I have been running a brake controller since the truck was new, and pulling trailers (first a pop up and now a travel trailer) with no additional precautions and have had no TIPM issues. I have also added various lights (back up liights, offroad lights on a bull bar, and changed my backup lights to projector bulbs, again, with no issues. As my sig says, mine is an '06 as well.

 

[cerberusiam]

The breakout boxes for the trailer plug are pretty common and will save you the cost of a TIPM. More of a concern if you are hooking to multiple trailers with unknown wiring quality than your own trailer but still a good addition. You get 1 or maybe 2 rests on the solid state control for trailer lights then you replace the TIPM.