Brake controller mounting locations on '06...

[mlewis73]

Dodge really hosed up its mounting location possibilities for accessories on the new trucks.



The panel under the steering column is too contoured for proper mounting of trailer brake controllers, and I am unable to find another suitable location for my Brakesmart controller.



I won't even START on my difficulties finding a suitable place to mount a CB...



Has anyone found a good location to mount their trailer brake controller so that it doesn't look like a chop job?



Dodge ought to be kicked in the groin for this shoddy design work. Surely they know folks driving one ton pickups might need a suitable place for mounting brake controllers and CBs...





Thank you,



Mike

 

[HGreen]

Which model of 06 do you have? If its a SLT 4x4, like mine, I mounted in down where the 4 wheel shifter is, in the cubby so that your knuckles almost hit it if you put in in 4 low. I have seen others mount it to the panel you are talking about, but have to be careful to not smack your knee when getting in and out.

 

[RBollengier]

I mounted mine next the the e-brake release and it works fine. I never hit it getting in or out either.

 

[mlewis73]

Thank you... I'll have a look.



I managed to find a place for the controller on the right hand side of the panel below the steering column... I'll need to feel around under there to make sure there's nothing the mounting bolts will hit. I may, however, use heavy automotive Velcro and just stick the controller to the dash panel that way. The heavy duty stuff won't let it go--very strong and'll hold just about anything...



Now if CB mounting were so easy...





Thank you,

Mike

 

[AMink]

Check THIS thread. I did put mine there too and it works well. My mount is slightly different for my Prodigy, and I don't know how big a Brakesmart is. There is a hole under there that you can run the wires up into the dash through.

 

[Silver600]

I mounted my brakesmart under the steering column on the far right of the panel. I mounted the bracket just below a molded curve in the upper part of the panel. It sits so I can see the display with my wheel straight through the bottom right hole on the steering wheel.

 

[ohnoitsyu]

Keep in mind that mounting it near or to that panel may be very painfull to the knees if you get into an accident. That area is specifically designed to crush when your knees hit it in an accident.

 

[wcjp]

If you have this dash configuration this might work for you. The wiring required no holes to be drilled. My Mega came stock with the electronic transfer case. Not sure if the manual TC would be different. CB mount doesn't interfere with the passenger seat. CB is a Cobra 29series. Since pics have been taken I lowered the CB about 1 inch.



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[AWay]

I mounted my Prodigy the same as above. Only I cut a small cut out behind and recessed it alittle. Was a very easy install. Will have pictures soon after I install the gauges tomorrow.

 

[mlewis73]

Thanks, guys. The Brakesmart is, unforunately a very wide controller. Not deep. Wide. SO it will not install like the controller shown in the pictures posted by wcjp.



I'll have to mount it under the steering column as Silver600 did. If I use velcro, I'll be less worried about body parts in an accident... . enough force will dislodge the controller.

 

[WA5LTA Bill]

It would be even better if DC would build in a brake controller like you can get on another brand of trucks.

 

[AMink]

It would be even better if DC would build in a brake controller like you can get on another brand of trucks.

My buddy has an 05 Ford 350 with that option. He wishes he didn't have it, as it apparently only works in Tow/Haul mode. When he's not towing a lot but needs the brakes, he wants to be in regular transmission mode. At least that's what he told me. I kind of like the flexibility to get what floats yer boat the best!

 

[Silver600]

Thanks, guys. The Brakesmart is, unforunately a very wide controller. Not deep. Wide. SO it will not install like the controller shown in the pictures posted by wcjp.



I'll have to mount it under the steering column as Silver600 did. If I use velcro, I'll be less worried about body parts in an accident... . enough force will dislodge the controller.

I tried to put my brakesmart in the spot that WCJP has his prodigy and the stick would have hit it, that was where I really wanted it.

I wouldn't worry about using the supplied bracket, I didn't mount it to the crossmember that is behind that panel I only screwed it into the plastic panel so it will still deform somewhat in a crash, just about 1. 5 inches sooner. Even with the controller mounted I still have 5-6 inches between my leg and the controller. I have yet to see anyone damage the panel under the steering column in a 3rd Gen Ram (I work on an ambulance). If your knee is kissing that panel either your seatbelt wasn't on right or you were involved in a crash where your knee injury is going to be the least of your worries.