Integrated brake controller

[Snipercoyote]

Just purchased a 3500 srw with a cummins and just realized it does not have a brake controller. I cant believe ram would have a 1 ton truck that's made to tow and not make it standard. Now to my question, should I go with a factory installment or aftermarket? I'm assuming the factory installment is just that and it mounts where the controller does when it equipped with one in center dash. Also does this mean my truck does not have the heavy duty cooling system? Thanks

 

[Timd32]

I just ran across having to look up some extras on my 2018.

Go to ramtrucks.com goto Menu, then Owners, and register then you can enter your VIN and see a bunch of stuff thats not on the window sticker.

Vehicle Information>
My HD Cooling was under Standard.

My Trailer Brake Controller was under Options.

It also on my window sticker. You can download that from there as well.

 

[Newsa]

The factory one works well. I can't speak for the after market ones. Price the "Banks" with installation and compare with a dealer installed factory one?

I would have thought a brake controller would be standard on all 3500's. I guess not?

My 2500 has a factory installed one as an option

 

[jhenderson]

I’m not overly impressed with my factory unit. I’d look at DirecLink.

 

[Timd32]

Tradesman its appears as a $295 option.

SLT and higher it appears in the standard packages under Safety and Security.

 

[JR]

The integration is the best part on the factory controllers. It is hard to tell the difference in performance between it and my MaxBrake because the brakes on my 14 are so much better than my 98 it's difficult to make a direct comparison, but so far it's been good enough to leave the MaxBrake on the shelf.
That being said I'm guessing it would cost you more than the factory option price of $300 that Tim quoted and probably not worth it.

 

[jhenderson]

Jr has had much better luck than I have with the factory controller. In 2015 the controller was integrated with the traction control module and the low voltage problem began. Even after the TSB for its problems it still will only put out about 7 volts max below 30 mph in my truck. It would be good to know that’s corrected before you purchase a factory unit. I’d gladly have my MaxBrake back if the company was still in business.. direcLink seems to be the next best option.

 

[Newsa]

Jr has had much better luck than I have with the factory controller. In 2015 the controller was integrated with the traction control module and the low voltage problem began. Even after the TSB for its problems it still will only put out about 7 volts max below 30 mph in my truck. It would be good to know that’s corrected before you purchase a factory unit. I’d gladly have my MaxBrake back if the company was still in business.. direcLink seems to be the next best option.

Mine is a 2013. So no traction control interference affected my towing. I could always just lighten up the gain if i needed to. The gain didn't (seem to) electronically and automatically lighten due to traction control interference.

I wasn't aware there was a programming change in 2015

 

[Timd32]

Looks like 82214492AB is the part number needed.

Most online places are selling at $244, my experience at my dealer was $158 to add the flash for missing options. This was less then a month ago I added a factory backup camera option to a brand new 2018, 10miles on the clock, that was just the flash update, I had the factory hardware installed.

That plus tax lets guess 7%, pushes this to $430.

Maybe they will work with you, in my case I doubt my place would, its on the window sticker and buyer beware, I have purchased 6 vehicles there in 2018, not that they don't care about return customers it takes a lot more to keep the lights on nowadays. They also have 5 service writers so the place is always jammed, which is a good thing. But still does not help my case bc they are so busy they rather have you handle the small things.

 

[EZeis]

Jr has had much better luck than I have with the factory controller. In 2015 the controller was integrated with the traction control module and the low voltage problem began. Even after the TSB for its problems it still will only put out about 7 volts max below 30 mph in my truck. It would be good to know that’s corrected before you purchase a factory unit. I’d gladly have my MaxBrake back if the company was still in business.. direcLink seems to be the next best option.

What happens when you disable the traction control? Does the brake controller work differently?

Earl

 

[Newsa]

What happens when you disable the traction control? Does the brake controller work differently?

Earl

If you disable ESC and get in an accident, your insurance company would likely not treat you well.

Electronic Stability Control can lightly help to control trailer sway by applying brakes.

http://towing.rvdaily.com.au/

 

[Snipercoyote]

Called local dealership and guy in parts said that integrated brake controller is on back order and he couldn't order one because a revised one was being released January 31st, asked him why was it being revised and he couldn't give me an answer. Anybody else know?

 

[sag2]

If the part number above is correct there are 302 at 194 dealers across the country. Nothing about order block in the system.

 

[mpaulson]

I personally like the factory ones in both the 2014 and the 2018 3500 trucks that I have. they work great, proportioning the braking current with your foot pressure rather than the pendulum inertia type. I had a MAX BRAKE in my 07 which was metered of the actual brake line pressure as well and these newer factory ones are just as good in my opinion. Nice and simple, clean install and dash displays settings etc.

 

[EZeis]

If you disable ESC and get in an accident, your insurance company would likely not treat you well.

Electronic Stability Control can lightly help to control trailer sway by applying brakes.

http://towing.rvdaily.com.au/

Lol that's crazy talk. Next you'll say Ram is breaking the law by having the disable switch. Insurance companies intimated you much?


Earl

 

[Newsa]

Lol that's crazy talk. Next you'll say Ram is breaking the law by having the disable switch. Insurance companies intimated you much?


Earl

Intimated? Naw, they don't like me especially any more than anyone else. They just like my regular payments.

Intimidated? Well, I have been more careful since towing a 27 foot livestock gooseneck trailer where the brakes had been disabled because they locked up. (i wasn't told the history until afterward.)

If you don't believe me. Read up on it.
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cu...ne-of-the-dumbest-things-you-can-do-in-a-car/

 

[EZeis]

Intimated? Naw, they don't like me especially any more than anyone else. They just like my regular payments.

Intimidated? Well, I have been more careful since towing a 27 foot livestock gooseneck trailer where the brakes had been disabled because they locked up. (i wasn't told the history until afterward.)

If you don't believe me. Read up on it.
https://www.roadandtrack.com/car-cu...ne-of-the-dumbest-things-you-can-do-in-a-car/

Yes, intimidated, not Intimated. Phone has a mind of it's own. Lol anyways, my point is don't let the insurance companies put fear into ya.


Earl

 

[Newsa]

Nearly 20 years ago, on an icy (practically a skating rink) parking lot, i put my 1998 manual transmission isuzu amigo in 3rd gear and from a complete stop, turned the steering wheel to the right, reved the engine and dumped the clutch. It brought back memories of some fun icy driving i did as a teenager.

Was showing off for my girlfriend, but she didn't think that was funny at all. Now, i am happy to have ESC as i have driven north for christmas 2 years in a row. I don't drive like i did when i was younger and driving for the thrill of it all. My previous vehicles did not have ESC.

One time goofing around in my 1977 fuel-injected VW beetle, i ended up sliding donut fashion (360's) head to tail down a completely icy state road and praying nobody else would come from the other direction. I finally got control of it without hitting anyone or anything. But it seemed like an eternity. Lol

 

[jhenderson]

What happens when you disable the traction control? Does the brake controller work differently?

Earl

Didn’t work for me. Don’t get me wrong. It’s better after the flash, but the obvious test is the manual lever at low speed. It still won’t lock the trailer brakes. However the breakaway switch will, so we know it’s the controller not the trailer. The same trailer had no problem locking the brakes with the MaxBrake under the same conditions. Voltage tests on road with the trailer attached have proven only 6-7 volts to the brakes at speeds under 30 mph. Full voltage is available above that approx speed. Picture heading downhill to an intersection with a 9 ton gn and the truck pulling brake out of the trailer as you slow below 30 mph. Gets exiting if the light turns against you.

 

[EZeis]

I heard about the below 30mph poor braking before. I just bought a 2018 3500. I haven't towed yet, so I haven't experienced the nature of the beast. I also heard the flash helped. Guess in due time they will have another flash.
How do you adjust the gain when that's done at 20 to 25mph and the controller limits the voltage? Does the manual lever bypass the voltage limit?

Earl