2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Tow package and wiring

[Mtngoat]

My "new" 2000 3500 has the tow package according to the build sheet. The owners manual really doesn't say much about what is included.

My question is about brakes for the Jeep trailer, that has electric brakes. Is there a plu in or wire floating around under the dash that can be hooked up to a underdash brake controller? Or is that something built into the towing package? I probably need to change some of wiring in the plug to work with the wiring on the trailer, buts its been so FRICKIN cold here I just haven't done it. If my question doesn't make sense, let me know and I'll rewrite it. Thanks!



Robin

 

[Mtngoat]

OK!!

So THATS what that is!!!!

 

[Thomas]

There should be a four conductor plug (socket?) under the dash near the steering column. A four wire pigtail can be obtained from Mopar or RV supply stores (there may be one hidden in the truck as it is included with the tow package). The pigtail attaches to the brake controller and is then plugged in under the dash. Be careful attaching the controller to the pigtail; the wires must be connected by function rather than color.



The wiring diagram on the cover of the seven pin electrical connector at the hitch may also be helpful.

 

[richardleonard]

trailer wiring

Here is a URL to a place which has standard wiring diagrams. If the truck is stock - trailer connector never been modified to someone else's trailer, I would reccommend wiring the trailer to the truck - which if the truck complies with the standard wiring with make the trailer a universal plug in on any other truck with standard trailer connector. Yes I know some outfits modify their trailer wiring to their own specs. .



http://www.etrailer.com/faq/wiring.asp



There should be a socket which receives a factory plug mounted on the main connector block on the left side by the steering column,, I would imagine the dealer would be able to get the plug if its not in the truck already...



What is usually inculded in the TOW package,, or at least in mine,, a little heaver suspension in the rear, maybe a sway bar, the reciever hitch, electrical wiring, load relays for the trailer lights, and a plug with a pigtail. . Two trailer connections are inculded - a 7 pin and a flat 4 pin.

 

[Mtngoat]

7 pins...

All the other stuff I tow and tow with, has 6 pin connectors. Either change them all to the 7 pin or change the one on the truck to a 6 pin, guess I will change the one on the truck. Will never need all the pins anyway. Shouldn't make a difference on hooking up the brake controller as long as I get the right wires from the cab to the back. Thanks for the info.



Robin

 

[Sixpack]

You may want to see if you can find an adapter from 7 pin to 6pin instead of rewiring your truck. Just a thought . Sixpack

 

[99guy]

Ditto on the adapter. You can pick one up at auto parts store and leave the factory plug on the truck. If wiring needs adapted from trailer to truck, it’s easy to take the adapter case apart and just make any crossover changes there. They are designed that way. I picked one up at O’Rieleys and they had the pigtail you need for under the dash too.

 

[Mtngoat]

Hey..uuhh......

Thanks 99 guy!! If Oreillys was open now I'd be at their counter. . Will have to wait till tomorrow!!

 

[Mtngoat]

Another quick question for the electrically challenged..

Under the dash to the left of the steering column where everyone says it will be, there is a light blue unused plug with 4 pins in it. I assume this is the one for the brake controller???? Is there anyway of knowing which pin is for what?? Thank you for replying!

Robin

 

[99guy]

Just put mine in (a 99) couple weeks back, as I recall the plug is blue on mine. I used a prodigy controller and on there site I think there was a wiring color code for most trucks, you just look up what you have. HOWEVER, that color code diagram wasn't the same as my truck, I just put the pigtail in and then tested the wires with my Volt meter to make sure. Let's see -- 1 hot wire (12 v. ), 1 ground, 1 brake light, and the other (Blue) is the trailer brake. Seems to me the blue wire is most always trailer brake but I would test to be sure.

 

[Sixpack]

That's the plug. When you buy the pigtail it will have the color codes included. I don't know them off the top of my square head!

 

[Mtngoat]

OReilly's

I will go to Oreilly's tomorrow. Only problem there is it seems like they change all the help once a month and finding someone there that will know what I'm talking about may be a challenge all its own, But I will get it done!!

Robin

 

[99guy]

Here's a place to check for a starting point:



http://www.brakecontroller.com/harness.htm

 

[Mtngoat]

Thanks!!

That should answer my question!

 

[draymorris]

7 pin to 6 pin

I hook on my trailer at least twice a week. I have a 7 to 6 pin adapter and hate it! The factory 7 pin seems to be junk! I have used 2 different adapters and I constanly find myself having to go to the back of the truck and "wiggle" the connection to get it to work. This is not fun when my GVW is close to 30k pounds and my trailer brakes quit working. I think that the DC 7 pin is just weak plastic and the adapter actually puts a strain on the connection due to extra leverage when hooking up. When I get the chance, I am going to convert my truck to a 6 pin. As far as I know, the main reason to have a 7 pin is for an RV type trailer that has a hot wire running to the trailer to charge batteries from the vehicle. I do not know if this is even installed on these pick-ups. If I were you, I would definetly find the adapter for the under dash connection if possible. A test light will tell you which wire is which. As a previous reply stated, there should be a 12v constant(usually black), a ground(white), a brake signal(comes on when the brake pedal is pushed(usually red) and a trailer brake signal(usually blue) on your trailer plug, sometimes the connector is marked AS (for all stop) for trailer brakes. I would check all connection after installing the brake controller to make sure they are working right before towing the trailer - again a test light is easy to use for this.

 

[donyo]

For my Prodigy I followed the wiring diagram that came both with the controller and the truck pig tail. Not sure about other controllers, but you can get a connector already made specifically for your model rig that works with the Prodigy. No messy wiring and hope you get the right wired matched together. As stated earlier, match FUNCTION not COLOR as colors don't match. My2cents.

 

[Mtngoat]

Thanks!!

Went to BOTH OReillys in town and got blank stares when I asked about the pigtail. They finally said they don't and didnt have them. I told you about them in this town! Anyway, went to the U-Haul place and they had them hanging on the wall, they were even marked for the Dodge Ram. Thanks to you guys that helped me out here!

Robin