Use OEM Trailer Wiring or Rewire for Reliability?

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Bought my '97 as second owner. OEM Trailer Tow wiring was previously disconnected and the 7-way connector removed. All can be reconnected but I am wondering if there is enhanced reliabilty or other important advantages (disadvantages?) to be gained in re-wiring the the electric brake control and the trailer battery charging lines from scratch, bypassing the OEM stuff and using heavy duty wire and components. Any opinions on how to proceed and what's best to use would be most appreciated. Thanks.

Pete.


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'97 2500 CC 4x4 5spd 3. 54LSD all stock except K&N Air, EGT&Boost Guages - next Psychotty & 4" exhaust

 

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The factory wiring is reliable and heavy enough unless you have some real loads back there. In that case, you would have to wire from the battery through a fuse block of your own. I haven't had any problems. However, I did help a coworker wire his 1500 Ram from scratch (didn't have a towing package) and it was a pain.

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2001 HO 6 spd 2500, 4. 10 LSD, Towing Package, Electric Brakes, EGT/Boost Gauges, Running Boards, K&N,
Real Backup Lights

 

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The wire for the trailer battery is no problem. The wire for the brakes won't be a problem unless you got more than 4 brakes back there. If your trailer is only a 1 or 2 axle, you'll save a lot of time just using what's there and it'll do the job just fine.

 

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I agree with all of the above. Have had good luck with factory wiring. Works better for braking than my custom setup on a previous truck.

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Ron

'96 Club Cab 2500 4x4, 4:10LS, Auto, BD Pressure Loc, Mystery Switch,TST 230/605, Cummins Chrome, Mag-Hytec rear and trans covers, Boost, Pyro and trans gauges, Optima Red Tops, All black. Tow 14k HitchHiker triple glide 5th Whl. Also use 9. 5' Lance. NRA Life Member.

 

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Like they said "use the factory wiring for up to 2 axles w/brakes". If you decide not to then you will want to consider wiring the turn/tail lights through relays so you don't melt the headlight switch.
I have a factory hitch if you need one (off a 99).

[This message has been edited by BV (edited 08-02-2000). ]

 

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Never thought of worrying about the factory wiring. Always been my trailer that I worried about.

The thing is the factory wiring is "universal" wiring while my trailer is anything but. I have found I can rely without worry on the truck's wiring being consistent to the wiring diagram provided. My trailer has someone who was color blind wire it. Cause all the wires are different and they don't run the whole length as the same color.

Invariably, when I get a new truck, like my 2001, I forget where I put my trailer wiring diagram and have to go through the hassle of figuring it out again. Only used up two of those over sized/priced 40A fuses this time. Getting better at it. Just have to keep track of the wiring diagram.

The truck is worry free, stick with it is my suggestion.

 

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Thanks for the advice guys. I will be working on it this weekend using the trailer tow package wiring. Cheers. #ad


Pete