2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Wiring question

[LHerbert]

Hi,



I'm new to both this board and diesel. I just bought a 98. 5, 2500, Quad Cab, long bed. I have installed my 5th wheel hitch and started installing a 7 pin connector in the bed. When I crawled under the back I found a Draw Tite ModuliteHD unit wired in between the bumper mounted 7 pin connector and the trucks harness. It doesn't seem to be working properly and I was going to remove it but Draw Tite sez it is "Great for late model Dodge pickups, Ford Crown Victorias and Mercury Grand Marquis' equipped with lamp-out sensors or any other application where the additional load of trailer lights may adversely affect the vehicle's electrical system. "



Has anyone had any "adverse affect on the electrical system" by wiring directly into the rear light circuits? Should I get rid of the Draw Tite unit and wire directly into the truck harness or should I replace the Draw Tite unit with a new one? I'm told there should be a factory plug under there but it seems that was cut off by the previous connector installer.



Thanks in advance,

Lyle

 

[FourBarR]

there are lots of problems with wiring in to existing wires. overheating and failure of the head light switch is the main one. the factory trailer tow package has a relay in it which takes the load off the switch. hope this helps. good luck.

 

[Silver_Ram]

I don't know if the wiring on your truck is the same as mine, but I bought a kit from the dealer that simply plugs in between the taillights on both sides. It came with it's own relay & you run 2 wires - 1 to power & the other ties into the blue wire for the trailer brake. I installed the 7 pin conector in the bed side right behind the drivers side wheel well. It works great with my 5th wheel.



It cost me $100. 00 & it's basically it's own circuit.

 

[LHerbert]

Thanks guys. Silver was that harness from DC kind of a "T" shaped setup? I think I've seen something like that on line.



Thanks again,

Lyle

 

[Silver_Ram]

Nope, it has the stock connectors and their opposites, so it's a plug and play set-up. I liked the part of it being it's own circuit.