New R-Pod 179. Question about trailer brakes - Event Date: 29 Jul 2016

Thank you.  Here's the final word on the problem/confusion.  Some 2013 RAM trucks with the tow package did include a trailer brake.  If it was installed, you would have two switches on the far left below the radio/gps display and above the "tow haul" switch.  We did NOT have the switches, so knew we did not have the factory trailer brake.  As it turns out RAM did try to prevent 3rd party trailer brakes by assigning different signals to the wiring than normal, but of course, the third parties figured it out and you can safely purchase 3rd party brake controllers.  I ordered the Tekonsha P-3 proportional controller and the 3023P brake control wiring adapter.  Total was about $170 and etrailer.com has a really great video showing installation (which looks easy).  The same option from RAM would be about $250 in parts and another $250 in labor - the install is not at all easy so best to have the dealer do it - but it's more integrated when finished. (From an aesthetics standpoint I mean).

Thank you again to all the senior members who posted help on this one.  We are REALLY newbies and only hope to minimize our mistakes.

Happy Trails!!!

Linda

In case that bulletin doesn't display as a .pdf, let me try again with a copy paste function:

The electrical system on the 2013 Ram trucks has changed. Though the brake control connector is the same as the 2010-2012, the wire functions have changed. The terminal that used to be the stop light signal, now has battery voltage, whenever the ignition is in the run position. According to Dodge, it is not possible to install an aftermarket electric trailer brake control into these trucks. Dodge says, that “the 2013 Ram has “Powernet” and utilizes multiplex wiring that is different from any previous design’s, therefore, your aftermarket trailer brake control is not compatible”

IF your Dodge has the factory trailer tow pkg, it has the wiring plug right there for the controller.

I've never heard of a tow vehicle that cannot accept an after-market brake controller.  That doesn't sound right at all.  Some pickups come with built-in factory-installed brake controllers.  Does yours?  If so, then you already have what you need (unless you want to upgrade to a better brake controller).  If it doesn't, then I'm quite certain you can install any after-market controller you choose.  Not a bad idea to have the dealer do it if you're not comfortable working on cars, crawling around under dash boards, etc., however.

Ditto what sailor323 said.  Sounds like there's some confusion on your part about brakes vs. brake controller.  By law, R-pods must have brakes because of their weight (at least in most states).  Therefore, Forest River equips them with self-adjusting electric brakes.  If you don't have a brake controller installed (as well as the proper wiring), the brakes on your trailer will not be functional. 

I can't believe a dealer would have let you purchase an RV and drive off the lot without explaining this to you, and hopefully, installing the proper equipment (or making sure that you know what to install yourself).  This is a dangerous situation.  That salesman should be given both a tongue-lashing as well as an education.  I would complain, and complain loudly, to the dealer about this.  And I probably wouldn't give them any more of my business, but would have another competent auto repair or RV dealer install a good brake controller on my tow vehicle.