Brake Controller: Factory vs Aftermarket

[Knotty]

I need to add a brake controller to my 2026 Big Horn 1500. Is there any advantage to going with the factory controller vs an aftermarket? I have my eye on the Redarc Tow-Pro Link, which looks like a simple install and can easily be moved to a different truck if I ever sell my RAM. It would also cost less than the factory device. Am I missing something? Does the factory controller better integrate with the truck to provide functionality beyond just trailer brake control?

 

[Granite Goat]

I believe the factory one might display some things on the screen whereas an aftermarket one does not. I transferred my Tekonsha Prodigy P3 from my 2018 Durango to my 2026 Ram Big Horn 1500. I haven't towed with it yet as I was waiting for tow module recall (which was completed earlier this week). But it is a simple plug & play operation and appears to recognize the trailer and actuate the brakes.

The only real issue with an aftermarket one is where to mount the controller so that it is accessible but won't bash your knee or get torn off while entering or exiting the truck. I have a post here with a few pics and tips.

 

[2025 Ram Limited]

I believe the factory one might display some things on the screen whereas an aftermarket one does not. I transferred my Tekonsha Prodigy P3 from my 2018 Durango to my 2026 Ram Big Horn 1500. I haven't towed with it yet as I was waiting for tow module recall (which was completed earlier this week). But it is a simple plug & play operation and appears to recognize the trailer and actuate the brakes.

The only real issue with an aftermarket one is where to mount the controller so that it is accessible but won't bash your knee or get torn off while entering or exiting the truck. I have a post here with a few pics and tips.

What did they do to your truck for the recall? I don't really tow and don't want to spend the time waiting for it while at the dealer.

 

[Granite Goat]

They replaced the tow module on the back cab wall behind the back seat. Dropped my truck off at 8:30AM and they were done with it by 1PM. If you don't get the recall done, you run the risk of your trailer lights and/or trailer brakes suddenly not working. It is a big safety issue. If you don't have it done, you will be passing the problem on to the next owner.

 

[2025 Ram Limited]

They replaced the tow module on the back cab wall behind the back seat. Dropped my truck off at 8:30AM and they were done with it by 1PM. If you don't get the recall done, you run the risk of your trailer lights and/or trailer brakes suddenly not working. It is a big safety issue. If you don't have it done, you will be passing the problem on to the next owner.

I don't have a trailer or trailer brake controls.

 

[Granite Goat]

I don't have a trailer or trailer brake controls.

It's ultimately your decision on what to do. The tow module is present regardless of whether or not you have the integrated brake controller as all Ram 1500s are equipped with a basic towing package (hitch and lights).

If you never anticipate hooking up a trailer of any sort, never loaning it to someone else will be towing with it, and owning it until it is no longer operable; then you can rest easy.

Millions of owners of recalled cars with exploding shrapnel airbags never had the recall done, and they're still injuring people more than 10 years after the recalls were issued.

 

[Knotty]

I believe the factory one might display some things on the screen whereas an aftermarket one does not. I transferred my Tekonsha Prodigy P3 from my 2018 Durango to my 2026 Ram Big Horn 1500. I haven't towed with it yet as I was waiting for tow module recall (which was completed earlier this week). But it is a simple plug & play operation and appears to recognize the trailer and actuate the brakes.

The only real issue with an aftermarket one is where to mount the controller so that it is accessible but won't bash your knee or get torn off while entering or exiting the truck. I have a post here with a few pics and tips.

If the only things the factory controller provides on the screen is menus to set the braking level and sensitivity, I can do w/o that. I just want to be sure there isn't more to it.

With regard to the Redarc Tow-Pro Link, the interface w. brake button has a USB cable and can be affixed almost anywhere. The actual controller electronics get mounted under the vehicle, near the rear bumper. No under dash mounting needed.

Tow-Pro Link | REDARC

The ultimate solution for convenient and safe trailer braking featuring plug and play setup. Learn more online here.

www.redarcelectronics.com

 

[Ripper]

Millions of owners of recalled cars with exploding shrapnel airbags never had the recall done, and they're still injuring people more than 10 years after the recalls were issued.

I had an 03 Tundra with the airbag recall. Th recall was in October 2012. I got rid of the truck in late 2014, 2 years later, and they still didn't have the parts to fix it. Not specific to the Tundra. There were so many cars/trucks recalled for bad airbags the parts availability was virtually non-existent and I would be willing to bet a lot never got fixed and it was not due to the owners neglecting to have it done. It was due to no parts available.