Has anyone added a factory trailer brake controller to a 2025 yet?

[RVTRKN]

This post is not critiquing the new Ram, rather giving members who spent their savings to buy the new Ram another way to afford an electric brake controller. $1000.00 for a Trailer Brake Controller, if not equipped, is ridiculous, and for less than 300.00 for DIY'ers, you can wire in an aftermarket controller, and that would include the 7 pin connector, If Ram has figured out a way of keeping their 7 pin outlet at the bumper from using it. The only down side, no data for trailer towing info, as well as T/H not shutting off, if trailer is still connected while truck is off, and controlling it through the Radio. If I bought the 2025 W/O the EBC I would consider that way. If you have the money, than the OE kit is the way to go, but I'd feel raped after the high cost of the truck.

 

[Whoa_Ram]

Happy I got one that had the brake controller already installed. The first one I was looking at didn't and it ran through my mind, well it's an easy install just like my 21!

I'm worried now that adding passive door handles might be out of the question later.

 

[nopi45]

I am about to get a Curt Echo Bluetooth break controller for a temporary solution.

My dealerships saying the OEM ones are on back order and there seems no plug and play solutions from stand a loan unit.

I let y’all know if it works or not incase anyone is like me and has to have one ASAP.

 

[azzx]

Update:
My dealer installed the brake controller yesterday.
1- yes, it is behind the rear seat
2- per the tech that installed mine, it was plug-and-play and he did not have to use the wires that are included in the kit
3- Looks like it is functional from SW perspective, I can set gain and select trailer brake type.
*** Functionality to be validated when I hook it up to my trailer sometime next week.

Questions:
1- since I have a big horn with the basic screen and dash. When I squeeze the controller, screen pops up in the center display for a few seconds. Looks like that there
is no dedicated screen on the center dash for the trailer controller function.
Do any of you with the factory controller installed from the factory have a dedicated screen on the center dash?

 

[Whoa_Ram]

That's awesome news for the people that didn't order it.

On the upgraded 7" cluster there is a dedicated trailer brake page. Sorry I can't help for the smaller cluster.

 

[RVTRKN]

Update:
My dealer installed the brake controller yesterday.
1- yes, it is behind the rear seat
2- per the tech that installed mine, it was plug-and-play and he did not have to use the wires that are included in the kit
3- Looks like it is functional from SW perspective, I can set gain and select trailer brake type.
*** Functionality to be validated when I hook it up to my trailer sometime next week.

Questions:
1- since I have a big horn with the basic screen and dash. When I squeeze the controller, screen pops up in the center display for a few seconds. Looks like that there
is no dedicated screen on the center dash for the trailer controller function.
Do any of you with the factory controller installed from the factory have a dedicated screen on the center dash?

Thats good to hear, did the dealer charge as much as you initially posted, seeing how its plug and play? If the included wire harness is not needed, did they expound on the fact its plug and play, so DIY'ers can perform the labor, then have the dealer flash your truck updating it?

 

[azzx]

After i picked up the truck and came home last night, I noticed the wires lying on the back seat. I went back to the dealer for another issue this morning and the tech told me that my truck was already pre-wired, just needed the new module. He said it took him an hour to get the new module to "talk" to the truck.

The actual functionality is to be verified when I get up north and hook it up to my trailer next week.

The cost was zero - RAM/Stellantis picked up the tab. ( I have a long list of complaints with the Stellanits execs). So they agreed to pay the dealer for part/labor.

 

[azzx]

Update:
Hooked up my trailer and looks like everything works.
I did not pull out the trailer from my driveway, so the truck did not display the trailer length for BSM.
Brakes work.
So, in my case, it was a plug-and-play of the new module behind the back seat.

 

[RVTRKN]

Honestly, I feel completely ripped off, that this was made intentionally difficult to circumvent you being able to use a 50.00 aftermarket part, and after leasing a new Ram 1500 Limited every single 2-3 years since I dunno like 2000 I think... I'm getting an F150 when my lease is up. Tired of this ********. **** you, Dodge.

I just drove 700 miles in two different 2024 Lariat 150's, good luck with that, I wasn't impressed.

Yes they thought let's screw with Scott and make the trailer brake a little harder to install and set up. Knowing you want an trailer brake and you know your lease is ending, why wouldn't you just order a truck with the trailer brake installed?

How can we know they changed something as simple as a brake controller install. The past trucks was easy plug and play if not equipped.

 

[Cbty2050]

How can we know they changed something as simple as a brake controller install.

They completely changed the electrical system. What didn't they change that is electrical in the 2025 model?

 

[RVTRKN]

They completely changed the electrical system. What didn't they change that is electrical in the 2025 model?

Who knows, I don't even think they know apparently.

 

[Scotttrent]

I bought my 2025 Ram last week. It did not come equipped with the factory electronic brake controller. I called yesterday and they thought they had the correct controller. I dropped it off at the dealer and they called and said the controller they had would not work on my truck. He’s working the phones trying to find the correct controller. I’m on my way to get my truck. Hopefully he can find the right controller and get it ordered soon.

 

[Scotttrent]

Follow up. The dealership told me these controllers are on back order from the mothership and he expects it to be at least 30 days. He said he would call me. Disappointed.

 

[22BoB]

I'm just curious if i install OEM trailer brake controller kit myself, do i have to get dealer activate the program (re-config and activate the trailer brake controller)? thx

 

[azzx]

Yes - dealer needs to program on 2025.
Remember - the controller is behind the rear seat. The switch is on the dash - same as before
I have the install instructions somewhere on this thread.

 

[22BoB]

Yes - dealer needs to program on 2025.
Remember - the controller is behind the rear seat. The switch is on the dash - same as before
I have the install instructions somewhere on this thread.

thx azzx and do you know how much did they charge you just for activate it?

i do have installation instruction from mopar dealer part store i bought it from

 

[azzx]

I paid zero- FCA picked up the tab due to too many issues and my complaints to the Stellantis executives.
Unless you have an honest dealer, I would expect at least 200 bucks for programming.
In my case, the tech did not use the wire bundle that came with the kit.

 

[RVTRKN]

I paid zero- FCA picked up the tab due to too many issues and my complaints to the Stellantis executives.
Unless you have an honest dealer, I would expect at least 200 bucks for programming.
In my case, the tech did not use the wire bundle that came with the kit.

After following your dilemma on your TBC, I didn't know that it cost you $0.00 for the programing of it, so what was your final cost after completion. I'm glad the dealer took care of it for free, I'm sure they had alot in getting it comped.

 

[azzx]

The controller was at cost $250

 

[Cbty2050]

At the dealer, we are verify that the connector at the module has the wiring installed. If it does we order the module and switch only. Install and program them for $500 installed and programed.