Installing a Mopar Trailer Brake Controller in a 2025 RAM 1500

[RamTruckMan]

There’s been a lot of problems with installing a Mopar TBC in 2025 RAM 1500s. Dealers (a lot of them) don’t know because their parts guys don’t have the right information. The 2025 has a new CAN bus architecture which makes previous years’ TBCs incompatible.

In the 2025, the TBC Module is behind the rear seats. Depending on how your truck was built you’ll have one of 2 options to install a Mopar TBC.

(EDIT: These data and part numbers are for 12” screens, There is currently no part for 14.4”)

OPTION 1: If you have a cable harness coming out of the existing TBC module with a tag saying PN: 68601443AA (the part number tag for the harness can be seen from under the rear seats), you only need part numbers:
68569520AB: TBC Module
68618899AA: Switch
And for the dealer to add the sales code to your VIN and perform a proxy alignment. You can also verify the correct cabling if you look behind the space where the switch will go (take off the faceplate for your infotainment) and verify that there are 2 connectors back there.

OPTION 2: If you don’t have the cable with PN: 68601443AA installed, you’ll need the full kit along with getting it added to your VIN.

The full kit is PN: 82219240aa, which is on back order (as of 12/20/24), includes the above 3 parts - cable, switch & module.

EXTRA Information:
The 2025 RAM 1500 has 3 different TBC modules available.
The standard one is just trailer lights.
The one above is lights and brakes.
The third is for trailer lights, brakes and TPMS (NOT included in this post).

My hope, is that this will provide comprehensive answers for anyone looking to add a Mopar TBC.

My Big Horn’s TBC was successfully added using the first option.

Thanks to @Cbty2050 for helping solidify this information.

 

[Jason2215]

I appreciate you posting this. Just purchased our ‘25 1500 Rebel this evening thinking it would be an easy process like every other aftermarket controller I’ve installed only to find out this mess. I would’ve held out for a truck with the factory option had I known!

I’m hoping our dealer can do the above without issue.

Are you saying they can install the OEM controller to the dash and it will look factory or will I be able to utilize an aftermarket controller? I’m ok either way as long as I can do one or the other. I don’t need trailer tpms I just want my trailer brakes and lights to work

 

[RamTruckMan]

I appreciate you posting this. Just purchased our ‘25 1500 Rebel this evening thinking it would be an easy process like every other aftermarket controller I’ve installed only to find out this mess. I would’ve held out for a truck with the factory option had I known!

I’m hoping our dealer can do the above without issue.

Are you saying they can install the OEM controller to the dash and it will look factory or will I be able to utilize an aftermarket controller? I’m ok either way as long as I can do one or the other. I don’t need trailer tpms I just want my trailer brakes and lights to work

The above is just for MOPAR install and the parts listed are just for the brakes and lights. It looks and integrates (under the head unit and electronically) perfectly.
I edited the OP to mention that the TBC with TPMS is not included in the information above.

 

[firecadet613]

Great summary, a lot of info here from earlier this year.

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

May 28, 2024

I added the switch to the dash. However, where the control box should be mounted under the dash is different. There is a square black plastic box mounted where the bracket for the control box should be mounted.
Sorry - did not take a picture.
Called a few dealers, but they have not installed one in 2025 yet.
also, cannot find the wires.

• azzx
• Replies: 112
• Forum: 5th Gen General Discussion

 

[RamTruckMan]

Great summary, a lot of info here from earlier this year.

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

May 28, 2024

I added the switch to the dash. However, where the control box should be mounted under the dash is different. There is a square black plastic box mounted where the bracket for the control box should be mounted.
Sorry - did not take a picture.
Called a few dealers, but they have not installed one in 2025 yet.
also, cannot find the wires.

• azzx
• Replies: 112
• Forum: 5th Gen General Discussion

Thanks and I’m aware of the other thread. I helped figure it out within/for that thread, then decided to create a clean, decisive thread to provide a one stop shop for the info.

 

[Jason2215]

I ordered the two parts above this morning after talking to parts and service depts. Veteran service tech didn’t believe me about the TBC move on the ‘25s.

He was able to look up my VIN on his computer and apparently could tell that I should have the two 4 pin connectors behind the dash. That may help someone later if they read this.

I’ll report back after install but parts aren’t supposed to get here until mid/late Jan 2025. Looks like I’ll be the guinea pig for this dealership.

 

[RamTruckMan]

I ordered the two parts above this morning after talking to parts and service depts. Veteran service tech didn’t believe me about the TBC move on the ‘25s.

He was able to look up my VIN on his computer and apparently could tell that I should have the two 4 pin connectors behind the dash. That may help someone later if they read this.

I’ll report back after install but parts aren’t supposed to get here until mid/late Jan 2025. Looks like I’ll be the guinea pig for this dealership.

Unfortunately, it seems like RAM didn’t properly educate their licensed technicians on a myriad of changes. The TBC setup and module location being only one. The 2025 RAM is a weird update that’s a cross between a generation and a refresh. There’s bunches of small, yet consequential changes.

 

[sigiman]

Thanks for the info. Just came across this forum as I was researching installing the brake controller. I have the wiring harness with the correct P/N installed so I am hoping I can install the module without removing the seats. How do I get to the module without removing the seats. 2025 Laramie. Thanks

 

[RamTruckMan]

Maybe @Cbty2050 can answer that succinctly, I’m not a tech, but I don’t think you can.

 

[sigiman]

Ok Thanks I was at the dealer trying to purchase 68569520-AB and he told me that for my vin I need 68569521-AB only changed by one number. Does this make sense. I have gone back and read this whole thread and a few like it and I am kind of get what needs to happen, I am just amazed at how the dealers don't know the answers and don't seem to keep the products in stock. Thanks to everyone who has added information

 

[RamTruckMan]

Not to me, but Mopar updates parts all the time. I thought only the letters changed though

 

[Smon222]

There’s been a lot of problems with installing a Mopar TBC in 2025 RAM 1500s. Dealers (a lot of them) don’t know because their parts guys don’t have the right information. The 2025 has a new CAN bus architecture which makes previous years’ TBCs incompatible.

In the 2025, the TBC Module is behind the rear seats. Depending on how your truck was built you’ll have one of 2 options to install a Mopar TBC.

OPTION 1: If you have a cable harness coming out of the existing TBC module with a tag saying PN: 68601443AA (the part number tag for the harness can be seen from under the rear seats), you only need part numbers:
68569520AB: TBC Module
68618899AA: Switch
And for the dealer to program your VIN. You can also verify the correct cabling if you look behind the space where the switch will go (take off the faceplate for your infotainment) and verify that there are 2 connectors back there.

OPTION 2: If you don’t have the cable with PN: 68601443AA installed, you’ll need the full kit along with getting it added to your VIN.

The full kit is PN: 82219240aa, which is on back order (as of 12/20/24), includes the above 3 parts - cable, switch & module.

EXTRA Information:
The 2025 RAM 1500 has 3 different TBC modules available.
The standard one is just trailer lights.
The one above is lights and brakes.
The third is for trailer lights, brakes and TPMS (NOT included in this post).

My hope, is that this will provide comprehensive answers for anyone looking to add a Mopar TBC.

My Big Horn’s TBC was successfully added using the first option.

Thanks to @Cbty2050 for helping solidify this information.

I purchased a 2025 Ram Rebel X with the 14.4 radio without the Trailer Brake Controller. The dealership is giving me issues and saying the parts they ordered will not work because my truck doesn't have the correct harness setup that includes 2 blue plugs underneath the steering column. AND they could not program it.

I found a Mopar Parts dealer online that has a Trailer Brake Controller for the 2025 14.4" radio ONLY. I gave them my vin and they said my truck is prewired. So I am so lost as to what to do and who is telling me the truth. I have a We Owe from the dealer for a Trailer Brake but they want to install an aftermarket now. Thoughts?

I

 

[Horns33]

I just got off the phone with my dealer and he called Mopar directly to find out what was going on. They told him that the module for the 14.4” display was not available yet. It should be coming out mid February. The 12” display is available now.

 

[Jason2215]

@RamTruckMan @Cbty2050 Have a bit of an update on my own dilemma with this and hoping you can add your .02 cents (for myself and for others). Just a short recap I have 68601443AA behind the seat. I ordered, through the dealer,
68569520AB: TBC Module
68618899AA: Switch
Those parts arrived. I am now being told by the dealer that "there is a wiring harness that is on back order that we do not have for your truck to install the trailer brake controller and switch. You have to add pins to that wiring harness that is already there. This is the part that's on back order."

"The kit that has the switch and the module includes that wiring. The wiring is not available separately. The controller and switch will not work without the needed wiring that is on back order."

This seems to go against what is stated above in your instructions. Is the dealer incorrect? Or is there a part of this I'm not understanding, and I don't have the needed wiring even though I have 68601443AA?

 

[RamTruckMan]

It is 100% my understanding that you are correct. @Cbty2050 can confirm.
If your wire leaving your module is that number, it’s correct and terminates behind the infotainment panel in the correct 2 plugs. Therefore you only need the switch and module.

Who is telling you this? Parts or Service?

 

[Jason2215]

I am certain your right. I need to figure out a way to convince the dealer. lol. I actually sent Cbty2050 a DM, so I'm sure I'm already pestering him to his limit, but hoping he can provide a specific direction I can give the dealer that I'm somehow not already conveying to them.

 

[Cbty2050]

Tell that dealer to have a tech unhook the module and look at the wiring, it's all there. You do not need to remove the seat to get to the module connector.

 

[Jason2215]

I assume they will at least be able to identify which wires they are looking for when they unplug it lol. Pray for me. I'll call them now.

EDIT, they're stating they can but there are panels they need to remove to do so.

 

[Jason2215]

Quick follow up on this as I asked the dealership to install the module and the switch. They did, and I was told the harness does not have the required wires. So, I had to order the whole kit (side note it sounds like I'll have an extra switch and TBC module available if anyone is interested). Also, since the harness/module isn't set up correctly the Odometer is flashing and I may get an ABS light which will be fun until the kit comes in. Wanted to put this out there in case anyone needs the info. I do have the 68601443AA, but again, apparently does not have the correct wiring.

 

[RamTruckMan]

Quick follow up on this as I asked the dealership to install the module and the switch. They did, and I was told the harness does not have the required wires. So, I have to wait until the kit can be ordered in order to get them apparently. Also, since the harness/module isn't set up correctly the Odometer is flashing and I may get an ABS light which will be fun. Wanted to put this out there in case anyone needs the info. I do have the 68601443AA, but again, apparently does not have the correct wiring.

@Cbty2050 Thoughts?