Installing Factory Trailer Brake Controller and DIY Software Update

[HSKR R/T]

Anyone in here have the blank that they removed left over from when they installed the trailer brake?

i would buy it from you if you have no need for it.

I do not have a need for it.

 

[Ellisstrong]

I do not have a need for it.

Can you DM or tell me how much it would be to send to 30080?

 

[Ellisstrong]

I also have mine if needed

You can DM or tell me how much it would be to send it to 30080.

 

[Ctadds]

First time posting here, great site; got my brake controller installed today thanks to this thread (kudos to OP), but have not programmed it yet.

My vehicle is brand new but the screen (5 inch) is faulty and needs replacing. I'm wondering if this means the dealer will have to reprogram the computer. If so, according to what I've read here, that would wipe out the programming for the actuator. Is that right?

Also, if reprogramming needs to be done, if I have the dealer do the actuator as well, can that be tied in to my vin so that any future reprogramming will cover all the bases?

 

[HSKR R/T]

First time posting here, great site; got my brake controller installed today thanks to this thread (kudos to OP), but have not programmed it yet.

My vehicle is brand new but the screen (5 inch) is faulty and needs replacing. I'm wondering if this means the dealer will have to reprogram the computer. If so, according to what I've read here, that would wipe out the programming for the actuator. Is that right?

Also, if reprogramming needs to be done, if I have the dealer do the actuator as well, can that be tied in to my vin so that any future reprogramming will cover all the bases?

Yes, if dealer does the trailer brake controller programming, it will be added in the system, so it will show up in computer anytime you go to any dealer.

 

[Ctadds]

Great, thanks for the quick response.

 

[DigitalExpl0it]

Hello,

Thank you for this post, followed the direction on the first page on my 2020 Ram 1500 Big Horn Night Edition. Just an FYI the AlfaODB app shows some extra text before the needed options, so go through each one you will find them. The trailer app will appear in the cluster LCD panel. One thing to note, wait 10-24 hours and the trailer app will appear in the main Radio LCD screen, it just takes some time so don't freak out.

 

[PhillyPhan]

Where are you finding the AlfaOBD app? I can't find it in the appstore. I think I'm just going to end up using my laptop to connect, so where are you finding the AlfaOBD software?

 

[HSKR R/T]

Where are you finding the AlfaOBD app? I can't find it in the appstore. I think I'm just going to end up using my laptop to connect, so where are you finding the AlfaOBD software?

It's an Android app for real phones. Not available for iphones.

 

[PhillyPhan]

When you guys get to this point do you select SET and then START? I'm getting a failure.

 

[garvey593]

I have a 2020 Ram 1500, I tried selecting other body computers, but is always defaults and connects to MY21 body computer.
I changed the following all the settings mentioned in this forum (Trailer brake module, name, select, type.) It is displayed in the cluster and all settings are present in the 8.4, the gain buttons work, the cables are all secure. But it always shows 0% brake whether I press the brake pedal, or try the manual slider.
I disabled everything and re-enabled. Waited over night, tried disconnecting the battery for about 20 min, still no success.
Any thoughts?

 

[ZachcBar]

I have a 2020 Ram 1500, I tried selecting other body computers, but is always defaults and connects to MY21 body computer.
I changed the following all the settings mentioned in this forum (Trailer brake module, name, select, type.) It is displayed in the cluster and all settings are present in the 8.4, the gain buttons work, the cables are all secure. But it always shows 0% brake whether I press the brake pedal, or try the manual slider.
I disabled everything and re-enabled. Waited over night, tried disconnecting the battery for about 20 min, still no success.
Any thoughts?

Did you ever figure this out? Mine is doing the same thing as you have described.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[garvey593]

Did you ever figure this out? Mine is doing the same thing as you have described.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I did! It works fine once you plug in a trailer.
The cluster says something about a trailer being connected, then the slider and brake pedal both indicate braking percentage on the cluster.
When the trailer is disconnected the trailer brake indicator in the cluster goes back to reading just 0% regardless of you input (Pedal or slider).

 

[Sprucemooose]

Procedure works. There were a few bumps, but I used AlfaOBD ($49), BAFX OBD controller ($22) and the below TTXSPP Cable Bypass ($18) bypass using "MY 2016-17 Powernet" setting in AlfaOBD without starting the car. Works great on 2019 Big Horn option 2. Trailer shows up on console and Touch screen and recognizes me adjusting gain. Thank you

Links:
Bypass - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08ZL4LRVK?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details
OBDII - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005NLQAHS?psc=1&ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_product_details

Controller Parts I bought:

Part Number​	Part Name​	Price​	Quantity​	Total​
68277136AF​	Trailer Tow Module​	$111.26​	1​	$111.26​
68346572AB​	Module Bracket​	$1.63​	1​	$1.63​
6510468AA​	Nut​	$0.97​	3​	$2.91​
6101946​	Tapping Hex Head Screw(1 single piece)​	$1.35​	3​	$4.05​
68309259AD​	Instrument Panel Switch​	$29.90​	1​	$29.90​

$150+$18+$22+$49=$239​

 

[dsanders]

Like everyone else, I assumed a $63k truck with a tow package would have a brake controller installed when I bought my 2022 Laramie 1500 a couple of months ago, only to find out after the fact that it didn't. I'm typically a firm believer in paying someone else to work on my vehicles, but after being quoted $1006 just in labor to install one(dude INSISTED it takes his "specialist" 9 hours because he has to rewire the whole truck) by the dealer I bought the truck from, I started reading and watching videos.

Bought the OEM kit for $179 on eBay, a Chrysler cable adaptor ($18) to bypass the SGM, a vLinker OBD ($50) and JSCAN ($21) and got to work.

Being a little nervous about taking my new toy apart, I took my time to carefully follow each step to install it all, and an hour later, the hardware was done. By far the hardest part is getting the bracket in place...I used a cordless ratchet with a 12" extension, and it worked great. Ripping the prettiest part of the dashboard out of your truck is oddly satisfying...I have the 12" screen and my wife was sure I was going to crack it(which is why I did performed this little bit of surgery while she was out shopping).

Next, I plugged in the SGM cable. For anyone still wondering, it's a Y cable...you attach the two SGM plugs to one side, and the OBD to the other...you don't have to worry about the OBD plug in the truck at all. I fired up JSCAN, and it connected immediately to the truck. 30 seconds later, I was done with the programming, and after cycling the start button once, everything is there and working.

Feeling accomplished, I called the dealership back and asked again how much to install one...same dude told me $1100 plus the part, he'd need the the truck for 2 days, and it would be 6 weeks before his "specialist" could get to it. I told him it took me an hour and $268 all in, and told him he needed to hire a new guy.

Do not be afraid to try this yourself. If I can do it, anyone can...except for the "special" guy at the dealership...next project is OEM bed lights.

 

[THFD334]

Like everyone else, I assumed a $63k truck with a tow package would have a brake controller installed when I bought my 2022 Laramie 1500 a couple of months ago, only to find out after the fact that it didn't. I'm typically a firm believer in paying someone else to work on my vehicles, but after being quoted $1006 just in labor to install one(dude INSISTED it takes his "specialist" takes 9 hours because he has to rewire the whole truck) by the dealer I bought the truck from, I started reading and watching videos.

Bought the OEM kit for $179 on eBay, a Chrysler cable adaptor ($18) to bypass the SGM, a vLinker OBD ($50) and JSCAN ($21) and got to work.

Being a little nervous about taking my new toy apart, I took my time to carefully follow each step to install it all, and an hour later, the hardware was done. By far the hardest part is getting the bracket in place...I used a cordless ratchet with a 12" extension, and it worked great. Ripping the prettiest part of the dashboard out of your truck is oddly satisfying...I have the 12" screen and my wife was sure I was going to crack it(which is why I did performed this little bit of surgery while she was out shopping).

Next, I plugged in the SGM cable. For anyone still wondering, it's a Y cable...you attach the two SGM plugs to one side, and the OBD to the other...you don't have to worry about the OBD plug in the truck at all. I fired up JSCAN, and it connected immediately to the truck. 30 seconds later, I was done with the programming, and after cycling the start button once, everything is there and working.

Feeling accomplished, I called the dealership back and asked again how much to install one...same dude told me $1100 plus the part, he'd need the the truck for 2 days, and it would be 6 weeks before his "specialist" could get to it. I told him it took me an hour and $268 all in, and told him he needed to hire a new guy.

Do not be afraid to try this yourself. If I can do it, anyone can...except for the "special" guy at the dealership...next project is OEM bed lights.

Perfect! Do you have a link to the kit from eBay? And is Jscan easier than Alfa obd?

 

[dsanders]

Perfect! Do you have a link to the kit from eBay? And is Jscan easier than Alfa obd?

The link is 2019 2020 2021 2022 Ram 1500 DT OEM Trailer Brake Module 82215278AE IN STOCK | eBay As far as Jscan vs Alfa OBD, I don't know...I don't mess around with lesser phones, and Alfa OBD doesn't work on iPhones. I actually used the app on my enormous iPad, but it works the same on the phone(I can just see it easier on the iPad). That being said, I can't imagine an easier app to use than Jscan. You can download it and play around with the demo mode before you decide to spend any $ on it. I'll only ever use it on one vehicle, so paying $21 per VIN wasn't an issue for me.

 

[THFD334]

The link is 2019 2020 2021 2022 Ram 1500 DT OEM Trailer Brake Module 82215278AE IN STOCK | eBay As far as Jscan vs Alfa OBD, I don't know...I don't mess around with lesser phones, and Alfa OBD doesn't work on iPhones. I actually used the app on my enormous iPad, but it works the same on the phone(I can just see it easier on the iPad). That being said, I can't imagine an easier app to use than Jscan. You can download it and play around with the demo mode before you decide to spend any $ on it. I'll only ever use it on one vehicle, so paying $21 per VIN wasn't an issue for me.

That sounds good! I’m an iPhone guy as well. I did buy a cheapo android tablet for Alfa but I’d rather use an iPhone compatible program.

 

[HSKR R/T]

That sounds good! I’m an iPhone guy as well. I did buy a cheapo android tablet for Alfa but I’d rather use an iPhone compatible program.

Just know, jscan doesn't offer the full capabilities that alfaOBD has.

 

[dsanders]

Just know, jscan doesn't offer the full capabilities that alfaOBD has.

It turns stuff on and off, which is all I'll ever need out of it. The interface is really easy to use and in plain language. I'm sure alfaOBD is great, but it's overkill for me...and I'd have to use one of those silly Android things.