Installing Factory Trailer Brake Controller and DIY Software Update

[Sigfla]

I am having the same problem as a few others here. I installed my mopar TBC and activated via JScan. I have the settings menu on uconnect and my dash shows the gain and trailer menu. However I had to do a factory reboot of my radio to get the trailer/towing app and gauges app/widget to show. It only lasted for 24 hours then it disappeared. Will a dealer sales code flash added to my vin fix the issue? I added cargo lights to my truck w/out the sales code flash just Jscan activation and they haven’t been removed. I know others who have added amp steps again w/out a sales code flash and had no issues. Why is the TBC app being zapped by my internal modem?

 

[Slutzk]

Hi,

I have a '22 Bighorn Level 1 (details in signature). I bought the following parts separately:

68277136AF trailer tow module
68309259AC switch instrument panel
68346572AB module bracket
6510468AA x3 nuts
6101946 x3 screws

All of these parts cost me exactly $150.36 plus about $15 shipping from BAM Wholesale. I spent an additional $150 plus tax to have it installed at the dealership, which included programming. So "all in" about $330.

The complete kit (82215278AF) that includes all these parts costs about $300 (plus installation). I would not recommend buying the kit...rip off.

If you don't mind digging into the dash, and have and are comfortable with AlfaOBD or similar tools, you can get this project done for about half of what I paid (i.e., around $165).

Thank you to everyone that contributed to this thread and helped me along the way (even if you did not know you were doing it)!

Glad i have been scrolling through this for a while and found this post. I was looking up kits and finding them for like 300-350$ JUST the kit and figured i was doing something wrong or inflation from the original post over 3-4 years have made them that expensive. THANK YOU. Im dumb when it comes to all the bypass, jscan, alph, obd2, tazer, all that stuff and dont have any of it, also dont trust myself doing it, installing no problem but not all that, my dumbass will delete the whole software of the truck somehow lol. Ill be taking mine to the stealership as well. So did you just show up with this kit and say here, install it and that was it or did you need anything else?

 

[22Ram1500InAR]

Glad i have been scrolling through this for a while and found this post. I was looking up kits and finding them for like 300-350$ JUST the kit and figured i was doing something wrong or inflation from the original post over 3-4 years have made them that expensive. THANK YOU. Im dumb when it comes to all the bypass, jscan, alph, obd2, tazer, all that stuff and dont have any of it, also dont trust myself doing it, installing no problem but not all that, my dumbass will delete the whole software of the truck somehow lol. Ill be taking mine to the stealership as well. So did you just show up with this kit and say here, install it and that was it or did you need anything else?

I apologize for the slow reply.

I asked my local dealer if I purchased the kit if they would install it and they said yes. I purchased all the Mopar parts separately essentially creating my own kit. They could not tell the difference. Totally worth it in my opinion to have them install and setup. I do plenty of AlfaOBD hacks on my own — basically stuff you can’t get on the Bighorn L1, but didn’t think this one made sense to do on my own since it was a dealer installable option. Same for the LED lights. I did install those on my own — much simpler install, but had them activate them.

 

[HSKR R/T]

I apologize for the slow reply.

I asked my local dealer if I purchased the kit if they would install it and they said yes. I purchased all the Mopar parts separately essentially creating my own kit. They could not tell the difference. Totally worth it in my opinion to have them install and setup. I do plenty of AlfaOBD hacks on my own — basically stuff you can’t get on the Bighorn L1, but didn’t think this one made sense to do on my own since it was a dealer installable option. Same for the LED lights. I did install those on my own — much simpler install, but had them activate them.

Why didn't it make sense to do on your own, since you already have, and are familiar with, alfaObd? Install is easy. Set up is easy and it's just like if dealer did it.

 

[22Ram1500InAR]

Why didn't it make sense to do on your own, since you already have, and are familiar with, alfaObd? Install is easy. Set up is easy and it's just like if dealer did it.

I thought someone might ask. I’m a purist. Now when I check the VIN (build sheet) for my truck through RAM it shows the trailer brake controller and LED bed lights. In the unlikely event I need my body computer restored these things would be restored as well.

I’ve run harnesses, added sensors and unlocked stuff such as the vehicle theft alarm that is not available on my trim level. I’m ok doing that when there is no other way. And to me the dealership is the best way to go for add ons they can do. Plus I feel like I worked a pretty good deal since I did both trailer brake controller and LED (just config) at the same time. They only charged me for one (or less, I can’t remember).

To some this will not make sense. To me it does.

 

[derekws]

Anyone has any updates on where to get the whole trailer brake controller kit for a 2022 ram limited? Also can you buy this part used ?

 

[azzx]

It just was released a week ago - so no used version out there
You should get it from your dealer. They will try to charge you $351 plus.
you can get it for $250 from the dealer or order online.

 

[Grover70]

I just installed the trailer brake system on my 2020 Ram Big Horn. I went cheap and did go aftermarket. The hardest part of the install for me was the module under the dash. I ended up using sheet metal screws and that worked splendidly. The dealer programmed it for $100 and it is working like a champ. Great, detailed, instructions. Nice work!

 

[HSKR R/T]

Anyone has any updates on where to get the whole trailer brake controller kit for a 2022 ram limited? Also can you buy this part used ?

Ebay

 

[22Ram1500InAR]

Anyone has any updates on where to get the whole trailer brake controller kit for a 2022 ram limited? Also can you buy this part used ?

You can put together your own kit for cheap. Double check part numbers.

Installing Factory Trailer Brake Controller and DIY Software Update

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. I feel the same way about Apple devices

5thgenrams.com

 

[Stillwater]

Step 8: Remove the plastic cover just above the driver side footwell. There are 2 screws holding it in and 3 or so clips on either side. Basically very similar to the center stack in removal. Just like in the center console you will want to remove all of the plugs. No need to do anything with the pull for the hood release, that can stay in place, just disconnect the plugs.
View attachment 31415
View attachment 31417
View attachment 31418

Step 9: install the bracket that the trailer brake controller snaps into. This is not too bad. I made use of a long phillips screwdriver to get one of the screws in, but it could have been done without this very unique specialty tool
/*Pro Tip: Run the screws into the nutplates before you go to install the bracket. This is not 100% necessary, but will make the installation easier on you.*/

The bracket
View attachment 31419
A nutplate
View attachment 31420
A nutplate installed!
View attachment 31421
The bracket installed. The location is in the driver footwell, right up against the center console. You will see this location in there once you get the cover off and look toward the center of your truck but under the dash. Also, that plug and wires in the picture, it is about to have its day in the sun.
View attachment 31422

I installed the brake control module over the weekend, there are considerable differences for my 2017 model - 1. center console has to be removed (screws and side bolts out to slide back 3") in order to pull the center dash cover, then the worst part of it is the module bracket which comes with screws for attaching from the backside of the under-dash brace, no access, no room for tools, barely able to get supplied screws into under-dash brace holes. Save yourself lots of cussing - drill out the module bracket holes and use zip ties to mount to under-dash brace (I added furniture bottom felts at each of the mounting points to help keep zip ties tight and as insurance against future noise). I was quoted $180 from local dealer to update ECU, $680 for complete job. On here for OBD Scanner recommendations to do it myself. Mopar kit was $285.

 

[northernramer]

Hello everyone, first post here and of course it is friday evening and in the heat of the moment. Installed OEM hardware and using the y cable. I think I may not be plugging the y cable into the correct location. Not using the security bypass hardware, just the y cable to bypass. I tried plugging into location where brake module/computer goes behind dash....no joy. Tried unplugging 2 cables at the security module location and used them....no joy. Alpha BDS android s22 ultra and nothing....it connects to my ancel bd200 via bluetooth. Just does not seem to be able to connect to the truck. I can use the ancel app to see vehicle info etc. Any tips please would be greatly appreciated! cheers! 2022 RAM 1500 Sport hemi

 

[HSKR R/T]

Hello everyone, first post here and of course it is friday evening and in the heat of the moment. Installed OEM hardware and using the y cable. I think I may not be plugging the y cable into the correct location. Not using the security bypass hardware, just the y cable to bypass. I tried plugging into location where brake module/computer goes behind dash....no joy. Tried unplugging 2 cables at the security module location and used them....no joy. Alpha BDS android s22 ultra and nothing....it connects to my ancel bd200 via bluetooth. Just does not seem to be able to connect to the truck. I can use the ancel app to see vehicle info etc. Any tips please would be greatly appreciated! cheers! 2022 RAM 1500 Sport hemi

The SGW bypass cable can only plug into one spot.

 

[Clayton58]

I bought my required parts in Airdrie AB. Instead of the packaged kit I purchased the bracket, module and controller separately. Saved a few dollars that way. Cost was under $500 cad.Installed on less than 1 hour. Used Alphaobd ll. Info showed up in cluster but not radio. I have the 12inch. Will check flashing was correctly done..

 

[HSKR R/T]

I bought my required parts in Airdrie AB. Instead of the packaged kit I purchased the bracket, module and controller separately. Saved a few dollars that way. Cost was under $500 cad.Installed on less than 1 hour. Used Alphaobd ll. Info showed up in cluster but not radio. I have the 12inch. Will check flashing was correctly done..

It may take a day for everything to show up

 

[22Ram1500InAR]

I agree... but I was concerned about timing as I need the brakes to work today ( I had to have it working in three days) So, to be sure I had the stealership flash the truck. It's funny how when I made the appt, they asked for "code" off the paperwork for the brake controller... (I purchased a kit via Amazon) and tossed the paperwork after the install. They "weren't sure if they could program it" I let them know in no uncertain terms that, 1.) yes they could program it, and 2.) No they didn't need the "code". Thanks to this forum, I was an educated consumer, and knew what they needed to do. So 45 min and $125.00 later, my truck's trailer brake has been flashed. It shows up on the display as well as on the radio display. For future changes I do plan on getting the OBD2 connector, Security Gateway Bypass and probably Jscan so I can use my apple device to make changes as I need. Thanks to this forum, I'm a happy RAM owner.

I own, and I am comfortable using AlfaOBD. Nonetheless, I chose to have the dealer program the trailer brake controller and my LED bed lights. Both of these are ‘dealer installed options’, and after the dealership’s programming, both options show up on my ‘build sheet’. They programmed both for $75, or 30 mins labor.

For other features not available on my Bighorn, like auto high beams or rain sensing wipers, I am fine programming myself.