Community Forums

tampabiker · 07-23-2015, 12:06 PM

I have a question for you. I've got a new Ram 3500 truck and I'm going to pick up a 2014 DRV Suites 38 TKSB3 trailer in a few days. Will the trailer wire harness plug right into the truck with no modifications? I know the wire pinouts of the truck receptacle, but I can't find the DRV plug specs anywhere. Also, what's the best way to set the trailer brake controller in the truck? The trailer has the Mor/Ryde I/S along with disc brakes. Thanks for any help you can give me.

450Donn · 07-23-2015, 12:30 PM

All of the 7 pin harnesses use the standard Bargman design. The only difference is some plugs have flat blades, some use a round pin configuration.

mcumbie · 07-23-2015, 01:47 PM

I have a 2014 Ram 3500 and was initially confused by the manual concerning how to set up the integrated trailer brake settings. The manual is not clear as to where you navigate through the set up and I was trying to find it through the EVIC display...you have to use the display in the center of the dash and access the settings through there....my dealership did not even know how to adjust it. The factory settings are on light electric, so I am guessing yours will be the same default....you will have to change it to heavy electric or your brakes will be basically ineffective on the 5th wheel.....I knew I had a problem as soon as I hooked up and started a rolling test.

You can set up to 4 or 5 preset trailer bake options if you tow multiple trailers and then just toggle between them based on your current load. After you set it to "heavy electric", you just need to make your adjustments to the braking power by using the +/- toggle switch brake controller. I set my brake level controls at 8-9 when traveling and dial it back down to about 2.5 when I arrive at the campground so I not jerking around when braking and maneuvering into my slot.

If you have not gone through this process already, I would recommend doing it before you are sitting in the parking lot with your 5er hooked up just to avoid any chance of issues...if this is the only trailer you will be towing, it will be a one and done process and you will only have to adjust your braking power settings with the in dash switch in the future.

Barlow46 · 07-23-2015, 04:23 PM

Do a search on "electric over Hydraulic adapter for dodge Ram". I think you have hydraulic brakes on your DRV and some factory brake controllers work ok and others need an adapter for the onboard hydraulic pump on the DRV. If all electric should be no problem.

Cummins12V98 · 07-23-2015, 05:53 PM

Set your truck to "Heavy" hydraulic. Set gain to 8.5. Plug will work fine.

Eazy Cheezy !

tampabiker · 07-23-2015, 06:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cummins12V98

Set your truck to "Heavy" hydraulic. Set gain to 8.5. Plug will work fine.

Eazy Cheezy !

Glad to see you chime in, Cummins. I knew you had the exact same setup that I do, so I'm happy to read that what I have will work. Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

On The Road · 07-23-2015, 06:04 PM

I have a 2015 Ram 3500 and trailer with electric over hydraulic brakes.
I usually set mine controller to electric over hydraulic (EOH) heavy set to 5.0.
I did have a problem with the controller not recognizing the EOH on the trailer. Ended up using and old brake magnet tied into the blue brake wire and ground, after that is works great. Seems like something was changed from 2014 to 2015 that does not allow a plug and play setup

tampabiker · 07-23-2015, 06:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by On The Road

I have a 2015 Ram 3500 and trailer with electric over hydraulic brakes.
I usually set mine controller to electric over hydraulic (EOH) heavy set to 5.0.
I did have a problem with the controller not recognizing the EOH on the trailer. Ended up using and old brake magnet tied into the blue brake wire and ground, after that is works great. Seems like something was changed from 2014 to 2015 that does not allow a plug and play setup

The dealer where I'm buying my trailer from mentioned the exact same thing if my IBC didn't work properly. I guess I'll find out next week for sure, but at least it sounds like my stock unit can be made to work with the DRV brake system.

jpharley · 07-24-2015, 05:52 PM

We have a 2015 Ram 3500 dually and hydraulic brakes on the 5th wheel. We set the brake controller at 3. We are towing 17k lbs and it stops with no issues.

rskeans · 07-24-2015, 07:11 PM

We set our gain at 5.5. Was a 6.0 but on a hard stop I lock up a wheel. Decided to try 5.5.

Cummins12V98 · 07-24-2015, 08:35 PM

Never hear of a RAM controller having issues with the RV actuator. GM and Ford yes.

paz · 07-25-2015, 05:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cummins12V98

Never hear of a RAM controller having issues with the RV actuator. GM and Ford yes.

GM supposedly corrected their problem for the 2015 model year. Our 2015 Silverado IBC works fine with the Kodiak hydraulic brakes on our 2015 DRV Tradition.

Barlow46 · 07-25-2015, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cummins12V98

Never hear of a RAM controller having issues with the RV actuator. GM and Ford yes.

http://www.etrailer.com/question-35741.html

The person I bought my 2008 Suites from had a 2013 Ram if I remember correctly and he had to buy an adapter for his factory controller to work properly with electric over hydraulics. Not sure what year the upgrade controller was put in the Ram so that no adapter is needed.

Cummins12V98 · 07-25-2015, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barlow46

Dodge Factory Brake Controller Does Not Work with Electric Over Hydraulic Brakes on Horse Trailer | etrailer.com

The person I bought my 2008 Suites from had a 2013 Ram if I remember correctly and he had to buy an adapter for his factory controller to work properly with electric over hydraulics. Not sure what year the upgrade controller was put in the Ram so that no adapter is needed.

The quote you mention is talking about a 2012 RAM with a Horse trailer.

This guy is wrong!

"The Dodge factory brake controllers are designed to be used with electric trailer brakes only and are not designed to be used with electric over hydraulic trailer brake systems. This means you will need to install an aftermarket brake controller"

2012 and newer RAM factory controller has the following settings available. Light/heavy electric or hydraulic.

My 2011 RAM controller worked fine with our 07.6 MS but the 12 and newer work much better.