Dodge factory brake controller

[bhelmer]

Taking delivery of a 2012 ram 3500 this week. My hitch installer says he is wary of the factory brake controller. I would appreciate any comments from other 3500 owners.

[H. John Kohl]

I upgraded my brakes to Hydraulic disc and changed the settings to Electric over Hydraulic and it works great. I suggest you try them and then upgrade if needed.

[Devildog]

I have been happy with my factory brake controller also. Came from a prodigy. Kept the prodigy as a back up if i ever became unhappy with it. Towing hills or flatland, it stops great. Release of brakes is about a second or two behind me taking foot off the brake (on trailer release that is).

[DQDick]

Mine's a 2500, but the factory model works just fine.

[bhelmer]

Thanks gents. I'll try it for a while and see how it performs. I have removed the controller from my 2004 3500 and can install it if required.

[Montana Sky]

I have mine set in "heavy trailer" mode and it does just fine hauling 16,000 - 19,000 lbs.

[bhelmer]

I just had another conversation with the hitch installer. He claims that under heavy truck braking when the ABS braking system is fully engaged, the factory brake controller will release the trailer brakes by design. Makes no sense to me that it would be designed to do this. He said they have installed Techon****a controllers and bypassed the Chrysler unit for many of their customers because of the emergency stop characteristics and associated safety concerns.

[Wiesehan]

I installed a MaxBrake on mine as the first mod and could not be happier. Read about to many issues with factory controller and didn't want to mess with it.
Don

[wward208]

I have a 2010 3500 SRW and have been considering going back to a Tekonsha controller. Is this a difficult job? If anyone has done this give me some hints please. Thanks.

[Mrs. CountryGuy]

CountryGuy suggests that you be sure to have the Dodge dealer check that the computer stuff has been updates/flashes have been done to that controller. Made a HUGE difference. HUGE!

[bhelmer]

Thanks for the info. I will have the Dodge service guys check to make sure the software is up to date. I have not had the chance to try towing yet with the Dodge controller but will give it a try soon. I have had my old Tekonsha controller installed and ready to plugin with the correct adapter cable if there are any issues.

[sreigle]

My 2007 Dodge doesn't have a factory controller but we did have that in our 2005 Ford. Not only was that an excellent controller, it was the smoothest I've ever used. Far smoother than anything aftermarket even though some of those are very good. I'd bet the Dodge unit is similar to the quality of the one in our Ford.

[bhelmer]

I'll comment once I have a chance to try it out towing. I have a trip planned in two weeks with the new truck and my 2009 3500RL.

[Irlpguy]

In early April I completed a 3000 mile trip pulling my 3402RL which scaled in just under 16,000 lbs, as far as I am concerned the factory brake on my 2012 Dodge 3500 LB DRW could not have performed better. On one occasion during extreme braking it did not release the trailer brakes although I do not know that the ABS had kicked in but would have thought it would have under that condition. It is smooth in stop and go traffic and seems the more brake applied to the TV the more is applied to the trailer.

I would not go back to any aftermarket controller I have ever used, and that has been a fair number over the years.

Keep in mind you also have the BEST exhaust brake there is out there to assist in braking, make sure you take advantage of that and use it.

[bhelmer]

Thanks for your comments Ed. We are almost neighbours, we live in Surrey. I traded my 04 3500 Ram with the BD Brake so I am really looking forward to the 6 speed tranny and the factory brake. Love the new quiet Longhorn.

[Irlpguy]

Well Howdy neighbor, I am sure you will enjoy the truck and the brake controller as well as the exhaust brake. Safe trails.

[sreigle]

Agree on the exhaust brake. I even use it sometimes when not towing. Saves on brakes and helps maintain an even speed going down long hills.

You'll love the six-speed automatic transmission. Our 2007 was the first year to have that. The truck has 98,000 miles on it now and the only thing ever done to the transmission was to have the oil and both filters changed at about 67,000 miles. Solid transmission.

[sfretts]

Hi,

We got our 2012 3500 about ten days ago. Yesterday was the first time I towed with it. It was a 16 foot enclosed with mowers etc. Had to play with the settings a little but once I found the right spot, it worked great. I am anxious to pull our fifth wheel soon as the brake controller works great. Had to get used to the short delay once you release the brakes.

[sreigle]

Seems I read somewhere that short delay is to help with uphill starts from a stop so you don't roll backwards. I can't honestly say that for sure but I seem to remember reading something about that.

[bhelmer]

Well I have towed my rig with the new truck and like the way the Dodge brake controller works. I am set on Heavy Electric at setting 7. It performs well and applies the traler brakes smoothly. The late release of the brake takes a little getting used to but that is my only comment at this point.
The 2012 3500 with the 4:10 gearing is a real sweet upgrade from my 2004 3500. I love everything about it!