No Trailer brakes on Tradesman

[Trujillo.]

Hey all,
Apologies in advance for long rant/question.
So I have a question. I have a 2020 Tradesman 2500 diesel. Didn’t come with the tow mirrors, trailer brakes or lights above the cab. Dealer said I could install aftermarket trailer brakes with no problem & later, once a part comes avail from factory, possibly have the factory trailer brakes installed.

I called the service department at the dealership & they said they cannot install the factory trailer brakes on my truck. Didn’t give a reason as to why since there ARE other 2020 Tradesman models out there WITH trailer brakes & tow mirrors. Said that by entering my VIN into the system, it just shows that it cannot be equipped with factory trailer brakes. They also cautioned me on installing after market brakes & said esp on the 2020 I didn’t wanna do anything to “mess it up”. Then referred me to customer care.

I called customer care (again, no help) They only verified that my truck cannot be equipped with the factory trailer brakes. Said that my truck does not have a part called XHC which means I have no module kit and it cannot be equipped with brakes as the parts simply do not exist. Also would not speak on anything that involves aftermarket brakes & could not tell me if it would void any warranty on the truck. They referred me back to the dealership service dept.

Being that I have absolutely no idea wtf a XHC part or a module kit is, I am now wondering if there is some reason my truck cannot be equipped with trailer brakes. Anyone know any information about aftermarket brakes or the parts they mentioned? Or anyone else having this issue??


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[g00fy]

They're lying, you can get the parts right on Ebay and install them yourself if you're a little handy.

2019 2020 Ram 2500 3500 New Body Style Integrated Trailer Brake Controller Mopar | eBay

Find great deals for 2019 2020 Ram 2500 3500 New Body Style Integrated Trailer Brake Controller Mopar. Shop with confidence on eBay!

www.ebay.com

Tricky part will be activating it in the trucks computer. I had the dealer do it on my 2015 back before alfaOBD was a thing, but now you can buy AlfaOBD, The bluetooth adapter, and the Bypass harness for about the same cost as what the dealer charged me to enable the trailer brakes in my 2015.

You can also get aftermarket mirrors that are plug & play here:

2018 Ram 2500 Truck Side View Mirror Replacement | 1A Auto

Browse 1A Auto for perfect fit Tow Mirrors, Power Folding Mirrors, Passenger Side & Driver Side Mirror Replacement for your 2018 Ram 2500 Truck. Free Shipping!

www.1aauto.com

And again you can enable them through AlfaOBD

The hardest thing to add would be the cab lights, because well, to me, cutting the sheet metal is a terrifying endeavour.

 

[Trujillo.]

They're lying, you can get the parts right on Ebay and install them yourself if you're a little handy.

2019 2020 Ram 2500 3500 New Body Style Integrated Trailer Brake Controller Mopar | eBay

Find great deals for 2019 2020 Ram 2500 3500 New Body Style Integrated Trailer Brake Controller Mopar. Shop with confidence on eBay!

www.ebay.com

Tricky part will be activating it in the trucks computer. I had the dealer do it on my 2015 back before alfaOBD was a thing, but now you can buy AlfaOBD, The bluetooth adapter, and the Bypass harness for about the same cost as what the dealer charged me to enable the trailer brakes in my 2015.

You can also get aftermarket mirrors that are plug & play here:

2018 Ram 2500 Truck Side View Mirror Replacement | 1A Auto

Browse 1A Auto for perfect fit Tow Mirrors, Power Folding Mirrors, Passenger Side & Driver Side Mirror Replacement for your 2018 Ram 2500 Truck. Free Shipping!

www.1aauto.com

And again you can enable them through AlfaOBD

The hardest thing to add would be the cab lights, because well, to me, cutting the sheet metal is a terrifying endeavour.

Thank you. I’m not too handy but it seems this may be my only option at this point!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Trujillo.]

They're lying, you can get the parts right on Ebay and install them yourself if you're a little handy.

2019 2020 Ram 2500 3500 New Body Style Integrated Trailer Brake Controller Mopar | eBay

Find great deals for 2019 2020 Ram 2500 3500 New Body Style Integrated Trailer Brake Controller Mopar. Shop with confidence on eBay!

www.ebay.com

Tricky part will be activating it in the trucks computer. I had the dealer do it on my 2015 back before alfaOBD was a thing, but now you can buy AlfaOBD, The bluetooth adapter, and the Bypass harness for about the same cost as what the dealer charged me to enable the trailer brakes in my 2015.

You can also get aftermarket mirrors that are plug & play here:

2018 Ram 2500 Truck Side View Mirror Replacement | 1A Auto

Browse 1A Auto for perfect fit Tow Mirrors, Power Folding Mirrors, Passenger Side & Driver Side Mirror Replacement for your 2018 Ram 2500 Truck. Free Shipping!

www.1aauto.com

And again you can enable them through AlfaOBD

The hardest thing to add would be the cab lights, because well, to me, cutting the sheet metal is a terrifying endeavour.

Also, the website for the mirrors doesn’t say “guaranteed to fit 2020”. Will the ones made for 2018 Ram fit my 2020?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[g00fy]

As far as i know they should, i don't think ram changed anything about the mirrors, but that's just 1 vendor, if you google around i'm sure you can find others that guarantee fitment, or you might even be able to find an inexpensive used pair in the classifieds here or on ramforum.com

I don't understand why the dealership & manufacturers say stuff like this to customers. Do they figure that a percentage of people will end up trading their vehicle in just to get this missing option?

It would make more sense to me, to say to the customer, yea, you can add that option, the parts are $324 (full list), and it's 2 hours labor to install the parts then flash the computer (in reality a good tech could probably get the whole job done in an hour) but now the dealer just made at least $350 and made a customer super happy. I understand there's definitely some options they CAN'T add because it's too complex a job, or FCA doesn't allow certain sales codes to be added to certain trim levels, but denying simple stuff like a brake controller or Tow mirrors doesn't make any sense to me.

 

[Trujillo.]

As far as i know they should, i don't think ram changed anything about the mirrors, but that's just 1 vendor, if you google around i'm sure you can find others that guarantee fitment, or you might even be able to find an inexpensive used pair in the classifieds here or on ramforum.com

I’ll try that. Thanks


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[elephantrider]

the dealer installed a factory trailer brake on my tradesman. no clue why they would tell you they could not do that.

 

[Trujillo.]

the dealer installed a factory trailer brake on my tradesman. no clue why they would tell you they could not do that.

Where are you located?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Trujillo.]

As far as i know they should, i don't think ram changed anything about the mirrors, but that's just 1 vendor, if you google around i'm sure you can find others that guarantee fitment, or you might even be able to find an inexpensive used pair in the classifieds here or on ramforum.com

I don't understand why the dealership & manufacturers say stuff like this to customers. Do they figure that a percentage of people will end up trading their vehicle in just to get this missing option?

It would make more sense to me, to say to the customer, yea, you can add that option, the parts are $324 (full list), and it's 2 hours labor to install the parts then flash the computer (in reality a good tech could probably get the whole job done in an hour) but now the dealer just made at least $350 and made a customer super happy. I understand there's definitely some options they CAN'T add because it's too complex a job, or FCA doesn't allow certain sales codes to be added to certain trim levels, but denying simple stuff like a brake controller or Tow mirrors doesn't make any sense to me.

Exactly! I’m not just gonna go trade my truck in for tow mirrors & trailer brakes! The dealer is in no way helpful & neither is the service department. Pretty sad. Especially since I’m brand new to Dodge & brand new to diesel. I love my truck but this **** is annoying.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[elephantrider]

i'm in the austin tx area.

 

[Trujillo.]

i'm in the austin tx area.

Interesting. I’m in NM. Wonder why they would say they cannot do it here.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[1FastHemi]

the dealer installed a factory trailer brake on my tradesman. no clue why they would tell you they could not do that.

Interesting. I’m in NM. Wonder why they would say they cannot do it here.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Could it be their mechanics aren't trained or qualified enough? May be just Parts Swappers? That's what I think when a dealer tells me stuff like that.

 

[Brutal_HO]

<snip>

I don't understand why the dealership & manufacturers say stuff like this to customers. Do they figure that a percentage of people will end up trading their vehicle in just to get this missing option?

<snip> denying simple stuff like a brake controller or Tow mirrors or Trailer TPMS doesn't make any sense to me.

FIFY.

 

[Trujillo.]

Could it be their mechanics aren't trained or qualified enough? May be just Parts Swappers? That's what I think when a dealer tells me stuff like that.

Honestly, you’re probably 100% correct sir!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[g00fy]

Honestly, you’re probably 100% correct sir!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

But the trailer brake controller should be easy for the average part slinger, it's a couple screws and a couple plugs, no fabrication or anything. I think you should just find a different dealer.

 

[RAMCUDA]

Buy The Parts Individually...They are Cheaper.
Stay away from Factory Parts out of Barstow Fla...Those Guys are not worth the Hassle.
I got mine and installed it Sunday,June 7th

Chrysler Jeep Dodge City of McKinney - please rate your experience on order #5211627

Thanks for your order #5211627 on 2020-05-23. Your order was shipped on 2020-05-29. Because we truly value your business and strive to constantly improve, we want to hear from you. Please use one of the following links below to tell us about your experience. Thank you - we appreciate your feedback! parts.chryslerjeepdodgecityofmckinney.com Google Leave a review via Google (You must have a Google account and be signed in to submit a review) Review a Product Stock # Product Description Quantity Price Review Link 06101946 SCREW. Tapping, Tapping Hex Head. M4.2X1.70X20.00. A/C Control Attachment, A/C Control Mounting, Center, Console To I/P, Driver Side, Front, Front Door Speaker, Instrument Cluster, Instrument Panel Speaker, Left, Mounting, Radio Bracket, Rear, Right, Right or Left, Used for: Right and Left. 3 $0.50 Review This Product 06510468AA NUT. 3 $0.55 Review This Product 68346572AB BRACKET. Module. 1 $1.27 Review This Product 68309259AC SWITCH. INSTRUMENT PANEL. 1 $27.20 Review This Product 68277136AF MODULE. TRAILER TOW. 1 $76.95 Review This Product To unsubscribe from future messages, please click HERE.

 

[RAMCUDA]

Hey all,
Apologies in advance for long rant/question.
So I have a question. I have a 2020 Tradesman 2500 diesel. Didn’t come with the tow mirrors, trailer brakes or lights above the cab. Dealer said I could install aftermarket trailer brakes with no problem & later, once a part comes avail from factory, possibly have the factory trailer brakes installed.

I called the service department at the dealership & they said they cannot install the factory trailer brakes on my truck. Didn’t give a reason as to why since there ARE other 2020 Tradesman models out there WITH trailer brakes & tow mirrors. Said that by entering my VIN into the system, it just shows that it cannot be equipped with factory trailer brakes. They also cautioned me on installing after market brakes & said esp on the 2020 I didn’t wanna do anything to “mess it up”. Then referred me to customer care.

I called customer care (again, no help) They only verified that my truck cannot be equipped with the factory trailer brakes. Said that my truck does not have a part called XHC which means I have no module kit and it cannot be equipped with brakes as the parts simply do not exist. Also would not speak on anything that involves aftermarket brakes & could not tell me if it would void any warranty on the truck. They referred me back to the dealership service dept.

Being that I have absolutely no idea wtf a XHC part or a module kit is, I am now wondering if there is some reason my truck cannot be equipped with trailer brakes. Anyone know any information about aftermarket brakes or the parts they mentioned? Or anyone else having this issue??


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If you have the 7 pin plug already on the back of the truck, you likely already have the wiring for this.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DX8tua-1DIc&fbclid=IwAR321HCv0KwTYSJ4f-2uEYdJEoowgrzsxpDdB_XyNqdSKoW0-MDKd66z7WQ

 

[RAMCUDA]

Could it be their mechanics aren't trained or qualified enough? May be just Parts Swappers? That's what I think when a dealer tells me stuff like that.

Try That Place in McKinney Texas That I posted the link for.
Add the parts one by one to the Cart,and add Vin Number,
It will tell you if they fit,OR...Try calling and talking to the Parts Specialist.
I have a Few Crooked Dealers here n San Antonio too.

 

[Tsys100718]

Just my two pennies worth! It IS possible that you truck's wiring harness does NOT have the wiring required. Case in point, my new 2019 3500 did not come with driving lights. Being a previous RAM owner, I pressed the headlight switch to see it the dash driving light lit up, it did. So I figured that the wiring was there. WRONG, when I tore off the inner front fender wells to add factory lights, no wiring. Logically, that COULD be the reason the VIN showed it could NOT be added! Just saying!

Now for the towing mirrors. Before I bought my 3500, I almost bought a 2500 with the top of the line towing package, puck system and brake controller. HOWEVER, no towing mirrors. I made the deal with the agreement that the dealer would add the tow mirrors. I know, who in their right mind would order a truck with everything needed for towing EXCEPT the mirrors? I left the truck at the dealership since I had to remove some things from my old RAM. Several frustrating unreturned calls, and I was informed that they wanted to 'switch' trucks to one with lesser other equipment, but ALL the towing goodies. They told me that the 'parts' were not available. I asked them what someone would do if they had wrecked their truck and needed replacement parts? I got shrugged shoulders and nothing else. I told them that aftermarket mirrors WERE available and they refused. So I cancelled the deal and went elsewhere!

 

[Dogdiesel]

Hey all,
Apologies in advance for long rant/question.
So I have a question. I have a 2020 Tradesman 2500 diesel. Didn’t come with the tow mirrors, trailer brakes or lights above the cab. Dealer said I could install aftermarket trailer brakes with no problem & later, once a part comes avail from factory, possibly have the factory trailer brakes installed.

I called the service department at the dealership & they said they cannot install the factory trailer brakes on my truck. Didn’t give a reason as to why since there ARE other 2020 Tradesman models out there WITH trailer brakes & tow mirrors. Said that by entering my VIN into the system, it just shows that it cannot be equipped with factory trailer brakes. They also cautioned me on installing after market brakes & said esp on the 2020 I didn’t wanna do anything to “mess it up”. Then referred me to customer care.

I called customer care (again, no help) They only verified that my truck cannot be equipped with the factory trailer brakes. Said that my truck does not have a part called XHC which means I have no module kit and it cannot be equipped with brakes as the parts simply do not exist. Also would not speak on anything that involves aftermarket brakes & could not tell me if it would void any warranty on the truck. They referred me back to the dealership service dept.

Being that I have absolutely no idea wtf a XHC part or a module kit is, I am now wondering if there is some reason my truck cannot be equipped with trailer brakes. Anyone know any information about aftermarket brakes or the parts they mentioned? Or anyone else having this issue??


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Its been a minute since you posted. I too bought a tradesman without the mirrors and switch. Long story but I realized after purchase that this truck didn't have tow mirrors. I drove a few trucks that day but really wanted the dark grey, or whatever they call it, and fell victim to the bait and switch. I went to tow a travel trailer home(I work out of town a lot) and realized it doesn't have breaks either. I was pissed to say the least. The baddest 4x4 6.7 tow pig out there can't even tow my 10k trailer home. I drove 3 1/2 hours home to fetch my trusty 99 Cummins. Trailer is home now.....all happened today.
Anyhow, I found a site that sells mopar parts and I believe the company produces the modules and programmers. $400 for the breaks. And a hefty$1500 for the mirrors. They swear if you have power windows and door locks they can make the mirrors do everything.
I let you know in two weeks if all worked out. .... hopefully you've found a solution by now.