Replacing OEM Integrated Brake Controller with Tekonsha P3

[Wichita Dave]

I've read Tom2531s posts and my system indicates a short. I've replaced the connector with the Pollack 12-706 (which does fit a lot better), I've connected and seen the message that the trailer is connected and had the wife watch for check and disconnected warnings while I jiggled the wiring behind the drums and in the axle tubes. I can't reproduce the warning indications. I've driven washboard roads for miles with no warnings then glided over smooth highway with the cyclical check and disconnected warnings. I've also (much less frequently) seen a solid disconnected warning indicating an open circuit.

My problem is I don't trust the RAM software. It's a 2022 2500 Hemi and I actually saw the disconnected icon flash once or twice Spring 2023 (same trailer). It flashed so fast I couldn't read it and didn't know what it was. Then nothing like that until this trip.

My 2022 Grand Design 5th wheel trailer has just over 16K miles on it. I was thinking of installing a Tekonsha P3 with the RAM pigtail so I could reconnect the OEM unit easily.

If the P3 indicated wiring errors I'd believe it. I'm travelling and don't want to pull the axle wiring or pay to have the brakes inspected unless I'm sure it's not buggy software.

Would I have to do anything more that unplug the OEM and connect the P3?

 

[DRAGRAM]

I've read Tom2531s posts and my system indicates a short. I've replaced the connector with the Pollack 12-706 (which does fit a lot better), I've connected and seen the message that the trailer is connected and had the wife watch for check and disconnected warnings while I jiggled the wiring behind the drums and in the axle tubes. I can't reproduce the warning indications. I've driven washboard roads for miles with no warnings then glided over smooth highway with the cyclical check and disconnected warnings. I've also (much less frequently) seen a solid disconnected warning indicating an open circuit.

My problem is I don't trust the RAM software. It's a 2022 2500 Hemi and I actually saw the disconnected icon flash once or twice Spring 2023 (same trailer). It flashed so fast I couldn't read it and didn't know what it was. Then nothing like that until this trip.

My 2022 Grand Design 5th wheel trailer has just over 16K miles on it. I was thinking of installing a Tekonsha P3 with the RAM pigtail so I could reconnect the OEM unit easily.

If the P3 indicated wiring errors I'd believe it. I'm travelling and don't want to pull the axle wiring or pay to have the brakes inspected unless I'm sure it's not buggy software.

Would I have to do anything more that unplug the OEM and connect the P3?

In my experience the RAM software was flawless. And I had plenty of issues when my InTech trailer with Dexter axles was new. I fixed the shorted wires inside the brake assembly and have had ZERO issues since.

I understand you want to install that brake controller as a crutch since you are on the road. But I would find a good trailer repair facility and bite the bullet and pay them to troubleshoot it. I found one in Indianappolis when I was on the road and they taught me some things. Really good people.

Factory brake controller will save your ass. I would not use anything else. It looks at actual brake system pressure and will raise the braking output way faster and it will also RE MAP the transmission control forcing downshifts agressively to help you stop in a panic.

 

[Wichita Dave]

I had a shop in Appleton Wisconsin diagnosis and fix my problem - frayed wiring in my front axle tube they did replace wiring in both axles. After reading numerous posts, I agree that the OEM brake controller is best.

Thanks for your advice.