Electric Brakes

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Perry P
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Electric Brakes

Does my Dodge 1500 quad cab need an electric brake controller with the 19'?

Thanks!

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Perry,

Perry,

The information that I have on the Scamp 5th is that it does have a 10" electric brake system.  So the short answer would be yes you should have a brake controller installed.  I'm sure the Scamp 5th owners here can weigh in and tighten the info up a bit.

I'd recommend the Tekonsha brake controllers.  I have a "Prodigy" model, but there have been a number of newer models released since I purchased mine.

Perry P
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I was told by Uhaul that

I was told by Uhaul that applying the brakes would actuate the trailer brakes through the seven way without a controller.  Also, they said I would not need it because the 5 is so light weight. Any decenting views?

Thanks!
Perry

Earl A.
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Brake Controller

I think you will need a brake controller.  Everyone I know has a brake controller.  My 5er weighs about 3400 lbs. loaded.  I had one installed on my truck but can't honestly say which one.  (It's kind of hidden underneath something else.)  I took mine to a pickup outfitters and they put it on for me.)

On another matter - On hooking up lights and brakes:  I started with the connector underneath the back bumper.  After pulling it out while turning a few  times, I finally moved the receptacle inside the truck bed near the tail gate.  Personally, I found this to be much better (although others may not agree with me.)

- - Earl

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What Scamp says....

Hope this helps!

This is what the Scamp Manufacturer Website states on this topic:

The brake controller:

All trailers with electric brakes will require a brake control mounted in the tow vehicle. If you have a trailer with electric brakes you will need to set the controls properly. For instructions on how to do this we refer you to the instruction manual for your specific brake controller. When your brakes are set properly your vehicle should not feel as though the trailer is pushing it when you are trying to stop. At the same time, do not set your trailer brakes so aggressively that that are stopping the car and trailer both with the trailer brakes. The goal is a smooth braking action, where the trailer brakes are stopping the trailer, and the auto brakes are stopping the tow vehicle.

Greg A
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Your vehicle should be setup

Your vehicle should be setup with a jack right under the dash for the brake controller to be added.  If the truck didn't have any kind of tow package on it when purchased it may not have that prewired brake controller jack.  If it does then you just get the correct connector for your vehicle model and it is a two screw mount and connect.  If the truck doesn't have that pre-wire then it becomes more involved because you have to run the bc wiring back to the 7pin.  My guess would be you don't have the pre-wire and Uhaul isn't wanting to do it for whatever reason.  Trailer brakes won't activate from your truck brake system without a BC so they're blowing smoke for some reason.  Some states have certain length and weight restrictions that trigger trailer brake requirements that you may or may not be violating when driving through if you hit those minimums and don't have the trailer brakes functional.

I'd recommend adding it.

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Earl A.
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Brake Controller

I agree.  It leads to peace of mind. - - Earl

Perry P
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Thanks all! Will have it done

Thanks all! Will have it done when they install the hitch rails this week.

Thanks!
Perry

Joe Z
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Brake controller

Perry,

   I see you have a 2001 dodge ram and i have a 2006 dodge ram and my longhorn edition did not have a brake controller. If your not sure and the 7 pin bargman plug is at the back bumper and your good with a test light just check the appropriate pin while someone steps on and off the brake for you. If not you should have a plug and play up under the dash near the emergency brake or at least a blue wire for the brake controller to hook to.

Joe

 

 

Joe & Linda
New River, Arizona 

2013 Casita SD 17'

Perry P
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Hi All,

Hi All,

Installed a Tekonsha Voyager today along with the rails etc.

Leaving tomorrow to go get her. I will pick up Saturday, AM.

Hold yer breath!

Thanks!
Perry

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Awesome.  Drive safe, lots of

Awesome.  Drive safe, lots of pics please!

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