Evening folks. I'm about to undertake a 4 in to 7 pin trailer adapter and wanted to see if anyone else has done one and can offer up some tips. I'm going to get one of the install kits form etrailer.com for my truck, which has the factory 4 pin installed on it. Looks like a simple job for the most part, but my truck also has an after market alarm on it that looks like a rats nest to me and I don't want to create a headache for myself. I'm also going to install a brake controller, and am having trouble identifying if what I have is the factory plug or not. Pic of the alarm wiring and Plug 'X' (green plug in right side of pic). The second shot is from underneath the wiring box with, in some of the install videos, looks like the factory harness on the left (the white connector to the left of the wiring box).

 

An 08 Ram from the factory should already have a 7 pin trailer connector on it as long as the truck as tow option (most do standard now).

If you do not, I would go to the dealer and get the 7 pin wiring harness and connector as it is a simple plug in setup. As for the brake controller, it should only be 4 wires; power, ground, and two signal (I believe). You shouldn't have to touch your alarm system at all.

 

Thanks. I've been doing more research on this than needed. My truck didn't come with a tow package, so I'm starting bare bones. I talked to my brother in law about it, he tows a boat alot, and suggested the same thing or going to a trailer place to get it installed. Basically it's a from scratch install for whoever does the install; and just because I like to see how things work, that'll be me

 

Get the factory wiring harness. I use to work at a dealership and can't tell you how many vehicle use to come in with wiring issues due to aftermarket trailer wiring harness were installed incorrectly. Plus, it'll help make wiring in a brake controller easier.