Integrated Trailer Brake Controller - seeing wide price range

[RamFP620]

Sifted through a lot of the posts and then googled the part number 82215040AC which appears to be a replacement for 82215040AB.
On Amazon, I'm seeing prices range from like $60 all the way up to $300. In some cases, the cheaper ones seem to be a non-oem like from YTC. I'm assuming it's probably better to go with the OEM version??

I have a 2017 1500 w/5.7.

 

[Daw14]

The part ending in ac is just the newest revision, I would go with the OEM .

 

[turkeybird56]

OEM 250%. Will require a flash to integrate and get all OEM functions. Pricier but just better all around IMHO.

 

[04fxdwgi]

OEM is the best way to go if you want it to work correctly..

 

[CanRebel]

Check with Local Dealer, Or Online Dealer before purchasing from Amazon.
There is vendor on this site, who gives good prices.

Besides shipping if you are prime, prices are usually much higher. Amazon has to get their 30%.

 

[markabby]

bought mine off ebay...was OEM, dealer flashed it for me, never had a problem with it. At that time it was only $135...i believe they're like $165 now (?)

 

[Cruzrs]

I bought a non-OEM brake controller and was disappointed that the truck doesn't sense that the trailer is connected, even though all systems are working including the trailer brakes! Time to find an OEM module at the junk yard since the price anywhere I find OEM is $350 and up.

 

[RamFP620]

bought mine off ebay...was OEM, dealer flashed it for me, never had a problem with it. At that time it was only $135...i believe they're like $165 now (?)

I found one on ebay for $280 that was sold by nismopar.com. It was supposed to be delivered today, but thanks to hurricane Debby, it's delayed a day.

I also caved and bought alphaOBD and played around in yesterday. I can see how you could get yourself in trouble if you don't know what you're doing.

 

[GTyankee]

Etrailer does not carry the Mopar Brake Controller

They do carry other top brands.

I use their site for education & price comparisons

2017 Ram 1500 Brake Controller | etrailer.com

Hit the road with top-notch Brake Controller for your 2017 Ram 1500. Not sure where to start? Find personal recommendations, tutorials, and reviews at etrailer.com.

www.etrailer.com

 

[HarryS]

Are you looking for the part with the trailer slider switch or the module under the dash?

 

[GTyankee]

I have watched several videos on the OEM Integrated Brake Controller.

This video is one of the best.
The Mounting Bracket is the most difficult part.
Some people just screw in the 2 easiest screws & use a shorter zip tie on the last hole

RAM 1500 Trailer Brake Controller (OEM) Install | 2017 Big Horn

Today we are installing the OEM Trailer Brake Controller on my 2017 RAM 1500 Truck. I also Install the module and the module bracket that comes with the trai...

www.youtube.com

If your Dash Bezel has a 115vac plug, there will be a 3rd screw securing it

 

[04fxdwgi]

I found one on ebay for $280 that was sold by nismopar.com. It was supposed to be delivered today, but thanks to hurricane Debby, it's delayed a day.

I also caved and bought alphaOBD and played around in yesterday. I can see how you could get yourself in trouble if you don't know what you're doing.

Hopefully, you made a backup of the configuration prior to making any changes.

AlfaOBD is a fantastic / powerful program, but can have very bad results if not used carefully / correctly.

 

[RamFP620]

Hopefully, you made a backup of the configuration prior to making any changes.

AlfaOBD is a fantastic / powerful program, but can have very bad results if not used carefully / correctly.

I was just monitoring engine parameters and scrolling through all the things you can do.

How do you make a backup?

 

[04fxdwgi]

I use the windows version and, from what I've heard, is easier. Go to Your model ; Function: Body Computer, run active diagnostic, on top drop down menu, scroll to bottom and click on ".backup vehicle configuration file"

 

[Cruzrs]

I bought a non-OEM brake controller and was disappointed that the truck doesn't sense that the trailer is connected, even though all systems are working including the trailer brakes! Time to find an OEM module at the junk yard since the price anywhere I find OEM is $350 and up.

Follow up after I contacted the seller to report that the brake controller was not working, they offered to refund me or replace it with a new one, I chose the new unit and it didn't work either. After I contacted the seller again they refused refund and return of their product Ebay was no help because they said that it was 30 days after the purchase even though the seller sent out another unit that should have restarted the 30 day clock loss $80. I finally decided to buy one from the junk yard OEM and it worked the minute I plugged it in for $125 , lesson don't buy made in China knock offs.

 

[2003F350]

Follow up after I contacted the seller to report that the brake controller was not working, they offered to refund me or replace it with a new one, I chose the new unit and it didn't work either. After I contacted the seller again they refused refund and return of their product Ebay was no help because they said that it was 30 days after the purchase even though the seller sent out another unit that should have restarted the 30 day clock loss $80. I finally decided to buy one from the junk yard OEM and it worked the minute I plugged it in for $125 , lesson don't buy made in China knock offs.

Yeah you gotta be careful with the aftermarket knock-offs. There are also a year or two that need a specific part number that isn't interchangeable with other years, I forget what year(s) it is but I think your truck is right around that timeframe.

 

[04fxdwgi]

When doing mine, I needed the module that works for '16/'17, I believe it was.

One for an '18 I tried was a no-go.

 

[Cruzrs]

The part was for 2013-2016, I believe that 17-18 needs a bypass for the system. I bought a used 2013 Rebel controller that was plug and play with my 16. I'd be $80 richer if I would have stopped and thought about a donor part first.