2013 RAM 3500 and Disc brakes/ Electric over hydraulics

[BasilFawlty]

Took delivery of our new 38RL yesterday. VERY happy with it so far! Small cosmetic things and tv cables that has to be fixed, nothing major.

However we have one problem, our 2013 RAM Dually does not speak to the 38RL. Identifies the unit but says check trailer wiring.

Tried all four modes (light electric, heavy electric, light electric over hydraulic, heavy electric over hydraulics) on the RAM but does not work, the dealer has tested the Redwood and it seems to work fine.

Just delivered the RAM to Dodge service to see if they can figure out what is wrong. Trailer has been towed to the dealer so think the problem is in the trucks electronics.

Anyone had this problem?

Saw older RAMS did need an extra box.

[TNTBaker]

congratulations on your new delivery! We are so happy for you! Oh I don't like to hear about problems with your RAM. We have a 2014 Ram dually. Just one more thing to think about I guess. Good luck with it and do keep us posted!

[TNTBaker]

after doing a cursory search online I see there are multiple instances of problems with the brake controllers on 2013 RAM. I wonder if this could be it?

[BasilFawlty]

Ok! What did you find out?

[coloradolivin]

Basil, wonder if it does that on both the 7 pin on the bumper and the 7 pin in the bed ?? Could be a loose connection at one of those ??

[BasilFawlty]

We have contacted the manufacturer of the box receiving the signal inside the Redwood. Waiting for them to call back. Received the RAM back from Dodge service, works as it should.

My feeling is that there is no standard here in the US.

Saw on HydraStars Cargo towing solutions) the manufacturer of the box built in to the Redwood, that it is not compatible with 2010 and 2011 RAM 3500.

2012 and onwards are not even mentioned so we hope they will call back with a solution soon since we are stuck at the dealer since we can not tow without brakes.

[TNTBaker]

Very interesting. Please keep us posted!

[BasilFawlty]

Spoke to the owner of the company who makes the boxes installed in the Redwood and he thinks it is a wiring problem in the RV.

He claims that it should be 100% compatible with 2013 RAM and will guide the staff at the dealer tomorrow morning to get the truck and the box in the Redwood to communicate.

[coloradolivin]

Well that sounds like some good news ?? With all the new tech in the vehicles and coaches these days it can be a bit daunting. When we hooked up the first time, our 2014 RAM said, you are connected to a trailer, your brake controller is activated and the Park Assist warning was off so a not to beep with the tailgate down. Darn thing was smarter than I.

Makes me remember the old '69 Red Dale slide in with a propane lantern over the table, the hand pump water for the kitchen sink, "outdoor" toilet and a little wall furnace. All sitting on an '88 Chevy, 5 speed, front bench seat and an am/fm radio.

[TNTBaker]

Well that definitely sounds encouraging!

[Titan Guy]

2011 Ram 3500 integrated controller requires software update to recognize electric/hydraulic brakes. Not sure on 2013.

[atom ant]

We had issues with ours at delivery and had to leave it at the Dealer for a week. It wouldn't recognize our Ford. Turns out the wiring on the redwood at the pin box was wrong and it had shorted out the Carlisle actuator (box in the Redwood). They installed a new actuator and has worked ever since.

[BasilFawlty]

Sounds very relevant in our case! Thanks a lot for all your answers!

Since we are going full time we really are not in a hurry how strange that can sound. Just wants things to work ok.

[BasilFawlty]

All sorted out, factory had wired the unit wrong. Found the manufacturer for the boxes and they instructed the dealer how to rewire it correctly. Seems that there are two boxes installed at the factory but with the 2013 RAM 3500 only one box is needed. The second box installed is just an adaptor for some vehicles not compatible with the main box/actuator.

The main box is talking right to the computer in the truck so all works seamlessly now!

Seems that other Redwood owners with disc brakes have received defect units with the incorrect wiring as well.

The name of the main box that is installed in our 2015 Redwood 38RL is HydraStar HBA-16 and the second box/adaptor (not needed for some trucks) is HBA-CAM and the manufacturers website to check for compatibility is: www.cargotowingsolutions.com (the web address on the sticker is not spelled correct!).

So it all ended up well, our dealer (Spader RV in Sioux Falls) did a tremendous good job with both rewiring the brake system but also all the small cosmetic things. We are VERY happy with Spader.

[TNTBaker]

Oh good! Thats great news!

[atom ant]

Glad you got it going! Now enjoy those Disk Brakes!! they are awesome!