NHTSA complaint #11629585

Owner complaint summary

The RAM trailer brake controller has two problems, causing unsafe operation when connected to a camper or trailer with electric brakes. 1) When coming to a stop and feathering off the brake to stop smoothly, the trailer brakes are released too early, this causes the vehicle to be pushed forward, often into an intersection, pedestrian, or a vehicle opinion front of you! Care must be taken to avoid this! Alternatively, the trailer brake controller lever can be manually pressed to avoid the trailer brakes from being released early. The camper was tested by the camper dealer as OK This same camper does not have this problem if tested with other tow vehicles such as GMC, etc. 2) The RAM trailer brake controller does not output a full 12VDC to the connected trailer, even with the gain set to max (10) and full brakes are commanded either by the brake pedal, or the brake controller lever. This causes the trailer to not have full stopping powerm reducing the stopping distance, especially in an emergency stop. If the brake controller output is tested without a trailer connected, it will show 12V output. However, once a trailer is connected, the output drops to about 9.6 VDC. The camper has been tested by the camper dealer and was found to be ok. The camper was also tested with other brands of vehicles (Toyota, GMC, Chevrolet, Nissan), and no other vehicles except RAM exhibit this problem. This problem was also confirmed at a trailer dealer by using an independent trailer brake test meter (IPA #9107B Electric Brake Force Meter). The RAM has been taken to a RAM dealer multiple times since new, and each time the dealer said the RAM is working as designed. I have photos of the tests made on multiple RAM vehicles showing this issue, as well as other brands showing that they do not have the same issue.