location of trailer wiring connector

[John Mitchell]

My 2006 Dakota didn't come with the towing package. Where would I
find the place to connect a trailer wire harness to?

Thanks,
john

[JPH]

Don't know if it's the same as in my 2004, but mine didn't have a
plug-in connection in the back, so had to be hard wired to the correct
wires. There is a connector under the dash for the brake controller
(plugs right into the Tekonsha adapter for the Dakota), and my blue
brake wire exited the cab through a wire bundle just behind the left
front tire splash shield, so I had to tap into that wire (it terminates
in a connector but doesn't continue on the other side of that connector
unless you have the towing package) and carry that to the back of the
truck for the trailer brakes.

John H

[woodwo...@gmail.com]

John Ii just picked up my new Dodge Dakota Quad cab yesterday. It came
with a built in bumper hitch, but no wiring. I wanted to know what you
ended up doing? I can't find any info at all about this subject
Dave

[JPH]

I just looked at etrailer.com and they now have a wiring harness adapter
for my model (04 Quad Cab) that hooks up to the taillight connectors.
(They didn't have one for the 04 when I hooked mine up). These will give
you the taillights, brake lights, and turn signals, but if yours is like
mine, you'll need to tap into the blue electric brake wire under the
dash (mine exited the truck behind the left front splash shield) and run
a wire to the back for the electric brakes if you use them. You'll also
need to run a hot wire from the power system if you want to run a charge
to your trailer battery.
The other option is to just get a connector and hard wire (either with
scotchlok connectors or solder) to the appropriate wires in the rear of
the truck, but the plug-in adapter is a much easier and foolproof option.
I don't know if the newer models have a 4 way connector already built in
or not, my Ford pickups always had that, but my Dakota didn't.

John