[kwik8828]

New to the forum and considering the new Ecodiesel to do double duty. I need a bigger company vehicle(industrial sales and applications for automation) and would also use it to pull our 27.5' camper that weighs ~4500lbs. Does the new diesel come with a brake controller or will I have to install one as soon as I get it and will that affect the warranty? Any help with this is appreciated. Hopefully looking forward to ordering a new one!!!

 

[M5040]

Mine didn't come with a brake controller and we have the tow package with the air spring helpers.

 

[MDBones]

A brake controller would be an aftermarket add-on.

 

[kwik8828]

Thanks. Next question. Does anyone make an aftermarket yet?

 

[MDBones]

Yes, it appears so from a Google search.

Mopar also has one for the 2011-2014 Grand Cherokee...
Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailer Brake Controller (Part No: 82213173): MoparOnlineParts.com

Not sure what impact an aftermarket controller would have on a new vehicle warranty but the Mopar one likely wouldn't void anything.

 

[Casper]

Thanks. Next question. Does anyone make an aftermarket yet?

etrailer.com is a good source. There should be a female plug under the dash. One that the controller plugs into. They range from 60 to 170 dollars. I will figure out mounting when I get Jeep. I already have a controller from my old vehicle. I think the warranty issue not one to pursue. A controller is required by law if the trailer has electric brakes so it's not like it's an option. But there are several types of controllers so the people who made your trailer might be the ones to ask.

 

[MDBones]

etrailer.com is a good source. There should be a female plug under the dash. One that the controller plugs into. They range from 60 to 170 dollars. I will figure out mounting when I get Jeep. I already have a controller from my old vehicle. I think the warranty issue not one to pursue. A controller is required by law if the trailer has electric brakes so it's not like it's an option. But there are several types of controllers so the people who made your trailer might be the ones to ask.

You're correct that a controller is required under those conditions. My comment on the warranty issue was only that I wouldn't know if an improper controller installation by anyone other than his Jeep dealer would have any impact his new vehicle warranty.

 

[Casper]

You're correct that a controller is required under those conditions. My comment on the warranty issue was only that I wouldn't know if an improper controller installation by anyone other than his Jeep dealer would have any impact his new vehicle warranty.

the last one I installed I had to do from rear 7pin connector the fuses under the hood. Also had to hardware under dash. I'm looking forward to just plugging it in on this one. Although I'm going to try and get away from mounting a bracket on the dash. Maybe Velcro or some type suction cup. I will find out next week for sure. I want to be able to remove it when not in use.

 

[kwik8828]

Thanks for finding that. Will most likely go with the Mopar, let the dealer install before I take delivery that way no one can come back later and say it was installed wrong!

 

[HAZMEDIC]

I picked up my GC Diesel about three weeks ago. It has the trailer towing package and no it does not have an integrated controller. It was not an option when ordering the vehicle, either factory installed or a dealer installed. However, provided loose at delivery was the "electric brake kit (68089300AB REV: A)" which is a connector with a four wire pigtail. It comes with instructions for the installation of a brake controller so it would make sense that as long as this is used, it would not void the warranty or any other service agreements.

Just my 2 cents.

Jeff

 

[HAZMEDIC]

And please post and let us know how the mopar controller worked out. I am going to need one installed before the spring.

Thanks

Jeff

 

[Casper]

That sounds good. I cut the plug off my present controller to install it in my present tow vehicle. I was waiting to pick up my limited before I went looking for a pigtail with a plug in case the one I saved didn't fit. I think it's like plugging a mouse into a USB port. The biggest problem is finding a place to put the mouse pad. I don't want to drill holes for the mounting bracket so I might add a little wire and if I have to sit it on the dashboard like a radar detector so be it. Maybe I will add a plug in the middle and make a sacrificial so I can remove it easily when not being used. But I will look for my pigtail when I pick my Limited up tomorrow and I should be able to take my trailer for a test drag by Saturday.

Just returned from the dealer..... All the paperwork is done.... I will pick up the vehicle after work tomorrow. 36 months 0% financing.... I was ready to pay cash but free money for 3 years.... nothing wrong with that. The pig tail was in the glove compartment and I'm gonna start with Velcro down under the dash by my right leg. If that doesn't work there are some other options I have in mind. Having a laser cutter at my disposal helps in the fact I can build any kind of mounting case I want.

 

[Auburn Pearl]

Hard to believe a $57,000 vehicle doesn't come with a brake controller built in to the touch screen controls! HELLO JEEP! With all the towing capacity this vehicle has, you would think it would be standard equipment! HELLO JEEP! Anyways, I just cant see taking a screw gun and mounting a $100 brake controller under the dash where I can bang my knee on it all the time. I bought the Prodigy RF controller from Tekonsha. No hard-wiring required, and it is compact in the vehicle. Not much bigger than a CB mic. It has been a little difficult with the "pairing" that is required for the unit, but the maiden voyage is this weekend so I will give more input after I use it a little bit. I can sure tell this diesel engine is going to be a pleasure to tow with.

 

[Casper]

I'm going the two screw way.... But I did decide to get a new one instead of using the old one. I have short legs so no problem. How big of a trailer will you be pulling.

 

[Auburn Pearl]

I'm going the two screw way.... But I did decide to get a new one instead of using the old one. I have short legs so no problem. How big of a trailer will you be pulling.

We have a Camp Lite from Livin Lite. Totally aluminum so its light, but we load it pretty heavy with gear, and the wind load is the same as any other RV. I did a test pull yesterday after I got the Prodigy RF paired, and for the most part I couldn't tell it was back there. Going to Texas today, getting 17 MPG towing the trailer.

 

[Casper]

We have a Visa by Gulfstream. It weighs about 3500 pounds loaded. I think you will get better. I'm hoping for 20. But I have a 4x2 and it supposed to do at least 2mpg better than a 4x4.

We have a Camp Lite from Livin Lite. Totally aluminum so its light, but we load it pretty heavy with gear, and the wind load is the same as any other RV. I did a test pull yesterday after I got the Prodigy RF paired, and for the most part I couldn't tell it was back there. Going to Texas today, getting 17 MPG towing the trailer.

 

[Casper]

This weekend I installed my brake controller. I used a cable I bought from etrailer.com not the pig tail. two screws in the dash ( that just about broke my heart ) and I could find only one place it would go without drilling into the airbag or covering something that shouldn't be covered. To the left of the column and right of the fuel door release button. The most difficult part was positioning the plug under the dash so I could connect to it. The ball mount I turned over to give me a two inch drop but it's obvious that I need to purchase one with a four inch drop. This vehicle sits pretty high and my Gulf Stream Visa is of the European type that sits low. I probably should look into raising the trailer. I'm not happy with how low it is anyway. But for now I will spent the 20 bucks and get the new ball mount. Hopefully I can take it for a drag pretty soon. The mirrors are still something that need looking at. the ones I have with suction cups I'm not sure about. But perhaps I won't need them.. we will see.

 

[Bogeyman2B]

Bought mine at etrailer.com...came with the correct plug and play harness.
Took longer to lay on the floor and locate the female fitting than install the unit...minutes
However, have not drilled the holes to attach it above the parking brake...Tried heavy duty rigid velcro first...does not stay.
Any ideas of where to mount it controller is appreciated???
My unit easily stows away when not in use.

 

[Casper]

I also bought mine at etrailer.com.... I have bought a lot of stuff there over the last few years. I found out like you velcro does not stay. So I drilled two holes above the air bag cover left side. Then I bought some sticky back wire clips from Home Depot to hold the cable out of the way. I am going to drill two more holes about 3/4 of an inch higher and use four screw to get ride of a little bit of wiggle and put just a little more room between the top of the airbag cover and the unit. And see if I can paint the clips to match the dash when the weather warms. It's really only noticeable when you have the drivers door open. There are not a lot of options and I can't blame anyone for going with a wireless.....

 

[Bogeyman2B]

For what it's worth...the center media compartment (2014 GC Overland) that has USB, MP3 plug ins, etc., has a shelf top and back. The controller will easily store up there and bring down in front of the usb ports when in use. I plan to fish the wires up the top (directly behind the door), pop loose the side panel near your right leg and zip tie the wires under the dash to the installed female connectors. My controller included the prewired connections for both the Jeep and the controller. However, the wires will not be long enough. I am planning to use the included pigtale and extend the wires. I will take pics along the way if this helps.
I just cannot push myself to drill the holes into the panels, nor want to hit the controller with my knee entering/exit the vehicle.