Help me bring home my camper.

[CyberHero]

I’m buying a 25 Grand Design Transcend One 151BH
Stats are in the pics
I have a 23 Rubicon. The problem is I’m driving it 2 hours to pick it up and bring home 125 miles to be exact. 80% interstate.
I’m assuming I need a wdh and I assume I need a brake controller. Or at what point do I need a brake controller? How hard is it to install these myself or can I? Not really that handy but I’m a fast Learner. If so which one can I do or what’s best to install for simple install.

Yes there’s lots of threads but didn’t find the info I’m wanting!

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[Mr._Bill]

You do need a brake controller, many threads on them. The Curt that connects to the trailer plug at the bumper is quick and easy. A WDH is highly recommended, but you can get it home without one, if necessary. Be very careful and take your time.

 

[CyberHero]

You do need a brake controller, many threads on them. The Curt that connects to the trailer plug at the bumper is quick and easy. A WDH is highly recommended, but you can get it home without one, if necessary. Be very careful and take your time.

Do you know which one so I don’t buy the wrong one?

 

[Mr._Bill]

Do you know which one so I don’t buy the wrong one?

This is the one. There is also a Bluetooth button available to go on the dash so you don't have to keep the phone app open. I don't see it on Amazon, you may have to get it directly from Curt.

CURT 51180 Echo Mobile Electric Trailer Brake Controller with Bluetooth-Enabled Smartphone Connection, Proportional, Black PLastic, 9 x 9 x 3 inches, BLACK PLASTIC https://a.co/d/1rI2wah

This is the one I installed on my first truck. I only paid $125 for it, but left it with the truck when I traded it in. Price has gone way up since then.

CURT 51170 Spectrum Original Equipment Style, Integrated Electric Trailer Brake Controller, Proportional https://a.co/d/gyl0lSA

 

[MattKay]

I’ve picked up my trailers with a WDH …the dealer will help you install and set it good enough to get home safely. The weight of your camper isn’t extreme but still helps with better road manners esp if you are highway driving.

 

[hepcat]

You need both a controller and WDH. I have the FCA factory controller installed in mine. It's amazing. As I've not used any of the others with a Gladiator I can't speak to them first hand, but there are a number of threads about them. With that size trailer, I'd highly recommend an Anderson of the appropriate weight rating. They're relatively inexpensive, light weight, and easy to install and use. I had one on an MPG 19' trailer I towed with an FJ Cruiser.

 

[CyberHero]

Is a wdh hard to install?

 

[RudeJeepin]

WDH, sway control, brake controller and tow mirrors. Maybe even a rear trailer camera, 8ft wide trailer is gonna be really hard to see around with a Gladiator, even with tow mirrors.

Start watching some YouTube videos.

 

[Gvsukids]

Yes there’s lots of threads but didn’t find the info I’m wanting!

What info couldn't you find?

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/trailer-brake-controller-recommendations.65902/

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/weight-distribution-hitch-do-i-need-this.39871/

 

[KrispyKotex]

Does a factory towing package come with a brake controller or at least one of the pins in the round plug help with providing brake power to the trailer if equipped?

 

[Panthers65]

Does a factory towing package come with a brake controller or at least one of the pins in the round plug help with providing brake power to the trailer if equipped?

My max tow did not

I bought the Curt stuff, not as nice as the factory stuff but cheaper and works just fine. I mounted it under the steering column

Curt 51110 Controller
Curt 51527 Quick Plug wiring harness.

Took about 10 minutes to install.

 

[Jaxmax]

The WDH is easy to install, I did mine in the parking lot of the dealer in Vermont ,seven hours from home. You will need a tape measure, and a set of wrenches, or buy one and have the dealer install it. I have a Blue Ox Sway- Pro and love it. I prefer hard wired brake controllers but that’s me, I have the Mopar factory one. Whatever you get be sure to have the emergency button where it is easily reached by you or passenger. If you are uncomfortable installing it your dealer can do it.
Nice camper by the way and you picked good weight to be towing behind a Rubicon…..Jack

 

[wildtaco]

I installed the Mopar brake controller in about an hour while camping lol. It's super easy. Only problem right now is that they're hard2obtainium. Dealers are asking an arm and a leg if they actually have them while online marketplaces are out of stock for the most part.

 

[BourbonRunner]

@OP:

Yesterday I was cruising up the interstate to an appointment. I spotted a trailer swaying heavily out ahead. As I got closer and passed I saw it was a Ram 1500 double cab hauling about a 20ft bumper pull with a Yeti and bikes and other crap hanging off the trailer bumper. I guessed that he did not have a WDH with sway bars and was all over 2 lanes of traffic at under 55mph. When I passed him I confirmed it.

You cannot be too safe when hauling a trailer, and especially in a relatively SWB vehicle. Get a WDH, get a brake controller, and pay close attention to what your vehicle is doing and the road surface.

And by all means make sure you balance your weight in the trailer PROPERLY. I see people throw all sorts of shit on a 2" receiver off the back of the things. If you hang too much weight while underway aft of the axles you're going to learn really fast. 200lbs of ice and beer in your Yeti hanging off the edge isn't a flex when your ass end takes out a Hyundai in the next lane over. Physics is either your best friend or your worst enemy.

 

[ospreyfe55]

Do yourself a favor and pickup a Redarc brake controller. They have 2 different versions, one being the normal towing conditions and another for offroad towing. The normal conditions will be fine for your needs, plus its way cheaper than the Mopar version and easier to install. Make sure to order the harness for a seamless connection to the factory harness.
https://www.redarcelectronics.com/us/jeep/gladiator

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