Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Trailer Brake Controller Knob Location Advice

[Shuttersandtriggers]

Hi everyone,

Yes, this is yet another Redarc Trailer Brake Controller post, but this one is specifically about Knob Location.

I did a deep dive on this forum and the entirely of YouTube and could not find any thread or pictures of the Knob positioned where I'm thinking of. And there might be a good reason for it. Hopefully someone knows.

I have a '23 Rubicon Gladiator and as we all know finding dash space even for something this small is a challenge. I'm thinking a great location might be on the Headlight Switch Module. (The red circle in the image below). I did find a YouTube video of someone replacing the module so at least removing it won't be that much of a problem.

I'm just worried if I were to drill into it I might be damaging a circuit board or something along those lines.

Anyone have any advice?

Here's a snap shot from the Youtube Video showing the back of the Headlight Module

Thanks everyone

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[ShadowsPapa]

Interesting. I've not installed my Redarc controller yet (but need to) and was hoping to land a location other than the 12v outlet again. Not that I use that 12v outlet a lot - but every few months it's handy. I've wondered about something around the area to the left of the steering wheel.

I had thought about this area, but the bezel for the control knob would be a bit large for it, perhaps, or access might be tough from what I'm hearing when people go to install the bed inverter switch in that location - pain to access.

 

[DylanM]

There's a decent chance you won't have room to install the controller knob switch inside the headlight switch, but the only way to know for certain is to remove your headlight switch and pop it open to see what's inside.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

There's a decent chance you won't have room to install the controller knob switch inside the headlight switch, but the only way to know for certain is to remove your headlight switch and pop it open to see what's inside.

I assume those tabs release the back so you can access the inside.

You are likely correct.
(but it's a neat thought if it would work)

 

[Shuttersandtriggers]

Interesting. I've not installed my Redarc controller yet (but need to) and was hoping to land a location other than the 12v outlet again. Not that I use that 12v outlet a lot - but every few months it's handy. I've wondered about something around the area to the left of the steering wheel.

I had thought about this area, but the bezel for the control knob would be a bit large for it, perhaps, or access might be tough from what I'm hearing when people go to install the bed inverter switch in that location - pain to access.

This spot is also a great idea and I was real excited when I saw this post, unfortunately that's not my trim package. Bummer!

 

[bgott]

I would price out a new headlight switch before I got to opening up your existing switch. It would be a bad day if you screwed up your switch and then found out a replacement was $500.
I mounted my switch next to the power outlet. I got this idea from others on this forum. I found a youtube video on how to get the panel out, it’s not that hard. Center the hole for the switch shaft between the outlet and the upper right hand corner of the panel. You will need a carbide burr for your dremel tool to relieve the plastic casting ribs on the back side of the panel where your switch will mount. You have plenty of meat there to smooth the flashing and ribbing without weakening the panel. If I was a nice guy I would have taken a picture but I was in problem solving mode and not picture taking mode when I got that far. It worked out rather well!

 

[Thunderspud]

I put mine in the same place.

 

[Shuttersandtriggers]

I would price out a new headlight switch before I got to opening up your existing switch. It would be a bad day if you screwed up your switch and then found out a replacement was $500.
I mounted my switch next to the power outlet. I got this idea from others on this forum. I found a youtube video on how to get the panel out, it’s not that hard. Center the hole for the switch shaft between the outlet and the upper right hand corner of the panel. You will need a carbide burr for your dremel tool to relieve the plastic casting ribs on the back side of the panel where your switch will mount. You have plenty of meat there to smooth the flashing and ribbing without weakening the panel. If I was a nice guy I would have taken a picture but I was in problem solving mode and not picture taking mode when I got that far. It worked out rather well!

You read my mind buddy

I was just on Amazon looking for a replacement. So far only found the older models with a center dial. still hunting...

Your installation spot is my option 2. Good flat surface, and more visible than my 1st option.

 

[bgott]

I would price out a new headlight switch before I got to opening up your existing switch. It would be a bad day if you screwed up your switch and then found out a replacement was $500.
I mounted my switch next to the power outlet. I got this idea from others on this forum. I found a youtube video on how to get the panel out, it’s not that hard. Center the hole for the switch shaft between the outlet and the upper right hand corner of the panel. You will need a carbide burr for your dremel tool to relieve the plastic casting ribs on the back side of the panel where your switch will mount. You have plenty of meat there to smooth the flashing and ribbing without weakening the panel. If I was a nice guy I would have taken a picture but I was in problem solving mode and not picture taking mode when I got that far. It worked out rather well!

The foam koozie is an excellent addition to your transfer case shifter if you have, like me, long legs and boney knees and your blue jeans seam likes to ride on that hard- assed plastic knob. I took this idea one step further by sliding a pocket koozie inside of the foam koozie for a shim to get it to fit just right.

 

[gouacats]

I took my 12V plug out and replaced it with the redarc over 4 years ago. I haven't missed the 12V plug at all, but you may have a use for it.

 

[Y-Guy]

I took my 12V plug out and replaced it with the redarc over 4 years ago. I haven't missed the 12V plug at all, but you may have a use for it.

That how it was on my 2020 Gladiator too, also never needed the 12v plug.

I will add having towed a lot, though not with my Gladiator, you want to quickly be able to put your hand on the brake controller and make adjustment or trigger the brakes manually in the case of a out of control trailer sway. I would not put it near my head lights control for that reason.

I have been in an out of control trailer situation once, over a bridge in Mid-Missouri - after that I'm extremely cautious when it comes to towing.

 

[MaximusTX]

Hi everyone,

Yes, this is yet another Redarc Trailer Brake Controller post, but this one is specifically about Knob Location.

I did a deep dive on this forum and the entirely of YouTube and could not find any thread or pictures of the Knob positioned where I'm thinking of. And there might be a good reason for it. Hopefully someone knows.

I have a '23 Rubicon Gladiator and as we all know finding dash space even for something this small is a challenge. I'm thinking a great location might be on the Headlight Switch Module. (The red circle in the image below). I did find a YouTube video of someone replacing the module so at least removing it won't be that much of a problem.

I'm just worried if I were to drill into it I might be damaging a circuit board or something along those lines.

Anyone have any advice?

Here's a snap shot from the Youtube Video showing the back of the Headlight Module

Thanks everyone

Mine came already installed like this.

 

[Shuttersandtriggers]

That how it was on my 2020 Gladiator too, also never needed the 12v plug.

I will add having towed a lot, though not with my Gladiator, you want to quickly be able to put your hand on the brake controller and make adjustment or trigger the brakes manually in the case of a out of control trailer sway. I would not put it near my head lights control for that reason.

I have been in an out of control trailer situation once, over a bridge in Mid-Missouri - after that I'm extremely cautious when it comes to towing.

Very good input, thank you for that. I will consider the 2nd option more seriously.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

That how it was on my 2020 Gladiator too, also never needed the 12v plug.

I will add having towed a lot, though not with my Gladiator, you want to quickly be able to put your hand on the brake controller and make adjustment or trigger the brakes manually in the case of a out of control trailer sway. I would not put it near my head lights control for that reason.

I have been in an out of control trailer situation once, over a bridge in Mid-Missouri - after that I'm extremely cautious when it comes to towing.

Left handed, and my right hand doesn't have good aim due to the tremor, so left side would be my choice. Too much crap already going on to the right of me.

I also like a clean appearance, not like an after-thought, but like it was planned to be there, so will keep trying to find a spot where it looks like maybe it was designed that way.

 

[DylanM]

FWIW, I went with this location for ease of access by either myself or the passenger, while retaining the 12v outlet.

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