Mopar factory trailer brake controller - my impressions and review

[AustinL911]

Problems resolved. Simply install as you receive it. No need to turn on bracket. However it won't clear the clutch pedal so not listed for mt models

Do you happen to know if the module can be adapted/mounted elsewhere for MT trucks?

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[jwilson2899]

Do you happen to know if the module can be adapted/mounted elsewhere for MT trucks?

I haven’t read a single thing about it not clearing the clutch pedal. Hey do not make any kind of distinction in the listing for the controller and it bolts inside the bracket to the left of the clutch pedal. There should I be no reason why it won’t work on the manual trans, otherwise they would say that it wouldn’t in the Mopar listing.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I haven’t read a single thing about it not clearing the clutch pedal. Hey do not make any kind of distinction in the listing for the controller and it bolts inside the bracket to the left of the clutch pedal. There should I be no reason why it won’t work on the manual trans, otherwise they would say that it wouldn’t in the Mopar listing.

There is a post in another thread about it. The parts listings also say the same springs fit several versions of jt. They don't always get specific.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I haven’t read a single thing about it not clearing the clutch pedal. Hey do not make any kind of distinction in the listing for the controller and it bolts inside the bracket to the left of the clutch pedal. There should I be no reason why it won’t work on the manual trans, otherwise they would say that it wouldn’t in the Mopar listing.

Found the thread with a basic search
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/no-trailer-brake-control-kit-for-manual-jt’s.43069/

And aside from the OP of that thread saying two dealers told him that - here's another source for the same information -

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...-kit-for-manual-jt’s.43069/page-2#post-748269

Frankly, I would expect that with a simple mod - or even relocating the thing to a place similar to where I put my Redarc box originally, it would work.
IF the only thing is "interference" or not ideal clearance, then don't use THEIR bracket - which I think it like trying to mount a butterfly collection on a piece of 1/2" thick steel plate with 16 penny nails anyway......... make your own bracket and relocate the thing.
Their bracket is really 3 times what's needed.

 

[jwilson2899]

Found the thread with a basic search
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/no-trailer-brake-control-kit-for-manual-jt’s.43069/

And aside from the OP of that thread saying two dealers told him that - here's another source for the same information -

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/no-trailer-brake-control-kit-for-manual-jt’s.43069/page-2#post-748269

Frankly, I would expect that with a simple mod - or even relocating the thing to a place similar to where I put my Redarc box originally, it would work.
IF the only thing is "interference" or not ideal clearance, then don't use THEIR bracket - which I think it like trying to mount a butterfly collection on a piece of 1/2" thick steel plate with 16 penny nails anyway......... make your own bracket and relocate the thing.
Their bracket is really 3 times what's needed.

Well my mistake then. I love the way this thing looks and fits, but jeez they shit the bed on this controller between the needed flash for pre 1/2020 build trucks and not working on a manual trans, despite the owners manual requiring a brake controller for trailers 2000 pounds an above.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Well my mistake then. I love the way this thing looks and fits, but jeez they shit the bed on this controller between the needed flash for pre 1/2020 build trucks and not working on a manual trans, despite the owners manual requiring a brake controller for trailers 2000 pounds an above.

I sort of wonder if it's more a matter of "we haven't tried it on the manual transmission models, therefore we can't sell it for those because it may not work - we don't know" than "it absolutely won't work".

I really wish I had taken time to find a way to move that thing from where they tell you to mount it anyway.
I think it's a less than ideal location,
I feel the bracket was meant for something weighing 20 pounds, not 1 pound,
and the mounting wasn't well thought out.

If this is designed like most other modern trailer brake controllers, you could mount it anywhere, in any orientation (as long as it couldn't vibrate or shake or move around)

 

[Mr._Bill]

Well my mistake then. I love the way this thing looks and fits, but jeez they shit the bed on this controller between the needed flash for pre 1/2020 build trucks and not working on a manual trans, despite the owners manual requiring a brake controller for trailers 2000 pounds an above.

The computer flash is needed for any brake controller, not just the Mopar unit. The TSB wasn't issued until the Mopar controller was available and they acknowledged the problem. The aftermarket solution is the diode in the wiring harness.

Most states require a brake controller for any trailer 3000 pounds or more. Some require it on trailers as light as 1500 pounds.

 

[Labswine]

The computer flash is needed for any brake controller, not just the Mopar unit. The TSB wasn't issued until the Mopar controller was available and they acknowledged the problem. The aftermarket solution is the diode in the wiring harness.

Most states require a brake controller for any trailer 3000 pounds or more. Some require it on trailers as light as 1500 pounds.

I don't think 'any' controller. My JT Overland was built in June/July 2019. I installed the Tenkosha brake controller and it works properly with no blinkin' lights or codes and I never got a flash for it.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

I don't think 'any' controller. My JT Overland was built in June/July 2019. I installed the Tenkosha brake controller and it works properly with no blinkin' lights or codes and I never got a flash for it.

I believe I read somewhere where some states (or maybe the feds?) require tow vehicle brake lights to come on even with manual trailer brake activation.

Any trailer brake controller that put a signal (power) on the vehicle's brake light circuit when the trailer brakes were used manually would have caused the ABS to freak out. And that's most of them (see my list below)

The ONLY time any brake controller caused the JT to have this issue was when you MANUALLY applied the trailer brakes while NOT touching the truck's brake pedal. If there was a signal sent from the brake controller to the JT's brake light circuit (which would be normal) the JT's ABS was told that was an error condition.

JEEP DID NOT ENGINEER THIER ABS CONTROLLER CORRECTLY is the bottom line.

So if you never applied the trailer brakes with your foot OFF the truck's brake pedal, you'd never see the issue.
But if you were in any sort of sway situation or needed to apply trailer brakes manually without the truck brakes, that's where the issue was.
If you can manually apply the trailer brakes with your foot clear away from the truck's brake pedal and don't see ABS errors, then you either have a diode in the connector, or, they have done something in the brake controller that won't send out a brake light signal over that line.

I believe that some STATES require your tow vehicle's stop lamps to be illuminated when manually applying trailer brakes...... There's a reason almost all controller makes do that. (that means if you run a diode, might want to check your state's laws)

--------------------------------------------
Trailer brake controllers are made to illuminate tow vehicle brake lights when using the trailer brake controller to apply trailer brakes manually.
That is from "etrailer".

The manual for the Curt Discovery controller lists "Manual Control activates brake lights" as a feature, and in the Manual Control section:
Quote:
The Manual Control activates the tow vehicle and trailer stoplights.

Draw-Tite Activator 5100 manual:
Quote:
The manual control activates the tow vehicle and trailer stoplights and the output indicator on the control unit.

Hayes Energize operation manual:
Quote:
• The tow vehicle and trailer brake stoplights will be illuminated during the manual lever activation

Dexter Predator DX2 instruction sheet
Quote:
The tow vehicle and trailer brake stoplights will be illuminated during the manual lever activation.

 

[Hootbro]

I believe I read somewhere where some states (or maybe the feds?) require tow vehicle brake lights to come on even with manual trailer brake activation.

...........................

Someone from California mentioned it was a California thing that required brake lights on for manual activation.

 

[Mr._Bill]

Having a diode in the harness prevents the error condition that the flash fixes. It also prevents the brake lights from coming on when the manual button is pressed. It is a requirement in California that the lights come on whenever the brakes are activated.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Someone from California mentioned it was a California thing that required brake lights on for manual activation.

IF anyone requires it, it'd be them.......... and I'm sure I read it when I was looking up trailer brake laws. I know CA is more strict on rear reflectors as well - they must exist and must be visible at something like 200 feet under xx conditions and so on.

Anyway, that sounds right.

 

[Labswine]

The ONLY time any brake controller caused the JT to have this issue was when you MANUALLY applied the trailer brakes while NOT touching the truck's brake pedal. If there was a signal sent from the brake controller to the JT's brake light circuit (which would be normal) the JT's ABS was told that was an error condition.

Did that as well, just to test, and ZERO blinkin' lights and/or codes. Felt the brakes on the trailer engage and start to slow the whole shebang. So, mebbe I got lucky with my choice of brake controller? Dunno...just know I have zero issues with the Tenkosha and my Gladiator with the pre-2020 build.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Did that as well, just to test, and ZERO blinkin' lights and/or codes. Felt the brakes on the trailer engage and start to slow the whole shebang. So, mebbe I got lucky with my choice of brake controller? Dunno...just know I have zero issues with the Tenkosha and my Gladiator with the pre-2020 build.

I did some digging - it's got a diode to prevent the controller from feeding a brake light signal to the tow vehicle brake light circuit.

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...ake-control-wiring-harness.23679/#post-396771

 

[KVJ]

The computer flash is needed for any brake controller, not just the Mopar unit. The TSB wasn't issued until the Mopar controller was available and they acknowledged the problem. The aftermarket solution is the diode in the wiring harness.

So I've had my Redarc in since 2019. Should I have the TSB done and will I need to remove the diode?

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