Installing an aftermarket brake controller is a 5 minute job. Just get the factory plug connector and hook it up before towing.I'd do it in a heartbeat. Why not? They want speed varied, and a load pushes the rings out against the cylinder walls actually enhancing the break-in effect.
I know I'd do it. Frankly, the beast is pretty much broken in by the time you get it. The idea after that is VARY speed. Don't set the cruise at 75 mph for three hours. Vary speed and load and you'll be fine.
I had thought about taking my 04 WJ to a dealer to pick up a Gladiator and then hooking my car hauler to the JT and hauling the WJ back home - the kicker is that the Gladiator would come with no brake controller......... so that lets that out.
I need to choose one and get the correct plug or pigtail - I've installed several before but not on Jeeps......... done it on Ford, Chevy, etc. but never on Jeep but I understand the plug is a 4 wire connector by the left kick panel.Installing an aftermarket brake controller is a 5 minute job. Just get the factory plug connector and hook it up before towing.
That’s correct. You would need to order the connector made for the JL/JT but many sites offer it as a kit with the brake controller. It is located under the panel below the steering wheel near the brake pedal. Just reach up under and you will find it. Mine was clipped up but was the only disconnected plug sitting under there.I need to choose one and get the correct plug or pigtail - I've installed several before but not on Jeeps......... done it on Ford, Chevy, etc. but never on Jeep but I understand the plug is a 4 wire connector by the left kick panel.
So, as long as a person had the CORRECT pigtail or harness that worked with the adaptive cruise, it should be simple.
Some say that it takes a special plug/harness with a diode to prevent feedback with the adaptive cruise......... otherwise it can throw an error or such.That’s correct. You would need to order the connector made for the JL/JT but many sites offer it as a kit with the brake controller. It is located under the panel below the steering wheel near the brake pedal. Just reach up under and you will find it. Mine was clipped up but was the only disconnected plug sitting under there.
This is what I installed and it looks like a factory install. Came with the pigtail and I have adaptive cruise and haven’t noticed any issues.Some say that it takes a special plug/harness with a diode to prevent feedback with the adaptive cruise......... otherwise it can throw an error or such.
I need to decide on a controller - want one that would be like factory - and with manual control as well - slide a lever or push a button to apply the brakes manually as well as the inertia control.
Can you manually apply brakes with a simple move - like push of a button (old style had a lever to slide)This is what I installed and it looks like a factory install. Came with the pigtail and I have adaptive cruise and haven’t noticed any issues.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/curt-spectrum-brake-controller-installed.20575/
Yes you can turn the knob to apply the brakes manually.Can you manually apply brakes with a simple move - like push of a button (old style had a lever to slide)
Thanks
but isn't that how you set the sensitivity? So you'd change that and have to set it back after each application manually?Yes you can turn the knob to apply the brakes manually.
It has different functions and setting sensitivity is set by pushing the button then turning the knob. Different settings each time you push the button. You may be able to download the manual from their website for more information.but isn't that how you set the sensitivity? So you'd change that and have to set it back after each application manually?
The old style controllers had a knob to set the brake "harshness" or sensitivity of the unit, and then a lever to apply them manually and you never disturbed the brake settings that way.
So you'd have to put it back each time after using manually? Not sure I'd be a fan of that.........
Check out the manual online. Shows all the functions and how it works:but isn't that how you set the sensitivity? So you'd change that and have to set it back after each application manually?
The old style controllers had a knob to set the brake "harshness" or sensitivity of the unit, and then a lever to apply them manually and you never disturbed the brake settings that way.
So you'd have to put it back each time after using manually? Not sure I'd be a fan of that.........
I'll look into manuals but I think your explanation I took care of my question. I was concerned it was one for both - but pushing to set the sensitivity and then simply turning to apply the brakes - that sounds fine. That way if you apply the brakes manually you've not changed anything - unless of course you push, too! Thanks -that sounds like what I would like. And to think the dealer wanted 390 to get a controller installed - of course THEY don't do it, they'd take it to another place to have it installed. Good grief, can't they do anything complex - like plugging in a single connector to the vehicle? This thing looks plug and play.It has different functions and setting sensitivity is set by pushing the button then turning the knob. Different settings each time you push the button. You may be able to download the manual from their website for more information.
Check out the manual online. Shows all the functions and how it works:
https://www.curtmfg.com/part/51170
That was my original plan - it sort of depends on how things shake out such as if I stick with the original ordered vehicle or not and go with someone different, then a biggy will be the price difference between the after-market and the Jeep version. If one is 500 and this one is 200 - I'd have to think awfully hard before paying more than double just to get the Jeep version - and the way they price parts, that's not out of the realm of possibilities.I can wait for the factory kit to be available. Then I will make a decision on factory or after market.