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Trailer Brake Controller install
- Thread starter saleen032
- Start date
Have a Limited with Tow Package. I don't see a brake control listed on the build sheet or physically anywhere like my RAM 1500 has.
GC_chief
Well-known member
It does not come with a controller but if equipped with a 7-pin connector on the tow package, it should be pre-wired to accept one. The plug should be a 6 pin plug tucked WAY up in the dash above the floor pedals. Typically you will require a wire harness adapter plus the controller. Jeep hasn’t released the wire harness specs but I would assume some folks will be trying the Dodge harnesses on this forum…myself included once I receive my GCL.
This video is for a JT (Gladiator) but will most likely be very similar:
I know that there isnt a factory brake controller as an option, but most of the time, the manufacturer will pre wire the vehicle to accept an aftermarket brake controller. My 2018 Durango had the connector next to the brake pedal. i was just wondering if anybody had actually installed a controller yet and knew the location of the connector.
I went on Curt's site and I couldn't find a listing for the Grand Cherokee L yet, only the regular Grand Cherokee(WK2).....
I found what I think is the connector for a trailer brake controller behind the drivers side front kickpanel. The connector plugged in with no problem, had the same wire colors, but my controller did not light up. I have to look and do some more research to see if a fuse needs to be installed for the power....
GC_chief
Well-known member
the video I posted above speaks about swapping two pins that make be the issue, if you want to give it a try:
update: if video link fails, google “
Jeep Gladiator JT Truck How to Connect a Trailer Brake Controller”
OK got the problem solved. The connector is the correct one. It is behind the drivers kick panel trim piece, in the back upper corner. Very easy to get to. I had a loose connection in my adapter harness that was causing the problem. Fixed the wire, and the controller lit up fine. The wiring adapter harness should be the same one needed for a 2015-2021Durango(WD)/Grand Cherokee(WK2) with the factory tow package. I did not need to swap any wires around..
GC_chief
Well-known member
do you have a part number for the harness?
Every brake controller manufacturer will have a different part number for their PNP harness. Just be sure to get one for a 2018 Durango/Grand Cherokee, as this was my old truck and it worked perfectly. I dont think any companies have the L in their fitment guides yet...
Sarge
Well-known member
FWIW I've been using the Tekonsha P3 in other vehicles for many years and it works really well, and probably also has one of the smaller footprints overall. Usually you tap into a blue wire in the trailer harness for brakes, but I can't recall for sure. The instructions should be clear though, and the P3 has a nice red vs blue backlight that lets you know it's connected and working.
nightfighter350
New member
Do you have a picture of it installed? Part#?
TampaHoosier
Well-known member
It should be Mopar # 82215834AB.
It doesn’t say compatible on the website or anywhere else but the pictures in the install manual are definitely of the new WL74 and WL75 dashboard. As someone posted above the dealership has already installed some. You will be loosing your cigarette lighter adapter. I installed a different version of the same trailer brake controller in my Gladiator. Looks like a bit more work for the WL75 but easily doable. Just get a good trim removal kit, you don’t want to go and scratch up the dash!
2018-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailer Brake Control 82215834AB | Mopar Estores
2018-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailer Brake Control 82215834AB
store.mopar.com
RichSNJ
Well-known member
It should be Mopar # 82215834AB.
It doesn’t say compatible on the website or anywhere else but the pictures in the install manual are definitely of the new WL74 and WL75 dashboard. As someone posted above the dealership has already installed some. You will be loosing your cigarette lighter adapter. I installed a different version of the same trailer brake controller in my Gladiator. Looks like a bit more work for the WL75 but easily doable. Just get a good trim removal kit, you don’t want to go and scratch up the dash!
2018-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailer Brake Control 82215834AB | Mopar Estores
2018-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee Trailer Brake Control 82215834AB
That's pretty awesome. Do you think that there would be anything preventing you from simply drilling a 12V sized hole somewhere under the column and mounting it anywhere you'd like? In other words, it seems like it would be simpler to install somewhere under the steering wheel and you wouldn't have to take the console apart, plus you wouldn't have to give up the 12V plug. I know that nobody wants to drill a hole in their panel, but it would look factory if done well.
Nope! We opted not to drill but if done right would look good im sure.
Attachments
RichSNJ
Well-known member
That's fantastic, I will definitely look into that when my GCL shows up!
TampaHoosier
Well-known member
What they showed you is the Redarc… not the mopar one. If you want the mopar/factory you would probably need to install it in the lighter slot. My mopar controller for my gladiator was very specific with the trim pieces and how it all clicks together. Looking back at the install I can’t think of a way you could drill a hole, slide this think through it, hold it in that hole (ie clip into hole or washers/nuts on both sides on hole) and also drill a perfect hole without any damage to the surrounding plastic trim.
Don’t be intimidated by the instructions, it’s not as bad as it looks.
Of course the Redarc is a perfectly good option too! I prefer the clean stock look personally though.
He was referring to installation of the mopar controller. Yours is the Redarc.
RichSNJ
Well-known member
Ahh gotcha. I don't really care if it's mopar or not, I just like the idea of not having the box hanging below the dash - I'm 6'8" and my knees and legs like to be there instead
I couldn't find the redarc, but when I searched for it I found the Curt which appears to be the same style / solution...