Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
(41 reviews)
Price: $162.53
Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
Item # 58-8
Retail:$223.10
Our Price: $162.53
You Save: $60.57
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Dexter Trailer Brake Controller - 58-8
- Electric
- Proportional Controller
- Up to 2 Axles
- Dexter
- LED Display
- Dash Mount
- Under-Dash Box
- Manual Leveling
- Up to 125 Degrees
This proportional brake controller keeps it simple with intuitive controls that are easy to use. Includes a large digital LED display, fingertip gain control, a slide-bar manual override, and built-in safety features.
Features:
- Brake controller activates your trailer brakes in proportion to your vehicle's braking action
- Automatically adjusts trailer's braking based on deceleration of tow vehicle
- Large digital LED display shows your controller settings and monitors voltage output
- Simple, intuitive controls keep your settings in easy reach
- Adjustable gain setting determines the amount of braking output sent to the trailer's brakes
- Built-in, slide-bar manual override activates trailer brakes to control sway in emergency situations
- Deceleration sensor lever lets you adjust initial braking power and aggressiveness for smooth, safe braking
- Built-in safeguards protect your vehicle and trailer
- Current limiter protects vehicle from shorts in the trailer wiring
- Hazard flasher immunity prevents pulsing of the brakes when flashers are activated
- Quick and easy mounting with included bracket and hardware
- 90 To -35 degree mounting range - must be horizontally level
- Pigtail harness hardwires into your vehicle
- Made in the USA
Specs:
- Application: trailers with up to 2 axles (4 brake assemblies)
- Compatible with electric brakes only
- Dimensions: 6-1/2" long x 3" wide x 1-5/8" tall
- Mounting angle: -35 degrees to 90 degrees vertically
- 7-Year limited warranty
Proportional Braking
The Dexter Predator DX2 brake controller comes equipped with proportional braking to give you the best towing experience. Proportional braking means that your trailer brakes mimic your tow vehicle's brakes. If you slam on the brakes in your vehicle, your trailer brakes will activate with the same intensity; if you brake lightly, your trailer brakes lightly too. The trailer's braking is in proportion to your vehicle's braking. This saves wear and tear on the tires and the brakes on both your vehicle and trailer.
The Predator DX2 uses an internal 3-axis accelerometer to sense how your vehicle is braking so it can send the right amount of braking power to your trailer. It measures the inertia of your tow vehicle and activates the trailer's brakes to slow at the same rate. The result is uniform braking across your towing setup. No push-pull action - just smooth, proportional braking every time.
Large Digital LED Display
The Dexter Predator DX2 features a large LED display that's easy to see so you can check on your current braking output setting with a glance. This display is designed to keep it simple and not overload you with information. The display will also show you the voltage to confirm that the trailer brakes are receiving power.
Braking Output
During the initial setup process, use the thumbwheel on the front of the brake controller to adjust the braking output. The output control lets you set the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes. Typically, the output is only readjusted when you experience changing road conditions or if the weight of your trailer changes. The power output control on this brake controller lets you set the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes. Typically, the power output is only readjusted if you switch from a heavy, loaded trailer to a much lighter, empty trailer - or vice versa.
During the initial setup process, you can use the thumbwheel to adjust the power output. To get more power to your brakes, increase the power level. To decrease the power output, lower the power level.
Sensitivity Adjustment with Deceleration Sensor Lever
Once you have the overall power set, you can fine-tune the power output by adjusting the sensitivity of the internal sensor. This controls the aggressiveness of your trailer's braking, meaning how quickly the brakes reach the maximum braking level. You can adjust this when you're towing heavy loads and you need more umph to bring your trailer to a stop. Your tow vehicle doesn't need that much power to brake in time, but your heavy trailer does. Boost gets the braking power to your trailer brakes faster and with more intensity so that it doesn't push your tow vehicle forward. To increase the sensitivity for towing heavier loads, move the lever away from you. For a lighter load, move the lever toward you.
Slide-Bar Manual Override
The Dexter Predator DX2 comes with a built-in manual override slide-bar in easy reach, great for stopping sway or controlling your trailer's momentum in emergencies. To engage the manual override, just push the slide-bar to the left. This will activate the trailer's brakes and brake lights without you having to apply the brakes on your tow vehicle, perfect for limiting trailer movement while you're cruising.
You can also engage the manual override to help you move a sliding 5th-wheel hitch closer to your truck's tailgate for tight maneuvering during slow speed turns. Just apply the manual override to hold the trailer in place while slowly moving the tow vehicle forward.
Quick, Simple Installation
Because the controller operates with an internal inertia sensor, it must be mounted between -35 degrees and 90 degrees vertically. The Predator DX2 also needs to be horizontally level and parallel with the direction of travel to function properly. During initial installation, the deceleration sensor lever must be positioned straight up and down. After mounting the Predator DX2 using the included bracket, hardwire the controller directly into your vehicle.
Installation Accessories
See etrailer.com's exclusive 7- and 4-way brake-control installation kit (ETBC7 - sold separately) if you don't already have a 7-way plug at the back of your vehicle
Note: One of the following will be required to ensure proper installation:
- 20-Amp circuit breaker (9506P - sold separately) for 2- to 4-brake applications
- 30-Amp circuit breaker (38630 - sold separately) for 6- to 8-brake applications
058-008-00 Dexter Predator DX2 Electric Brake Controller with Inertia Sensor - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
Replaces 58-8
Customer Satisfaction Score:
94% were satisfied with this product
6% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
- Defective
- Too difficult to install
Customer Reviews
Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional - 58-8
Average Customer Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars (41 Customer Reviews)
This proportional brake controller keeps it simple with intuitive controls that are easy to use. Includes a large digital LED display, fingertip gain control, a slide-bar manual override, and built-in safety features.by: Rancher01/07/2023
Finally a brake controller that does what I set it to, not what it’s little computer brain, designed by someone who has never pulled a trailer thinks it needs to do.
by: Michael 09/22/2022
I installed this controller in my 1982 Chevy K20 pickup.
It works perfectly! Etrailer exceeded my expectations with their level of customer service from the time the order was placed to the products arrival at my home. Truly 5-star service!
The video tutorials are straight forward and very helpful.
The universal installation kit literally had everything needed to complete the job.
Side note:
I would have liked to see the (2) 10ga wires in the insulation to be black and blue, not black and white, no biggie, black on black and white on blue.
Thanks again!
by: Bob J.09/07/2016
I am very satisfied with the Dexter Axle Predator Electric Brake controller. I purchased the Dexter brake controller to be compatible with Dexter car trailer axles on a 16 foot car hauler. The braking unit is very useful when towing in very steep and winding mountain terrain. I feel that the braking is a necessary safety item when towing in a hilly or mountainous environment and the Dexter Predator brake controller provides the great control and driver peace of mind knowing that a heavy load can be managed. The unit installs very easily with the proper adapter.
by: Richard12/28/2022
was difficult to find a good mounting location away from leg room
by: roula m07/25/2017
The parts I ordered were shipped and now are installed on a enclosed trailer that carries a variety of motorcycles. The roads are mountainous and treacherous here so I have to be able to 100% depend on my trailer brakes. The brakes have been flawless, giving me total confidence. Perfect parts, great price. Customer service was a 10. Thanks for all your help !
by: Fred09/09/2017
My brake controller was a great match for my needs. I have a 4 brake trailer which gets the proper control from my Dexter unit. From empty weight to heavy load the adjustment is just a slight roll of the knob. I like the digital read out so I can glance down to check system operations. It does great f or me and fit right in to the factory wire set up in my truck
by: Aaron 02/06/2024
Delivered on time and the right parts
by: Mark06/18/2020
Item was shipped promptly and was easy to install works great on my 20,000 pound felling goosneck trailer with 4 electric over hydraulic disc brakes.
by: Gary M.06/01/2015
Just finish installing the brake controller so I have not seen it in operation. Everything that was needed for installation was contained in the package. Due to limited access due to the chosen mounting location getting two of the side screws started took some effort.
by: Terry03/06/2017
This is a great product, installation was easy, instructions accurate and product works as advertised. I would do this all over again if needed.
by: Anthony12/29/2018
A great product. Had it installed by my Benz dealership. No adjustments needed.....factory settings were all I needed to tow my boat and trailer.
by: Dennis 06/06/2023
Everything as described.
by: WalkerEOD11/03/2017
Easy to install and adjust, seems to work well with my Pathfinder. The butt connectors that were included were not the correct size but i wouldn't have used them anyway.
by: Chuck 08/03/2022
Products came quickly... what I was looking for.
by: Stephen02/05/2022
Easy to set up and use.
by: Jim S12/17/2014
Great service from etrailer. I have never had a problem with any products I have bought.
Excellent company.
by: Fred Charlton06/01/2015
good quality product, instructions are easy to follow.
by: Richard 09/12/2022
Easy install and reasonably priced !
by: Tim 09/15/2022
FAst shipping
by: Roger08/02/2019
All my ordered parts arrived have not installed yet but so far perfect experience.
by: Ken07/12/2020
PARTS SHOWED UP ON TIME . HAVE NOT YET INSTALLED
by: Gilberto05/14/2019
So far so good all products worked as a dvertised
by: Mark 01/26/2022
Everything was sent that I ordered. Thank you
by: William 10/11/2023
by: Richard01/27/2015
Quality product at a good price.
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Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Dexter Trailer Brake Controller
- Trailer Brake Controller for a 2008 Saab 9-7X with Factory 7-Way Trailer ConnectorThe 24 pin receptacle you are seeing sounds like the OBD2 port and would not be used for a brake controller. You will need to utilize the owners manual or a Saab technician to locate the wires and to determine the functions of those wires. Identifying the wire functions is critical because a brake controller has to be hardwired in since there is no plug and play option available. The wires on a brake controller are as follows: white is ground black is 12 volt power in blue is output to...
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Brake Controller that Won't Work with Brake PedalIf a brake controller is detecting a trailer connected when there isn't one connected that indicates that there is a load somewhere on the brake output circuit that is confusing the controller. Typically this is corrosion on the 7-way and cleaning the pins with fine grit sandpaper will do the trick. If a controller will work with the override but not with the brake pedal that indicates a problem with the red (stoplight circuit) wire of the controller. What you will need to do is check...
view full answer... - Trailer Brakes Lock Up When Brake Pedal is Pressed Even With Controller Turned All the Way DownHave you tried towing the trailer with another truck? Or towing another trailer with the Dodge? This would help you narrow down whether the problem is with the wiring on the vehicle or the trailer. From what you're describing, it sounds like either something's incorrectly wired on the vehicle or trailer, or the trailer connector on the vehicle is damaged or corroded. This is kind of a strange occurrence, so try what I've mentioned above and get back with me. I've also linked you to our...
view full answer... - Display of Dexter 58-8 DX 2 Predator Brake Controller Lights Up Without Trailer ConnectedAccording to Dexter Axle, it's perfectly normal for the display to light up and display .0 when a trailer isn't connected. This will happen regardless of if the vehicle is running, as the controller has a constant 12V connection to the vehicle battery.
view full answer... - Fuse and Circuit Breaker Installation Help For Dexter Predator Brake Controller in 2008 GMC SierraWhen installing the Dexter Predator Brake Controller # 58-8 in your 2008 GMC Sierra you will want to follow the Dexter instructions and install the specified fuse and self-resetting circuit breaker as indicated. The vehicle manufacturer installs fuses to protect the OEM electrical components in the vehicle so any aftermarket accessory that is added will need to be protected independently of the factory fuses and circuit breakers. To correctly install the Dexter Predator you will leave...
view full answer... - Can a Trailer with Electric Brakes be Converted to Surge Hydraulic BrakesYou can convert your trailer from electric brakes to hydraulic surge brakes, but it will require new brake assemblies, a new coupler and brake lines. To see all that is needed check out the FAQ article I attached to the right.
view full answer... - Where To Measure to Determine What Size Brake Assemblies are NeededIn order to determine what size brakes you need you will need to measure what you currently have on your trailer. Check out the picture I attached that shows you exactly where to measure. If you are instead looking for a way to add brakes to your trailer that currently does not have any check out the help article I attached that covers this.
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view full answer... - How to Wire Dexter DX2 Brake Controller on 2013 Chevrolet SilveradoThe red wire from your Dexter DX2 brake controller # 58-8 needs to be wired to the cold side of the stop light switch, which on your 2013 Chevy Silverado corresponds to a light blue wire with a white stripe. This wire should ONLY be hot when the brake pedal is applied. The rest of the wires actually match up with the same color wires on your truck as follows: Dark blue on brake controller - To dark blue on vehicle White on brake controller - To white on vehicle Black on brake controller...
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- Install Video for Brake Controller in 2006 Ford F-150I found the video you are looking for and attached a link to it on this page. You'll want to look for the heading titled "FEATURED HELP INFORMATION" and under that "Miscellanious Media" and you'll see a link. It depends on what device you are using to view this page but most likely it's underneath the product links so you should scroll down.
view full answer... - Should Brake Controller Draw Power All The Time You won't have any problem with power going to the brake controller all the time. This lets the brake controller keep all of its settings and not lose them every time the vehicle is turned off. Brake controllers are designed to enter a sleep mode after a period of time when there is no activity. An idle controller draws very little current and will not drain the vehicle battery.
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Low Power Output for Predator DX2 Brake ControllerIt sounds like you've done a good amount of troubleshooting already which gives us a good foundation to work off of. Since your Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller # 58-8 isn't supplying more than 3.2 for power this tells me that 1 of 2 things is going on; either there isn't enough power getting to the controller and is limiting it, or something is internally wrong with the controller. Start off by checking the wires connected to the controller first. The white should have a...
view full answer... - Troubleshooting Brake Controller with 1.5 on Display All of the TimeSometimes brake controllers need to be reset as they get a weird internal bug. Try unplugging yours for a minute or so and replugging in and see if that helps. Here's how to test the controller though: Testing the brake controller is fairly easy. Sever the blue brake output wire near the brake controller leaving enough room to reconnect it and then apply the manual slide. Using a circuit tester like the Tester, part # PTW2993, you should get output to the controller side of the wire you...
view full answer... - Surge Brakes or Electric Brake Controller for a Trailer Towed by a MotorcycleElectric brakes and brake controllers do require adjustment when the trailer changes weight due to adding or removing a load. As long as you remember to do that there is no problem with the brakes being too aggressive. Surge brakes require a certain amount of momentum, inertia to activate the trailer brakes. The reason you do not see them on trailers towed by motorcycles is because those trailers are light and it does take a lot of pressure to activate the brakes that just isn't present...
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view full answer... - Recommended After Market Brake Controller For A 2022 Ford F-150 With Factory Tow PackageWhen it comes to installing an after market brake controller in your 2022 Ford F-150 I recommend The Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195. The cool thing about the P3 controller is that is 5 storable setting that allows you to customize the controller for multiple trailers, varying loads or different drivers. So if you trust someone else to drive your vehicle for towing a trailer and they prefer a stronger stopping power you can adjust to allow it to happen without messing with your setting. The...
view full answer... - Will a P3 Brake Controller Use Same Wiring as Dexter Predator DX2 on a 2011 VW TouaregThe wire functions are going to be the same between the Dexter Predator, # 58-8, and the P3, # 90195. The white wire is ground, black is 12 volt power, red is input from stop light circuit, and blue is output to the trailer brakes. If you already have wiring connected to your 2011 VW Touareg for the Predator brake controller then you could just cut off the wires and splice them to the matching wires on the P3. If you do not have a controller installed on the vehicle then there are some...
view full answer... - Mounting Bracket for a Dexter Predator DX2 Brake ControllerYou should be able to use bracket # 2178. I have included a picture showing the measurements for you. I was able to read the instructions for the controller from the Dexter site but I can send you a copy in a separate email.
view full answer...
- Can the Predator DX2 Brake Controller Work on a Trailer with 6 Brake AssembliesI have a solution for you, but the Dexter Axle Predator Electric Brake Controller # 58-8 that you referenced can only be used on up to 4 brake assemblies. Instead you would want the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This controller can be used on up to 8 brake assemblies and would work great for you. This is our best selling controller because of how easy it is to set up and how well it works.
view full answer... - Brake Wire for Installation of Dexter Predator Trailer Brake Controller in 2006 Dodge Ram 2500When installing the Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller # 58-8 with Wiring Adapter # 3020-S in your 2006 Dodge Ram 2500, the blue wire from the brake controller will connect to the blue wire from the harness. I have added links to help articles on brake controllers and brake controller installation for you to check out as well.
view full answer... - Is the Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller Compatible with a Triple Axle TrailerThe Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller # 58-8 is only rated for up to 2 axles. If your trailer has 3 axles then I recommend the Tekonsha Primus IQ # TK90160 which is a proven proportional brake controller at a cost-effective price. This also uses the same wiring configuration as the DX2 so if you are splicing it in to your tow vehicle you will use the following: Blue - 7-Way Output to Trailer Black - 12V Power White - Ground Red - COLD Side of Stop Light Switch (only gets hot...
view full answer... - Wiring a Brake Controller on 2010 Chevy SilveradoYou are correct, the tow package wiring in your Silverado does not match up color for color with the controller. The red/black tow package wire will connect to the black wire on the controller. The dark blue tow package wire connects to the blue wire on the controller, the light blue tow package wire connects to the red controller wire, and the white tow package wire connects to the white wire on the controller. The orange tow package wire is for an illumination circuit and is NOT needed....
view full answer... - Installing Trailer Brake Controller on 2012 Chevy Silverado with Factory 7-WayIf your 2012 Chevy Silverado is equipped with the factory 7-Way connector at the rear there isn't an actual OEM port behind the dash for a brake controller plug-and-play install, however all the needed wiring is present. This means you can simply hardwire the Dexter Predator DX2 Brake Controller # 58-8 directly to the factory wire bundle behind the dash of your truck. Based on my research these blunt cut wires are behind the steering column. You will make the following connections using...
view full answer... - Installing Dexter Predator DX2 Brake Controller on 2008 GMC EnvoyAs long as your 2008 GMC Envoy is equipped with the factory 7-Way connector there will be blunt cut wires located inside the vehicle on the driver's side under the instrument panel to which your Dexter Predator DX2 Brake Controller # 58-8 can be directly wired. Based on my research there should be a red/black wire that connects to the black (12V power) wire on the controller, a white wire that connects to the white (ground) wire on the controller, a light blue/white wire that gets connected...
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