Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
(41 reviews)
Price: $162.49
In Stock
Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
Item # 58-8
Retail:$223.10
Our Price: $162.49
You Save: $60.61
In Stock
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Dexter Trailer Brake Controller - 58-8
- Electric
- Up to 2 Axles
- Proportional Controller
- Dexter
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Manual Leveling
- LED Display
- 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:
93% were satisfied with this product
7% of customers were not satisfied
- Wrong item was ordered
- Defective
- Product did not meet expectations
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: 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: 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: Richard12/28/2022
was difficult to find a good mounting location away from leg room
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: Stephen02/05/2022
Easy to set up and use.
by: Chuck 08/03/2022
Products came quickly... what I was looking for.
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: Roger08/02/2019
All my ordered parts arrived have not installed yet but so far perfect experience.
by: Tim 09/15/2022
FAst shipping
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: Richard01/27/2015
Quality product at a good price.
by: Walter06/18/2019
These guys and gals are fast with their deliveries!
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Show More Reviews
See what our Experts say about this Dexter Trailer Brake Controller
- Can Dexter Predator Brake Controller Fit 2019 Ford ExplorerYes the Dexter Predator brake controller part # 58-8 that you referenced does fit your 2019 Ford Explorer by using the install harness part # 3035-S and you'd be set.
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view full answer... - How to Wire Dexter Predator Brake Controller on a 2013 Town and Country With a Tow PackageIn my research, the 2013 Chrysler Town and Country with a tow package does come with a wiring harness and should have a 7-way. To install the Dexter Predator # 58-8, you will need to run the wires from the brake controller to the 7-way connector on your vehicle. You are also going to need Draw-Tite # 5506 which gives you the extra length you will need to hook up your brake controller to your 7-way connector. I have attached a FAQ regarding trailer brake controller installation information,...
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- Troubleshooting Predator DX2 Brake Controller that Only Works with Override LeverThe controller shouldn't have been showing voltage without a trailer connected. Typically this is caused by corrosion on the 7-way which is putting a slight draw on the circuit and causing the controller to think a trailer is connected. If the controller isn't applying the brakes with the brake pedal typically that's due to an issue with the red wire of the controller though. This wire needs to see 12 volts to know you are applying the brakes so that it can then start activating the trailer...
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... - Parts Needed To Tow a Towmaster Trailer with Electric Brakes with a WinnebagoThe Dexter Predator brake controller # 58-8 would be a good fit to power the trailer brakes on your Towmaster trailer. You would need to hard wire the brake controller to the Winnebago, connecting the wires coming from the back side of the brake controller as follows. The brake controller wire functions are: White: Ground, attached to a clean piece of unpainted metal. Black: 12v lead, attached to the positive battery terminal on the Winnebago with a 40amp circuit breaker. Blue: Electric...
view full answer... - Brake Controller Installation on 2006 Ford F150The brake controller installation on your 2006 F150 is pretty easy. The connector for the brake controller is located under the dash, behind and to the right of the OBD port as shown in the video I've linked for you. You'll need the brake controller wiring adapter, part # 3035-S. The adapter will plug into the connector, and the bare wires on the connector would wire to your Dexter Predator brake controller, color for color. If your vehicle is equipped with the 7-way trailer connector,...
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... - Recommended Brake Controller for a 2017 Dodge Durango with Factory Installed Tow PackageFor you 2017 Dodge Durango, i recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, # 90885. The P2 Brake Controller is a proportional brake controller, so it applies brake power to your trailer in proportion to the brake pressure applied to your vehicle. You will get a faster braking response with proportional controllers over the traditional time delay. The Prodigy P2 is more of an entry level brake controller; easy to use, easy to mount, and it works well. That is probably why it is one...
view full answer... - 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... - Recommended 7-Way Upgrade Kit For A 2002 Ford F-250 With A Factory 4-FlatIf you're trying to just add a 7-way to your 2002 Ford F-250, and you've already got a 4-flat then you'll just need the: -Curt Trailer Connector Adapter # C57672. This adapter will plug into your existing 4-flat, and will splice to your battery, brake output wire, and 12v power. There is not going to be a plug under your dash for this to splice into, but the good news is you do not need to wire everything from scratch since you've already got a 4-pole. As far as plugging in your actual...
view full answer... - What is the Wire Gauge Used for the Dexter Predator Brake Controller for a 2008 Chevy SilveradoNo problem, I'm happy to help. I went out to the warehouse with our little wire gauge measuring tool to measure the wires on the Dexter Predator # 58-8. They all came up as 14 gauge (btween 12 and 14 but closer to 14). So a butt connector such as # DW05714 would work for the installation.
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... - 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... - 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... - 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...
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view full answer... - Can Trailer Brakes be Added to Motorcycle Trailer AxleWhen adding brakes to a trailer the first thing you will need is a brake mounting flange on the axle. If you do not have a brake flange I recommend part # 4-35. This should be welded in place by a professional welder because it needs to be square and concentric. Beyond that step we have to first determine what hubs/spindles you have on your trailer so that we can first fit a hub/drum (if available) to it and then install assemblies as well. If you check out the help article I attached...
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- Can the Dexter # 58-8 Predator DX2 Brake Controller Be Installed VerticallyAccording to Dexter, the # 58-8 Predator DX2 needs to be mounted in the direction of travel, level on a side to side plane. If mounted on vertical plane as you mention, the brake controller would not function. If the vehicle design somehow limits the installation options, and you have no other option than to mount a brake controller vertically, you can use a time delayed brake controller like the # 5504 Draw-Tite Activator IV. Because the controller is solid state, if can be mounted anywhere...
view full answer... - Parts Needed to Install a Trailer Brake Controller on a 1987 Dodge Ram 350 Full Size VanThe 1987 Dodge full size vans do not have wiring under the dash to wire in a brake controller. You will need to hardwire in the controller using an installation kit. There are different kits depending on whether or not the vehicle has a trailer connector or not. If your van has a 4-Way trailer wiring harness, you will need to use the 4 and 7 way installation kit # ETBC7. It comes with the 7-Way, wiring, and accessories to wire in the brake controller. If you do not have any type of trailer...
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... - How to Install a Trailer Brake Controller on a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 with Factory 4-WayOn a 1996 Dodge Ram that came with a factory 4-Way trailer connector there is a factory harness you can plug into to install a brake controller. The harness is located underneath the dash, to the left of the steering column, taped to another harness near the emergency brake pedal. I have included a link to a video that should help. For the Dexter brake controller, # 58-8 you referenced, you would need wiring harness # 3020-P. To wire in your 7-Way that you have you will need to hardwire...
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... - Brake Controller for 1999 Chevy Tahoe Towing a 2006 Fleetwood Bayside Camper with Electric BrakesSince brake controllers are not vehicle-specific, you can use any of our brake controllers with your 1999 Chevy Tahoe and camper. The Dexter Axle Predator Electric Brake Controller, part # 58-8, is a great choice. It is inertia-activated, meaning you have a lot of mounting options for inside your Tahoe, has an LED display showing voltage output, and works with 1 or 2 axles. If you don't already have a 4-way connector on the back of your vehicle, you will need the custom-fit Vehicle Wiring...
view full answer...
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