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  1. Trailer Brake Controller
  2. Jeep
  3. Wrangler Unlimited
  4. 2014
  5. Dexter
Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional

Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional

Item # 58-8
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Trailer Brake Controller
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58-8 - Up to 2 Axles Dexter Trailer Brake Controller
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Call etrailer.com at 1-800-940-8924 for expert service. We are your Jeep trailer brake controller experts, and offer a great price. etrailer.com carries a complete line of Dexter products for your Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 2014. Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional part 58-8 from Dexter can be ordered online at etrailer.com. Complete trailer brake controller installation instructions and technical support.
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Dexter Trailer Brake Controller - 58-8

  • Electric
  • Proportional Controller
  • Up to 2 Axles
  • 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

What is 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

Dexter Predator DX2 Power Gain Wheel

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

Dexter Predator DX2 Deceleration Sensor Level

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

Dexter Predator DX2 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:


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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

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:

was difficult to find a good mounting location away from leg room



by:

Delivered on time and the right parts



by:

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:

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:

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:

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:

Everything as described.



by:

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:

Easy to set up and use.



by:

Products came quickly... what I was looking for.



by:

good quality product, instructions are easy to follow.



by:

Great service from etrailer. I have never had a problem with any products I have bought.
Excellent company.



by:

Easy install and reasonably priced !



by:

All my ordered parts arrived have not installed yet but so far perfect experience.



by:

FAst shipping



by:

PARTS SHOWED UP ON TIME . HAVE NOT YET INSTALLED



by:

So far so good all products worked as a dvertised



by:

Everything was sent that I ordered. Thank you



by:

Quality product at a good price.



by:

These guys and gals are fast with their deliveries!


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See what our Experts say about this Dexter Trailer Brake Controller

  • Dexter Predator Brake Controller 58-8 Installation in 2005 Ford F150
    If your 2005 Ford F-150 has only 4 wires at the bumper (or only a 4-pole connector) and you need to install a 7-way vehicle-side connector, you could use the Hopkins # 37185. If you already have the 7-way connector on your truck, you will need to make the additional wire connections for the brake controller. (The 4 wires you have carry the brake light, running light and turn light signals for your trailer, plus a ground: white = ground, brown = running/brake lights, green = right turn signal...
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  • How to Wire Dexter Predator Brake Controller on a 2013 Town and Country With a Tow Package
    In 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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  • Can the Dexter # 58-8 Predator DX2 Brake Controller Be Installed Vertically
    According 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...
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  • Display of Dexter 58-8 DX 2 Predator Brake Controller Lights Up Without Trailer Connected
    According 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.
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  • Installing a Brake Controller on a 2016 Chrysler Town and Country Van
    The 2016 Chrysler Town and Country did not come with a factory installed tow package and a 7-way trailer connector. You will have to hardwire in a 7-way and the all the wiring so you can install your controller. None of the wiring is pre-installed on this model vehicle. The first thing you will need to do is wire in a 4-way flat trailer plug if you have not already done so. You will need a wiring harness, I recommend the Curt T-One harness, # C56331. This harness is custom-fit to your...
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  • Troubleshooting Electric Brakes with Dexter DX2 Controller
    The manual override lever does not move when you hit your brake pedal but the digital display will light up and give you a reading. The slide is only for the manual emergency braking or to apply additional braking pressure to your trailer as desired and should not move when you hit your brake pedal at all. The description you gave is that your manual override is sticking and not releasing the braking pressure some of the time which would definitely lead to burning up your brake shoes...
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  • Troubleshooting Brake Controller with 1.5 on Display All of the Time
    Sometimes 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...
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  • Troubleshooting Predator DX2 Brake Controller that Only Works with Override Lever
    The 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...
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  • Mounting Bracket for a Dexter Predator DX2 Brake Controller
    You 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.
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  • Will the Dexter Preadator Brake Controller # 58-8 fit a 2006 Cadillac SRX
    Yes, there is a way to install the Dexter Axle Predator Electric Brake Controller # 58-8 in your 2006 Cadillac SRX. The first thing you need is a 4-way trailer connection at the rear of your vehicle. You may already have this, but if not you will need part # C59496. This comes with everything you would need to install the 4-way, I attached install instructions and an install video for you to check out also. Next, you need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way so that you can install the brake...
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  • Troubleshooting No Truck Brake Lights When Manual Override Used on Dexter Predator Brake Controller
    According to the Dexter Predator # 58-8 Brake Controller installation instructions, if your truck lights are not illuminating properly with the manual override is activated, then you will need to check the red stoplight wiring connection. The brake controller red wire should be connected to the non-powered stop lamp switch wire on your 2008 GMC Sierra. On your specific truck there should be a wiring bundle that is below the steering column, and is to the left of the brake pedal. This...
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  • How to Wire Dexter DX2 Brake Controller on 2013 Chevrolet Silverado
    The 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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  • When to Use a 20 or 30 amp Circuit Breaker When Installing Brake Controller
    You'd want to use the 20 amp circuit breaker like # PK54220PL unless your trailer has more than two brake axles. If that's the case you'd want to use the 30 amp breaker # 38630.
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  • Fuse and Circuit Breaker Installation Help For Dexter Predator Brake Controller in 2008 GMC Sierra
    When 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...
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  • Will a P3 Brake Controller Use Same Wiring as Dexter Predator DX2 on a 2011 VW Touareg
    The 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...
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  • Troubleshooting 12V Power & Brake Output Circuits on 7-Way on 2008 Saab 9-7X
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  • 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Brake Controller Installation
    The Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional # 58-8 will have the red wire connect to the brown and white wire in your 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. I've attached a video of an installation of the Prodigy P3 # 90195 which will have that same red wire from the brake light switch. This installation uses heat shrink butt connectors # DW05745-5 along with wiring kit # 5506 to Factory 7-way.
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  • Where Do the 4 Wires of a Brake Controller Go for Installation in Vehicle
    The four wires and their functions are: White: Ground wire, connected to negative side of battery. Blue: Electric brake wire, ran to the brake output circuit of your 7-way with 10 gauge wire like # 10-1-1 sold by the foot. Black: 12v power wire, connected to the vehicle positive battery terminal with a 40amp circuit breaker, part # 9510. Red: Stoplight switch circuit. This will get run to the wire on your stoplight pedal assembly that sees voltage only when the brakes are applied. Use...
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  • Installing Dexter Predator Brake Controller on 2006 Ford F-150 with Factory 4-Way
    The reverse light wire on your 2006 Ford F-150 is likely purple or orange, though we have no way to know for sure (manufacturers have been known to change colors so a definitive answer is an impossibility). That said, you can find out pretty easily with Circuit Tester # PTW2979. When installing a brake controller you will need to use this to determine the functions of all wires on your 2006 Ford F-150 which has what I assume is the factory 4-way. I have added a link to a help article on...
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  • Could Brake Controller Install Harness part # 3035-P be Used to Install Predator Brake Controller
    I have a solution for you to install your Dexter Predator part # 58-8. You could cut the rectangle end off of a # 3035-S and then hardwire the rest of the connector to your controller and then use the other end of the connected to plug in under the dash of your truck. The colors of the Predator would match right up to the harness.
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  • How to Install a Trailer Brake Controller on a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 with Factory 4-Way
    On 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...
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  • Recommending the Proper Brake Assembly for 3-Inch Dexter Axle on a 1997 Hudson Trailer
    The brake assembly I recommend for you is the Electric Trailer Brake Kit, # AKEBRK-7-SA. These brakes are designed for axle ratings between 5,200 lbs and 7,000 lbs, which is the capacity for three-inch axles like yours. They are self-adjusting, 12-inch x 2-inch brakes that include the left- and right-hand brake assemblies. I have included links to a video review and installation of this product for you. You will need the Mounting Bolts and Hardware for 12-inch Brake Assemblies, # BRKH12...
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  • Install Video for Brake Controller in 2006 Ford F-150
    I 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.
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