JL - Trailer Brake Controller

[Rubidozer]

I bought the Curt Echo.

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[mbar1156]

So am I reading that it’s impossible to wire a brake controller into a JLU Saraha that doesn’t come with the factory tow?
I got lost in this thread lol

 

[Rubidozer]

So am I reading that it’s impossible to wire a brake controller into a JLU Saraha that doesn’t come with the factory tow?
I got lost in this thread lol

Not impossible but difficult. Installing the Mopar wiring harness allows for having the 4/7 wiring but you still won’t have the plug-in under the dash by the OBDII port.

 

[iba56978]

I need some info before buying a Curt Echo.

Has anyone used the Echo App at the same time as Android Auto?

I have the phone dash mounted and connected via USB-C for GPS and Pandora.

Will the Echo App still stay running to maintain the manual braking button?

TIA, Mark

I bought the Curt Echo.

 

[sheram]

I need some info before buying a Curt Echo.

Has anyone used the Echo App at the same time as Android Auto?

I have the phone dash mounted and connected via USB-C for GPS and Pandora.

Will the Echo App still stay running to maintain the manual braking button?

TIA, Mark

On apple echo will run at the same time as multiple apps are running. In addition once you set it the app doesn’t even have to Be running. The unit will stay set Until you change it app running or not.

 

[iba56978]

Thanks! I'm going to give it a try. I am good that the controller will function even without the app running but I want the manual button, just in case.

Worse case I can just run the echo app. Possibly use a second phone for GPS.

Thanks again.

On apple echo will run at the same time as multiple apps are running. In addition once you set it the app doesn’t even have to Be running. The unit will stay set Until you change it app running or not.

 

[sheram]

Thanks! I'm going to give it a try. I am good that the controller will function even without the app running but I want the manual button, just in case.

Worse case I can just run the echo app. Possibly use a second phone for GPS.

Thanks again.

I have run Gaia, Garmin SmartLink, Echo, and an audiobook all Bluetooth on the same phone at the same time with no issues. I have thought about running a separate phone for some of that but so far no issues at all. Another benefit with the Echo is not having to have a controller mounted somewhere in an already cluttered cab. I showed the Echo to the guy who wired my JK. He was a Curt dealer and didn’t know about the Echo. He ordered some for his inventory. On Amazon there were some iffy reviews but if you read closely it seems that the reviewers are not proficient with Bluetooth. Let me know how it goes.

 

[iba56978]

Thanks. I'll let you know. I ordered it this morning, it may be a week or two before the opportunity to try it out.

I bought the JL never thinking I'd tow with it so I wasn't at all concerned about the lack of factory tow package. Who knew. I've installed the 7 pin wiring kit but the controller brake tap looked like another headache so this is the way I'll go for now.

Hopefully the echo app will run in the foreground while Android Auto handles the GPS, Phone and Pandora through the JL's display as always.

I have run Gaia, Garmin SmartLink, Echo, and an audiobook all Bluetooth on the same phone at the same time with no issues. I have thought about running a separate phone for some of that but so far no issues at all. Another benefit with the Echo is not having to have a controller mounted somewhere in an already cluttered cab. I showed the Echo to the guy who wired my JK. He was a Curt dealer and didn’t know about the Echo. He ordered some for his inventory. On Amazon there were some iffy reviews but if you read closely it seems that the reviewers are not proficient with Bluetooth. Let me know how it goes.

 

[tbykow]

Hey first post! I have a 2020 Wrangler and installed a brake controller. my old ass cant even see the brake light switch at the pedal. I have seen the post about tapping the brake light signal at the ABS module harness and I am basically chicken shit about tapping it there. Has anyone here done this? What kind of tap did you use? So far I wired everything independently from the vehicle not to void any warranty. Any advice? The location is perfect since my wiring is about 6" from the module but I am having a bit of reluctance to tap it there. If you have can you post a picture please.....Tom

 

[tbykow]

Hey first post! I have a 2020 Wrangler and installed a brake controller. my old ass cant even see the brake light switch at the pedal. I have seen the post about tapping the brake light signal at the ABS module harness and I am basically chicken shit about tapping it there. Has anyone here done this? What kind of tap did you use? So far I wired everything independently from the vehicle not to void any warranty. Any advice? The location is perfect since my wiring is about 6" from the module but I am having a bit of reluctance to tap it there. If you have can you post a picture please.....Tom

Never mind I got it. My brother in law checked and confirmed the wire.

 

[digitalbliss]

Never mind I got it. My brother in law checked and confirmed the wire.

Which wire is it? A LOT of people have had trouble identifying it.

 

[americonium]

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/what-is-this-wire.32885/

Brake sense wire for brake controller input. I put a diode in line with it to keep it from backfeeding, JIC. Tested it on the work trailer, works great. No brake lights when manually closed.

 

[Plongson]

Went through this whole thread and still wonder if anyone has installed the Mopar OEM controller that takes the place of the power port...and have you towed/how well does it work. It must obviously have the diode so as to not freak out the electronics.

I don't like towing W/O trailer brakes on such a short rig as the Rubicon. Post your findings if you have the Mopar controller...

Mopar Controller...

 

[americonium]

Went through this whole thread and still wonder if anyone has installed the Mopar OEM controller that takes the place of the power port...and have you towed/how well does it work. It must obviously have the diode so as to not freak out the electronics.

I don't like towing W/O trailer brakes on such a short rig as the Rubicon. Post your findings if you have the Mopar controller...

Mopar Controller...

They aren't available yet, unless they came stock in the trucks...

 

[CRZYCDN]

Where does the vehicle end of the harness go? I’m still trying to figure out wiring (new to controllers). Sounds like the blue one runs from the rear and then you still need a power and ground and tie into the break signal?

Wow this thread make it seem like a brake controller is difficult on a JL. I installed one in less than 10 minutes.

Buy this wiring harness. Yea, I know it said its not for the JL, but trust me it is plug and play. We are running this on Two different JLURs and they work great.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00QRWR1YI/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Then buy this controller. plug into the JL conector, plug into the controller and mount it. Your done. Under ten minutes.
I have over 4,000 miles now towing a camper.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01M59QRWK/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

and just under 60 dollars.

Pics for the heck of it.

Hi Everyone, not to beat the "dead horse"... just confirming ... I have a 2018 JLUR with tow package, if I purchase this cable and controller, its all plug and play with no other issues or activities that need to be done?

Really appreciate the feedback, trying to get things ordered/set for the road trip in a couple days.

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