Electric Brake Control - Looking for Advice

[Snivley]

I have been looking at installing the MOPAR (82215652AD) Electric Brake Controller on my 2023 JL Sahara 4xe. I was told by the dealership this is the part that would work for the 4xe. The amount that they are charging for the part and labor (said about 6-8 hours) is way too much though. To the point it would not be worth it to me. I was thinking I could purchase one online and install myself as it seems pretty straight forward. Backstory for the questions- I did not have the tow package installed from the factory. I had the MOPAR hitch and Trailer Wiring harness (4 and 7 pin) installed about a year after we purchased it by the dealership (I literally was dumbfounded when I went to tow something and didn't have a hitch). In reviewing the brake control install directions it references a grey plug under the dash that seems to be the dilemma.

Here is where all my questions come in:
1. Is the grey plug referenced the same as in the photo I attached?
2. Should this plug be active if I did not have factory tow package? I am seeing conflicting statements online. I am assuming it is plug and play. Am I in the wrong?

Appreciate any feedback. Also for anyone wondering. I do want the MOPAR one and not an aftermarket. I am currently running a Curt Echo and am tired of the bluetooth nonsense. If I am going to wire it up, I would like to stay with manufacturer parts.

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[NeilP]

Purchase and install either a Curt or OEM trailer brake harness and install those yourself. Then purchase the Curt Echo wireless brake controller. I installed the Curt harness, plug & hitch on my 2020, and when I got the 24, I went with the Mopar harness, trailer plug and hitch. They are pretty much identical.

 

[Beachcomber72]

Yes that is the correct grey plug/connector. But if I’m thinking correctly you’re not going to be able to fully utilize the Mopar EBC as your vehicle didn’t come from the factory with the tow package. Meaning the factory tow package is programmed for electric sway mitigation and other values. At this point you’re just better off using after-market like a wired in Tekonsha P3.

 

[Beachcomber72]

There are also many other things you didn’t get physical component wise.

 

[theguygrm]

I went through this on my 23 this weekend. That 4 pin connector under the dash isn’t fully populated. The fuse block does not have the pins populated for the fuse.

The brake signal wire is wrapped up loomed in the passenger side footwell.

 

[Bandit59]

I have been looking at installing the MOPAR (82215652AD) Electric Brake Controller on my 2023 JL Sahara 4xe. I was told by the dealership this is the part that would work for the 4xe. The amount that they are charging for the part and labor (said about 6-8 hours) is way too much though. To the point it would not be worth it to me. I was thinking I could purchase one online and install myself as it seems pretty straight forward. Backstory for the questions- I did not have the tow package installed from the factory. I had the MOPAR hitch and Trailer Wiring harness (4 and 7 pin) installed about a year after we purchased it by the dealership (I literally was dumbfounded when I went to tow something and didn't have a hitch). In reviewing the brake control install directions it references a grey plug under the dash that seems to be the dilemma.

Here is where all my questions come in:
1. Is the grey plug referenced the same as in the photo I attached?
2. Should this plug be active if I did not have factory tow package? I am seeing conflicting statements online. I am assuming it is plug and play. Am I in the wrong?

Appreciate any feedback. Also for anyone wondering. I do want the MOPAR one and not an aftermarket. I am currently running a Curt Echo and am tired of the bluetooth nonsense. If I am going to wire it up, I would like to stay with manufacturer parts.

R u pulling a tandem axle or a lot of weight. If not in my state you don’t have to have brakes. On single axle trailer Now my truck has that and I use it with my double axle trailer

 

[driventoadventure]

R u pulling a tandem axle or a lot of weight. If not in my state you don’t have to have brakes. On single axle trailer Now my truck has that and I use it with my double axle trailer

Basically every state requires working trailer brakes for any trailer over 3000# gross. Several even require as small as 1500# gross to have brakes. See (https://www.rvia.org/system/files/media/file/Trailer Brake Requirements.pdf).

In fact, of the only 7 states that don't require brakes on trailers our Jeeps can pull (only 4 states if you have a 2024 with the 5000lb tow rating), only one of those doesn't have an absolute performance requirement of stopping within so many feet at specific speeds.

Most likely the OP has a RV trailer, and almost all of those anymore have trailer brakes to make them 50-state capable as well as to limit any exposure they have to safety recalls etc...


To the OP: That harness was probably pulled in when the dealer installed the tow package. It should allow you to use a Curt kit, a Tekonsha kit, or any of the other kits that can connect to an OEM JL/JT harness. Personally I went with a Redarc controller (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08TPS46BX) and used the Tekonsha harness (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08288R363) and it was a ~1.5 hour install (mostly because I was very picky and careful with my placement of the adjustment knob) with about $250 in parts.

(e) Once installed, it's pretty easy to test that the trailer brake controller works by using a multimeter and testing the brake power pin to the ground pin.

(e2) Added a couple words to fix grammar.

 

[Bandit59]

Basically every state requires working trailer brakes for any trailer over 3000# gross. Several even require as small 1500# gross to have brakes. See (https://www.rvia.org/system/files/media/file/Trailer Brake Requirements.pdf).

In fact, of the only 7 states that don't brakes on trailers our Jeeps can pull (only 4 states if you have a 2024 with the 5000lb tow rating), only one of those doesn't have an absolute performance requirement of stopping within so many feet at specific speeds.

Most likely the OP has a RV trailer, and almost all of those anymore have trailer brakes to make them 50-state capable as well as to limit any exposure they have to safety recalls etc...


To the OP: That harness was probably pulled in when the dealer installed the tow package. It should allow you to use a Curt kit, a Tekonsha kit, or any of the other kits that can connect to an OEM JL/JT harness. Personally I went with a Redarc controller (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08TPS46BX) and used the Tekonsha harness (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08288R363) and it was a ~1.5 hour install (mostly because I was very picky and careful with my placement of the adjustment knob) with about $250 in parts.

(e) Once installed, it's pretty easy to test that the trailer brake controller works by using a multimeter and testing the brake power pin to the ground pin.

 

[Bandit59]

Basically every state requires working trailer brakes for any trailer over 3000# gross. Several even require as small 1500# gross to have brakes. See (https://www.rvia.org/system/files/media/file/Trailer Brake Requirements.pdf).

In fact, of the only 7 states that don't brakes on trailers our Jeeps can pull (only 4 states if you have a 2024 with the 5000lb tow rating), only one of those doesn't have an absolute performance requirement of stopping within so many feet at specific speeds.

Most likely the OP has a RV trailer, and almost all of those anymore have trailer brakes to make them 50-state capable as well as to limit any exposure they have to safety recalls etc...


To the OP: That harness was probably pulled in when the dealer installed the tow package. It should allow you to use a Curt kit, a Tekonsha kit, or any of the other kits that can connect to an OEM JL/JT harness. Personally I went with a Redarc controller (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08TPS46BX) and used the Tekonsha harness (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08288R363) and it was a ~1.5 hour install (mostly because I was very picky and careful with my placement of the adjustment knob) with about $250 in parts.

(e) Once installed, it's pretty easy to test that the trailer brake controller works by using a multimeter and testing the brake power pin to the ground pin.

your r correct. Most Jeeps probably should not be hauling trailers anyway. But a small single axle trailer hauling trash or occasional weekend use they will be fine without a brake. As I said I have it on my ram but use the trailer brakes very lightly stops just fine with lawn equipment on it

 

[Snivley]

your r correct. Most Jeeps probably should not be hauling trailers anyway. But a small single axle trailer hauling trash or occasional weekend use they will be fine without a brake. As I said I have it on my ram but use the trailer brakes very lightly stops just fine with lawn equipment on it

Thank you guys! I am pulling a single axle travel trailer on occasional weekends. It is a nucamp 320 and has a gross weight of ~1975 lbs. It is equipped with electric brakes and I run a sway bar when doing highways travel.

Sounds like I will be going with an aftermarket unit. The bluetooth module I am using now is very hit or miss and I would rather feel certain they are working as intended while out on a trip.

 

[daverockville]

Purchase and install either a Curt or OEM trailer brake harness and install those yourself. Then purchase the Curt Echo wireless brake controller. I installed the Curt harness, plug & hitch on my 2020, and when I got the 24, I went with the Mopar harness, trailer plug and hitch. They are pretty much identical.

I have a 2024 Wrangler Rubicon X, I can't find the trailer brake plug under the dash to connect to my brake controller. I even took off the door so I could get a good look. I ordered the cable from Redarc that is made for Jeep so I can just plug it in from the controller to the Jeep. Any help would be greatly appreciated?

 

[NeilP]

Any help would be greatly appreciated?

My 24 didn't come with the factory tow pkg so I can't off any suggestions. Sorry.

 

[GATORB8]

Thank you guys! I am pulling a single axle travel trailer on occasional weekends. It is a nucamp 320 and has a gross weight of ~1975 lbs. It is equipped with electric brakes and I run a sway bar when doing highways travel.

Sounds like I will be going with an aftermarket unit. The bluetooth module I am using now is very hit or miss and I would rather feel certain they are working as intended while out on a trip.

Even the Mopar brake controller supposedly doesn't work with the 4xe. As an alternative to the bluetooth one you're having issues with, a company called Autowbrake makes a trailer mounted unit that I use on our off-road trailer.

 

[Snivley]

I have a 2024 Wrangler Rubicon X, I can't find the trailer brake plug under the dash to connect to my brake controller. I even took off the door so I could get a good look. I ordered the cable from Redarc that is made for Jeep so I can just plug it in from the controller to the Jeep. Any help would be greatly appreciated?

Mine was taped to the metal framing. I

I have a 2024 Wrangler Rubicon X, I can't find the trailer brake plug under the dash to connect to my brake controller. I even took off the door so I could get a good look. I ordered the cable from Redarc that is made for Jeep so I can just plug it in from the controller to the Jeep. Any help would be greatly appreciated?

If you are in the driver seat it should be taped to the side wall about 8-10 inches above your left foot. It is right behind the speaker panel. This was taken holding my phone by where the clutch pedal would be facing up.

 

[Yawnie'sPapa]

But if I’m thinking correctly you’re not going to be able to fully utilize the Mopar EBC as your vehicle didn’t come from the factory with the tow package. Meaning the factory tow package is programmed for electric sway mitigation and other values. At this point you’re just better off using after-market like a wired in Tekonsha P3.

The MOPAR controller isn't any fancier or different than say a Redarc in most ways. It does not integrate into the vehicle in any way - doesn't interface with sway control, etc.
The base Redarc controller and MOPAR controller do the same things.
A brake controller - such as either a REDARC or MOPAR, I've had both in my Gladiators, doesn't take hours and hours to install.
It's a pretty simple process.
As to what will work with a 4xe, I can't say - I've not installed one in it yet, but I've installed both Redarc and MOPAR in other Jeeps - it's not that time consuming. An hour, two if you are old and overweight and have arthritis.
And for the non-4xe anyway, there's zero programming - don't let a dealer tell yo that you have to have it programmed. There were some that had an ABS issue if you pressed the button to apply only trailer brakes, but they came up with a flash to fix that - the flash tells the ABS to ignore the signal the controller puts on the brake light circuit. Ding dongs.

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