Has anyone installed the TEKONSHA brake controller?

[FLTrailRider]

Where is a good place to mount the brake controller?

I found the wire to connect to, but haven't figured out a good spot for the controller.

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[ArmyRN]

I'm getting ready to try the same thing with the same P3 controller.

 

[GATORB8]

I'm getting ready to try the same thing with the same controller.

Been a while since I had one, but the proportional controllers have a range of angles/directions they can be installed in so the sensor works. Should be a diagram in the install manual.

 

[FLTrailRider]

Thanks.

I was wondering where to put it.
I have it installed now. Attached under the steering column.

 

[ArmyRN]

Background:

I've been running a Tekonsha P3 brake controller for years now. Wired my 98 Jeep TJ initially for a brake controller. Then wired my 96 Ram 1500 4x4, then a buddy's 98 Jeep ZJ, and then my 46 Willys.

I only have one P3 unit - I would just move it to whatever vehicle needed it. So now I've got a 23 Willys JLU XR (2.0T with the tow package - so already wired). I wanted a brake controller for the new Jeep. But where to put it?

Installation:

I mounted it on the driver's side speaker grill panel. I removed the kick panel under the steering wheel, removed the dash end cap on the driver's side, and the floor/foot kick panel by the driver's door. Removed the screws so the speaker panel would pivot out enough so I could get my hand up there and pop out the headlight switch unit (and disconnected it so it wouldn't be in my way).

I marked where I wanted the bracket to go, and drilled the appropriate size holes for two #10 machine screws (with lock-nuts). I used large-ish fender washers (for a #10 screw) on the backside of the bracket (on the inside of the speaker grill panel). Having the headlight switch out allowed be to get the washers on the bolts, and to put a wrench on the locking nuts. Then I mounted the bracket. I drilled a 1" hole beneath the unit for the end of the wire to come through (that's the smallest you can do and still have the end of the harness pass through the speaker panel) and used a rubber gromet to make it look nice. I zip-tied up the wiring harness under the dash so it wouldn't wiggle around.

I did have a little difficulty finding the plug under the dash for the wiring harness. But I found it, and had to plug it in by feel actually.

Once done I put the panel screws back in, and popped the panels back in place. I did this being proactive - I have no current plans to take my trailer anywhere soon.

 

[ArmyRN]

This is the wiring harness you need to connect your Jeep's factory trailer wiring plug under the dash to a Tekonsha brake controller ($23.50):

Tekonsha Custom Wiring Adapter for Trailer Brake Controllers - Jeep Tekonsha Accessories and Parts 3073-P (etrailer.com)

Since I was reusing my P3 unit, I needed another mounting bracket unit to mount it in my JLU ($8.25):

Replacement Mounting Bracket Kit for Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller Tekonsha Accessories and Parts TK5906 (etrailer.com)

Redarc sells a brake controller that is one of those "one button" affairs (like the Mopar design) with the brains behind the dash ($149.00):

Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional Redarc Trailer Brake Controller RED24FR (etrailer.com)

You would still need the Tekonsha custom wiring harness adapter for the Redarc trailer brake controller linked above ($23.50). And you would also need an adapter plug for the wiring adapter to plug into the Redarc unit ($22.00):

Redarc Tow-Pro Wiring Adapter for Tekonsha Brake Controller Harness Redarc Accessories and Parts 331-TPH-017 (etrailer.com)

Redarc also sells a more expensive brake controller similar to the one above that does one other thing (that may or may not be useful to you) that includes the Jeep wiring adapter, and possibly the Jeep wiring adapter to Redarc unit ($279.50)

Redarc Trailer Brake Controller for 2023 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited | etrailer.com

And if you go with a Redarc unit, don't forget the mounting panel to make it look pretty - I would get one ($12.00):

Universal Mounting Panel for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controller Control Knob Redarc Accessories and Parts 331-TPSI-001 (etrailer.com)

If I didn't already own the Tekonsha P3 brake controller, I'd be tempted to get the cheaper Redarc unit. If I find I don't like having the Tekonsha P3 unit mounted in my JLU (for whatever reason) it would be easy enough to buy the Redarc unit ($149.00) and the wiring adapter connector ($22.00) and pull the Tekonsha unit and replace it with the Redarc unit. But as it is, I'm only out about $35.00 (new mounting bracket and Jeep wiring harness) vs. almost $200 to $279 for the Redarc unit and wiring.

And my P3 unit does more different things/has more options than the cheaper Redarc unit.

If you're interested, the Tekonsha P3 unit (their top-of-the-line brake controller), bracket, and Jeep wiring harness ($216.50):

Tekonsha Trailer Brake Controller for 2023 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited | etrailer.com

I don't like the Mopar brake controller unit - you lose your 12 volt accessory port (a poor design in my opinion). And it isn't cheap ($345.00).

2020-2024 Jeep Trailer Brake Controller 82215652AD | Mopar Estores

eTrailer is and has been my go-to place for trailer and towing related stuff (the place I check first), hence the links above. I'm not on their payroll by any means. Click on the links above, get the part number, and shop around - you might find it cheaper. However, I've just never had any issues buying stuff from eTrailer.

 

[ArmyRN]

There was plenty of clearance between my knee and the brake controller when driving, but my knee would sometimes brush the brake controller getting in-or-out of the Jeep. So I moved it to the other side of the steering column. I think this is a better option. And only one panel to pull, and no screws to remove.

I like to run wires though a gromet in the panel vs. wires hanging under the dash. It takes a 1" hole for the Tekonsha plug to pass through (just barely fits). I've got a half-dozen extra gromets for a 1" hole (put the wire's plug through the drilled 1" hole, then through the gromet, then slide the gromet down the wire to the hole and attach gromet to panel). Anyways, first six members who send me a PM with their mailing address I'll mail them a gromet (only if you're going to mount a brake controller please).

 

[ArmyRN]

Tested the P3 today with the JLU. Worked great.

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