Mopar or RedArc brake controller?

[CRZYCDN]

Hi All,
I have a 2024 JLURX with tow package, so I'm looking at the 2 brake controllers... anyone know of any sales/special pricing with labor day?
As well any major pros or cons between the two?

Side note is there beefier trailer hitch for the JL? I belive it's a Class II from factory, I'd like to install a class III.

Thanks

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[GATORB8]

Hi All,
I have a 2024 JLURX with tow package, so I'm looking at the 2 brake controllers... anyone know of any sales/special pricing with labor day?
As well any major pros or cons between the two?

Side note is there beefier trailer hitch for the JL? I belive it's a Class II from factory, I'd like to install a class III.

Thanks

It's a weird Class II rated with a 2" tube like a class III.

The big guys have brought out class IIIs in the last year, I think originally Draw Tite's Max Frame was the first one rated over stock.

All are crossmember mounted that I've seen.

 

[driventoadventure]

Personally, I went REDARC because it's like half the cost, MUCH easier to install, doesn't remove the 12v outlet in the dash, and can easily be done to look very clean. There's a Tekonsha wiring harness (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08288R363/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1) that is a direct 1:1 install with the correct harness on both sides so that you don't even have to put the effort into the wiring harness.

As to the receiver, it actually IS a class 3 receiver, but the manuals etc call it a class 2 solely because of the towing limits. If you have the factory tow package, then the only thing you need to do anything to tow what the Jeep is actually capable of towing is install the brake controller.

 

[Aturking]

I have the mopar controller. I liked how it blended seamlessly and matched the radio buttons… it works good! You can get them on sale for around 300 bucks. I never used the 12v power. I had to modify the mounting location of the inertia unit since I have a manual, but was a plug and play install.
The redarc units are super nice and were a close 2nd for me. I just wanted to be bougie with the matching knob

 

[CRZYCDN]

I have the mopar controller. I liked how it blended seamlessly and matched the radio buttons… it works good! You can get them on sale for around 300 bucks. I never used the 12v power. I had to modify the mounting location of the inertia unit since I have a manual, but was a plug and play install.
The redarc units are super nice and were a close 2nd for me. I just wanted to be bougie with the matching knob

I've looked a couple spots and the mopar one seems to be sold out? In comparison the Mopar seems to be $100 more (Canadian loonies)

I can't find any cons between the two, so I may venture down the RedArc path and be able to stick the small knob and maintain the 12v plug.

 

[CRZYCDN]

The other kicker seems the redesign of the '24 dash...its way more invasive to get at the 12v plug in the lower dash. So the smaller RedArc may be the best fit for the job and I can install it in an accessible spot.

 

[BobW]

Anybody consider a Curt Echo?

 

[GATORB8]

Anybody consider a Curt Echo?

I've got an Echo but haven't needed to use it, just sits in the truck as for just in case. Only real downside is loosing the hard trailer brake button.

I run a AuTowBrake on the off road trailer and that works fine. Most of my tow braking issues with the Jeep stem from it being a 4xe.

 

[BobW]

Thanks!
The Mopar OEM controller is evidently not compatible (?!*) with with 2018/2019 JL (I retrofit the Mopar harness myself) . Under what conditions do you use the manual brake?

 

[GATORB8]

Thanks!
The Mopar OEM controller is evidently not compatible (?!*) with with 2018/2019 JL (I retrofit the Mopar harness myself) . Under what conditions do you use the manual brake?

Probably the most important use of a manual brake is snapping a trailer out of a tail wag. I've never had to use it for that, but it's also a good way to test set the strength level/gain of the controller.

 

[Aturking]

I've looked a couple spots and the mopar one seems to be sold out? In comparison the Mopar seems to be $100 more (Canadian loonies)

I can't find any cons between the two, so I may venture down the RedArc path and be able to stick the small knob and maintain the 12v plug.

Lots of people love the red arc, can’t go wrong with either

 

[Jeep Wick]

I also have Redarc and it works great. That small knob can be mounted almost anywhere. They also have a plug and play harness for the tow package Jeeps but it's not hard if you don't have it. I looked at the Curt Echo but being exposed makes it easy to damage and easy to steal.

 

[GATORB8]

I also have Redarc and it works great. That small knob can be mounted almost anywhere. They also have a plug and play harness for the tow package Jeeps but it's not hard if you don't have it. I looked at the Curt Echo but bring exposed makes it easy to damage and easy to steal.

Curt did bring out two other versions of the Echo, neither are cheap. There is an under dash and a behind the hitch version.

 

[driventoadventure]

Anybody consider a Curt Echo?

I've heard nothing but bad about them, and they rely on your phone for any manual action. Not smart for an emergency.

 

[driventoadventure]

Thanks!
The Mopar OEM controller is evidently not compatible (?!*) with with 2018/2019 JL (I retrofit the Mopar harness myself) . Under what conditions do you use the manual brake?

The manual breaking is good if you blow a tire on either the TV or trailer. Also good for arresting sway even with a sway controlling hitch. Also good for wet conditions if you have traction issues in the front of your TV. Also good backup for downhill towing, more control if you can easily increase breaking when needed or turn it off when your trailer brakes are overheating and you are engine breaking.

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