Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Installation Updates

[nU7OuxIx]

I've been doing some research on tow controllers and there's almost too much information out there! It looks like Tekonsha has a cabling solution but there's been a lot of discussion of diode and no diode.

I've seen that Redarc has a cable, part number TPH-022. Does anybody know if this cable would plug into the Jeep stock port, directly into the Redarc Tow-Pro Elite controller, and have everything magically work? If you press the button to brake, does the dash not light up and does the brake light on the trailer light?

Thanks

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[Skyvet]

I just got off the phone with Redarc TS and they said all I needed to install the elite in a 2021 JLU Rubicon with the factory tow/haul pkg was this exact cable (TPH-022). They did mention a bracket(ebmk-001)that is not included but it looks like something anyone could easily fabricate and they want $23 for it. The elite does come with a universal cable but you would have to splice into your wiring and I would not recommend you do that when there is a cable available to easily plug it in. They also mentioned another part (TPSI-003) which, while not specifically for the jeep, is a switch insert so you can place the controller where the 12v plug outlet is located (if you are not using that). I just ordered all this today (except for the mounting bracket) so I can't answer the rest of your question.

 

[nU7OuxIx]

I just got off the phone with Redarc TS and they said all I needed to install the elite in a 2021 JLU Rubicon with the factory tow/haul pkg was this exact cable (TPH-022). They did mention a bracket(ebmk-001)that is not included but it looks like something anyone could easily fabricate and they want $23 for it. The elite does come with a universal cable but you would have to splice into your wiring and I would not recommend you do that when there is a cable available to easily plug it in. They also mentioned another part (TPSI-003) which, while not specifically for the jeep, is a switch insert so you can place the controller where the 12v plug outlet is located (if you are not using that). I just ordered all this today (except for the mounting bracket) so I can't answer the rest of your question.

I sent them an email the other day and they responded with a lengthy and great response.

I ordered the same thing. The guy said that TPH-022 does have that diode in there, but if you press the button to engage the brakes, the lights don't light. On the other hand, the dashboard doesn't freak out either.

I added the bracket just because I didn't feel like trying to fabricate something.

Thanks!

 

[CNY-JLUS]

Is there any difference between the early model JLUs (2018) and more current ones in terms of what works for the Redarc Tow Pro Elite installation? Seems like there a certain harness was needed, and even that needed wires switched.. Dash lights going crazy, etc. I'd like to think the TPH-022 would eliminate those worries. Any "old" JLU owners that recently installed a brake controller?

 

[Skyvet]

If you decide to install it where your cig lighter/12v is on the dash (they make a switch insert TPSI-003), it will be MUCH MUCH easier if you get the Dorman 57450 Lighter Socket Removal Tool from Amazon (comes with a replacement 12v outlet as well). I just bought it from their warehouse "used" (it was still sealed). It was about $8. And yes, when I got the TPH-022 cable, it does state that additional wiring will be needed if you wish the brake lights to activate when you use the brake controller manually. This is to comply with CALIFORNIA Regulations. I decided to not run the wire even though I live in the socialist republic of Calif.

 

[nU7OuxIx]

If you decide to install it where your cig lighter/12v is on the dash (they make a switch insert TPSI-003), it will be MUCH MUCH easier if you get the Dorman 57450 Lighter Socket Removal Tool from Amazon (comes with a replacement 12v outlet as well). I just bought it from their warehouse "used" (it was still sealed). It was about $8. And yes, when I got the TPH-022 cable, it does state that additional wiring will be needed if you wish the brake lights to activate when you use the brake controller manually. This is to comply with CALIFORNIA Regulations. I decided to not run the wire even though I live in the socialist republic of Calif.

I just did the install yesterday and wished I knew about the lighter tool. I ended up bending the metal in the lighter to get it removed and then destroying that circular cap at the end that retains it all. I saw you can replace both for about $40 if you want to. Had I know about the $8 tool, I would had saved about a half hour to 45 minutes of pushing little tabs around and not destroying things in the end.

Everything else in the install went great. The redarc rep last week said that they now include the insert in the kit, but it's the rectangular style and not the TPSI-003 circle style. The rectangular style didn't hide the little indentation on the trim plate great. I ended up 3d printing a little insert (posted here) that allows you to use the 12v flip plate to cover the controller.

I had to sand down a bit of the sides of the dial, but it eventually fit and the button pops in and out. If I were to do it all over again, I would probably get the circular TPSI-003 plate and the lighter removal tool. Overall though, I'm pleased with the results and thought the install was easy.

 

[Skyvet]

I just did the install yesterday and wished I knew about the lighter tool. I ended up bending the metal in the lighter to get it removed and then destroying that circular cap at the end that retains it all. I saw you can replace both for about $40 if you want to. Had I know about the $8 tool, I would had saved about a half hour to 45 minutes of pushing little tabs around and not destroying things in the end.

Everything else in the install went great. The redarc rep last week said that they now include the insert in the kit, but it's the rectangular style and not the TPSI-003 circle style. The rectangular style didn't hide the little indentation on the trim plate great. I ended up 3d printing a little insert (posted here) that allows you to use the 12v flip plate to cover the controller.

I had to sand down a bit of the sides of the dial, but it eventually fit and the button pops in and out. If I were to do it all over again, I would probably get the circular TPSI-003 plate and the lighter removal tool. Overall though, I'm pleased with the results and thought the install was easy.

Yeah, I did not find out about the 12v removal tool from Redarc, it was actually on an unrelated video. It was irritating because it held up my install another 3 days. There was no mention from Redarc about any such tool being required. You could fabricate your own tool but for $8 you get the new 12v socket as well as the tool so worth it to me. I'm not sure how long the circular TPSI-003 has been out but I got the impression that it was a fairly recent option.

 

[nU7OuxIx]

Yeah, I did not find out about the 12v removal tool from Redarc, it was actually on an unrelated video. It was irritating because it held up my install another 3 days. There was no mention from Redarc about any such tool being required. You could fabricate your own tool but for $8 you get the new 12v socket as well as the tool so worth it to me. I'm not sure how long the circular TPSI-003 has been out but I got the impression that it was a fairly recent option.

I didn't blame redarc for not including the information about the tool. I blame Jeep for an overly complicated design for a lighter. I mean they could had used a nut to retain it but nope.

I saw the little tabs where the tool goes and even so, I don't understand how it pops out. Typically when I sell vehicles, I just leave all the options in there so it looks like the tow controller will stay if I ever get rid of it.

Overall, I thought redarc did an excellent job with the Gladiator/Wrangler install video and couldn't had asked for anything more.

 

[Botanicalstig]

Ordered a 22 willys sport unlimited w/tow package. The above wiring harness (TPH-022) is used to plug in to an OEM harness?

I watched an install video with a "max tow package", but that either wasn't the correct name, or a package I did not order.

Looked like there will be an existing harness under the dash, prewired to the 7pin for brake control, and power for the controller box. Is this correct? Almost a plug n play install? Just plug it in and mount the knob?

Hopefully this is true and my car has this. I did the wiring on my current tow vehicle, I can do it all over again, but I'd rather not!

 

[nU7OuxIx]

Ordered a 22 willys sport unlimited w/tow package. The above wiring harness (TPH-022) is used to plug in to an OEM harness?

I watched an install video with a "max tow package", but that either wasn't the correct name, or a package I did not order.

Looked like there will be an existing harness under the dash, prewired to the 7pin for brake control, and power for the controller box. Is this correct? Almost a plug n play install? Just plug it in and mount the knob?

Hopefully this is true and my car has this. I did the wiring on my current tow vehicle, I can do it all over again, but I'd rather not!

I have a 2021 Rubicon with the factory tow package. The "max tow package", I believe, came with the JK's. Redarc has an excellent video (see below).

I ordered TPH-022, the Tow-Pro Mounting Kit, and the Tow-Pro Elite Electric Brake Controller. Some can say you can fabricate your own mounting kit, but I just didn't feel like it. The installation went extremely smooth. I had to pull the dash apart, which was a bit scary at first but I watched the video and didn't have any issues. Mind you, the pulling the dash apart piece was just if you want to mount the dial where the cigarette lighter is. If you want to mount the dial elsewhere, you just find a spot and mount it.

You take the TPH-022 harness and plug one end into the Jeep plug and the other end into the tow controller. Done. The Jeep Plug is a tanish (I believe) square plug that is up above the brake pedal.

I would say that the hardest thing was trying to figure out how to remove the USB wires from the dash panel, and how to remove the cigarette lighter. I would buy that tool if I had to do it again. I'm not sure where you're mounting the dial, but I would buy the circular faceplate instead of getting the rectangular one that comes with the towpro.

Here's the video I used and it was exactly as the video portrays it.

 

[Botanicalstig]

Here's the video I used and it was exactly as the video portrays it.

Thank you! I asked the dealer about if this package came with the plug, he didn't know. Really appreciate it, just left the deposit today so I've got a long way to go!

My current tow car is using a curt echo-I hate it. It almost never works as intended, even on the lowest settings and the slightest brake.. Full lock on the camper. My car didn't have any wiring, so the 4 way and 7 way were enough of a project to make me go the easy way on the controller... Never again.

 

[Skyvet]

Thank you! I asked the dealer about if this package came with the plug, he didn't know. Really appreciate it, just left the deposit today so I've got a long way to go!

My current tow car is using a curt echo-I hate it. It almost never works as intended, even on the lowest settings and the slightest brake.. Full lock on the camper. My car didn't have any wiring, so the 4 way and 7 way were enough of a project to make me go the easy way on the controller... Never again.

The brake controller comes with a universal one which you will not want to use. It also comes with a default rectangular cover. Purchase the TPH-022 (correct cable) and the circular cover (TPSI-003) if you want to install it where the 12v/cig lighter goes. I would highly recommend that location as it is easy to access, looks good and unobtrusive, you don't have to drill any holes in your dash and who uses cig lighters anymore anyway. Also, purchase this tool----Dorman 57450 Lighter Socket Removal Tool from Amazon, as it will make a HUGE difference in removing the outlet. Get one from their warehouse if they have it as it will be about $8.

 

[Botanicalstig]

Thanks for the tips! I will probably use the universal circle mount and just drill a hole. I need as many 12v outlets as I can get. We have a rear view camera behind the camper that needs power, and our Samsung phones don't like taking charge from low powered USB outlets

 

[Skyvet]

Thanks for the tips! I will probably use the universal circle mount and just drill a hole. I need as many 12v outlets as I can get. We have a rear view camera behind the camper that needs power, and our Samsung phones don't like taking charge from low powered USB outlets

You might try this location just in front of the cupholder. I saw this on another thread in this forum. The second pic is the 12v location

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