Sharing Redarc TowPro install in Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk

Cheryl13 · January 18

Installed my Redarc TowPro Elite in our new 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk. Had it installed in our Subaru Ascent and used it for 3+ years. Removed it when we traded it in for the Jeep. Only needed a new wiring harness to fit the Jeep brake controller plug.

Clean install of the Remote Head (the little knob that lights and allows adjustments) in the trim panel next to the driver's seat. That plastic trim piece is continuous from the console up to the dash under the ignition switch. The panel simply pops out (lift the panel from the bottom and pull it away from the dash and the center console). To replace the panel, line up the pins under the dash and push the panel back into place (it pops back in easily).

The controller knob was installed directly into the panel (no need for a Redarc Switch Insert). I drilled a 3/8" hole in the car's trim panel and cleaned it up with a Dremel so the clear plastic nut can turn unobstructed in the hole. That allows the nut to grab the Remote Head, which sits behind the panel. There are very few places near the dash where the Remote Head can fit. Most of the spaces behind the car's trim are occupied.

The TowPro itself is cable-tied to a metal bracket behind the bottom of that same trim panel. The Wiring Harness (Redarc TPH-004) runs over the driver's side floor heating vent, behind the pedals, and over to the controller plug under the left side panel near the parking brake. The Wiring Harness is cable tied to other wires on the left side so it stays put.

I've found the Redarc TowPro easy to use and provides smooth braking. It must be secured so it doesn't move around. After that's done, it calibrates itself while you drive and applies proportional braking to the trailer brakes. The adjustment knob is to fine tune. Once it's adjusted for your trailer, you're pretty much done.

TourDeForth · January 18

Not to mention that sway control feature. If you experience trailer sway while rolling done the road and have the presence of mind to tap the REDARC knob, it will briefly apply the trailer brakes to slow the trailer and stop the swaying. Pretty nifty! I have one installed on my Tacoma for towing my 320s Boondock.

TerryV6 · March 15

We just bought a redarc liberty and had it installed. Sorry, we are confused on using it. The directions say it calibrates with or without the trailer on. Does it operate without the camper battery installed? Also, we don’t plan to use it much in manual. So, when leaving, we turn it on and have it turn blue. What setting do people use? 4-5 or so? Lastly, when we stop and turn off our vehicle, does it shut off, or do we use the control knob.

Grumpy_G · March 15

@TerryV6 Unlike most other trailer brake controllers the Redarc can be mounted in any position, the calibration figures out which way the accelerometer reads when braking. This does not require a trailer to be connected.
The brake controller does work without a battery in the trailer but the emergency braking function of the trailer requires a battery so it can brake itself if it ever comes detached from the tow vehicle.
The setting obviously varies between trailers depending on how good the brakes are worn in. Mine is set at 5 towing with a Jeep Gladiator but YMMV. The brake controller gets powered on and off with the tow vehicle. Without a trailer the knob is not lit, with a trailer connected it's blue turning to red when braking.

TerryV6 · March 15

Thanks Grumpy!

EasternJL · March 15

Nice looking install! My back still hurts from installing it on my Ridgeline last year (on my back under the dash)!

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Sharing Redarc TowPro install in Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe Trailhawk

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