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Series II Brake Controller

32K views 48 replies 17 participants last post by  jean04  
#1 ·
I went to my dealership to get a brake controller installed and was told Jeep doesn't make one for a Series II.

How does Wagoneer expect us to pull a 7K lb trailer without a brake controller?

Did I just throw away $75K... any ideas?
 
#2 ·
In the same boat w/ my Series I. I just don't think that Jeep is offering the OEM controller. I'm pretty sure they will at some point.

However, I'm not willing to wait. There are several after market options available. I purchase one through eTrailer.com that even has a video of installation on a Wagoneer.

Here's the link to what I went with:


While I'm sure its cheaper than the OEM controller, it has to be installed on the dash and wont integrate with the vehicle's software. Bummer. But its the only option currently available and Ill be towing a travel trailer so I NEED a brake controller now.
 
#10 ·
I don't believe the OEM brake controller is available yet outside of ordering the tow package. I've checked MOPAR's site and talked to a dealer's parts department.

In my Series I, the adapter for an aftermarket brake controller is installed. See my above post with pics included.

Below are pics with my aftermarket brake controller installed. The controller can be easily removed when not in use.

BOTTOM LINE - I now have working trailer brakes and can legally tow my Travel Trailer!!!
 

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#11 ·
I don't believe the OEM brake controller is available yet outside of ordering the tow package. I've checked MOPAR's site and talked to a dealer's parts department.

In my Series I, the adapter for an aftermarket brake controller is installed. See my above post with pics included.

Below are pics with my aftermarket brake controller installed. The controller can be easily removed when not in use.

BOTTOM LINE - I now have working trailer brakes and can legally tow my Travel Trailer!!!
Likewise, I just had mine done today in my Series II
 
#16 ·
If you don't get the Heavy Duty Tow package you will run into all kinds of problems. You have to be very careful with their advertised Towing capacity vs the ACTUAL towing capacity of your vehicle. It is significantly reduced if you don't get the factory tow package (not just the hitch but the full package). With the factory tow package you get heavy duty engine cooling, the integrated break controller, a different rear differential and possibly a different suspension (not 100% sure about that). When you look at page 224 of the manual you will see all the towing ratings. Of the 14 different Wagoneer and Grand Wagoneer configurations only 4 can actually tow 10,000 lbs. Some can only tow as little as 7180lbs. I learned this the hard way with my Dodge Durango. I couldn't find one with the factory Tow package but the dealer told me "I can install the factory hitch...." Well that didn't give me the upgraded suspension and engine cooling which takes the Durango from 3500lbs towing to 6500lbs. If you really need to Tow over 6500lbs even with a Wagoneer ONLY get one with the factory Tow package. Which is currently really hard to find! I am still looking for one to replace my 2016 Durango.
 
#19 ·
Well, when I went back to the installer of my after non OEM Reese controller and Tenkonsheh adapter, they called Reese tech support to troubleshoot. They said the controller working was testament to to it being hooked up correctly and the truck needs to accept that.

When I went back to the dealer, they were who suggested downloading the software and said it has helped with other vehickls that experienced these problems, they just have to get the software for the Wagoneer by itself without waiting for it with to accompany the OEM brake controllers that are not yet available.
 
#26 ·
I have a Series II without the factory tow package. According to the owner's manual, without the tow package, the towing capacities are 7,500 lbs and 750 lbs maximum tongue weight (of course this is for properly equipped trailers that have brakes and are properly hitched). I use the Curt Bluetooth controller with a spare iphone that only has the Curt app on it.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Br...hDuARIsAKZlijSnzhab3DFs5RwvoYQbGvfzsvaG1oju3FKuexVvjnda14SgIPxu1YAaAmakEALw_wcB

I've had no trouble at all with this brake controller and it works great. Brakes on the trailer work exactly as they should.
 
#27 ·
I have a Series II without the factory tow package. According to the owner's manual, without the tow package, the towing capacities are 7,500 lbs and 750 lbs maximum tongue weight (of course this is for properly equipped trailers that have brakes and are properly hitched). I use the Curt Bluetooth controller with a spare iphone that only has the Curt app on it. https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Br...hDuARIsAKZlijSnzhab3DFs5RwvoYQbGvfzsvaG1oju3FKuexVvjnda14SgIPxu1YAaAmakEALw_wcB I've had no trouble at all with this brake controller and it works great. Brakes on the trailer work exactly as they should.
Do you have to keep the app up on your phone screen the entire time you are towing?
 
#30 ·
I don't want to hijack this thread or anything but I would be really interested to hear from you boys about your experience with the series 2 and series 3. I was thinking about getting a new 2023 series 2 obsidian with all the goodies but I've read so much about how finicky they are and how many problems they have. I was curious if it was just that forum or if everybody is experiencing this.
 
#33 ·
I don't want to hijack your question, but I'm going to agree with the other commentator that bang for the buck, the wagoneer is supreme. Luxury in the base package.

However, for me, the series 1 is the way to go. I got it with the premium and convenience packages (I now regret not getting the max tow as well as I didn't realize until yesterday that mine can't tow 10k, only 7k (not that I currently have a trailer, so it's not the end of the world, but...)). I feel like a series 1 with those two packages is way better than a series 2 base, and it's still cheaper. Now if you want to get additional features on the premium and convenience packages for series 2 or 3, then those are for you, but you're going to be paying 8k+ more for a couple more features.

Anyway, my unsolicited two cents.
 
#31 ·
I love my series 2 and so happy I bought it. I have a series 2 with premium group. I've owned it for a year and have about 13K miles on it. Everyone that gets in the vehicle exclaims how luxurious it is. I have the light grey seats with the grey exterior. The fit and finish are superb and it is incredibly quiet. I shopped all the full sized SUV's from GM, Ford, Audi and Land Rover. Nobody could touch the value overall. The quality of the interior is as good or better in my opinion as the 100K plus models from Lexus, Audi or Land Rover. From a mechanical/electronic standpoint - I was happy to get the 2022 5.7 Hemi with eTorque. The 2023's are turbocharged. I think there may still be 22's available with the naturally aspirated engine. I've seen the complaints about RAM 5.7's having electronic problems. Mine has been rock solid and I've had no problems. I only have one nagging issue which is that my FCW system doesn't seem to be working. I'll be working with my dealer to get this addressed. The adaptive cruise control works great and so does the rear collision with braking - but FCW itself does not seem to be working..

I get about 18 MPG, so I think the cost of ownership so far has been very reasonable - especially considering the ridiculous markups on GM products and the fact that Ford and GM's MSRP's have gone bonkers. I also like the 10K oil change interval, and the fact that i got 5 oil changes and tire rotations included with the purchase. When I bought the Wagoneer, right at the start of the fuel price hikes, Jeep was really trying to move these and I got about $8.5K off MSRP (real MSRP - no markup). The dealer had about 10 of them on the lot and they were not moving. All this to say - that not only do I love the product itself but I think that the value in the full size segment is unparalleled. We have a big family and we love to camp - so the size is perfect for our purposes.
 
#35 ·
An S3 owner here that presumed there was an integrated brake controller until I read this thread.

Checked the window sticker. Yup! “Brake Wiring Harness” standard equipment as part of the Series III trim line.

No brake controller.

It hasn’t been bad since my towing has been limited to about 1200-1400 LBS.

But, when my car comes home from the body shop (or needs replacing), the issue will be dealt with firmly!
 
#39 ·
Just to shed some light and reopen this thread, I own a S3 wagoneer with no brake controller and I wanted the OEM look. I found out that I had to buy a new bezel and also the brake controller kit then get it activated from the dealer to work. Apx 600plus all together.

I called a local parts rep that went out of her way to contact mopar and jeep. According to her she was able to reach a tech that help build the wagoneer and said my specific S3 even though it didnt have a brake controller it can still control the trailer brakes automatically when you hook up the trailer. I read the drivers manuel and it did stat something about controlling electric drum brakes or something.

We bought a trailer from Camping World and they wont let us take the trailer without a brake controller. I had them talk to my local parts dealer to explain my wagoneer all ready can control the trailer brakes without the brake controller. Only downfall is I cant adjust the brakes.

I would like to know if this is actually true and if anyone else heard about this? Also if it does work how can I tell if the trailer brakes are engaging?
 
#40 ·
Just plugging the trailer into the 7 pin plug will not apply the brakes on the trailer.
I ordered the OEM brake controller and it would’ve been north of $600 until it was installed.
here are pictures of the kit, the black box is the controller, the switch with the + and - only allow you to adjust the voltage applied to the brakes for the proper trailer load.
I decided not to try it myself because there are too many individual wires that need to be installed into a bus connector under the dash, the wires are labeled though.
The instructions are not included but the provide you with a website to download them which didn’t work for me, it said you needed a dealer number or something like that.
I decided to go with the Prodogy and the wagoneer direct plug n play wire harness for under $200 from etrailer.
 

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#42 ·
@ChillxPoint: I had asked the dealer service department about the OEM parts. And was given a “don’t bother” response. Too costly and huge lead time to get the pieces.

The controller AND adapter/harness I bought as a single purchase plugged right in!

Mounting it was only slightly aggravating… I like the brake controller positioned so I can operate it easily with my right hand. And that the status light is visible outside (not through) the steering wheel.
 
#44 ·
No, the pieces needed to add the factory option are clear.

Getting them into a competent shop will be expensive and take an unreasonable length of time.

I chose the clear, well-traveled path: I purchased a common controller with the recommended harness from a reputable e-taler.

I have since discovered there is a brake controller that plugs into the 7 pin connector and provides the proper brake signals. Adjusted by your phone using bluetooth.


No mods to tow vehicle or trailer needed.