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Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional

Part Numbers: 58-8

Retail:$223.10
Our Price: $162.13
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Trailer Brake Controller
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58-8 - Up to 2 Axles Dexter Trailer Brake Controller
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Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
part number: 58-8

This proportional brake controller keeps it simple with intuitive controls that are easy to use. Includes a large digital LED display, fingertip gain control, a slide-bar manual override, and built-in safety features.

Features:

  • Brake controller activates your trailer brakes in proportion to your vehicle's braking action
    • Automatically adjusts trailer's braking based on deceleration of tow vehicle
  • Large digital LED display shows your controller settings and monitors voltage output
  • Simple, intuitive controls keep your settings in easy reach
    • Adjustable gain setting determines the amount of braking output sent to the trailer's brakes
    • Built-in, slide-bar manual override activates trailer brakes to control sway in emergency situations
    • Deceleration sensor lever lets you adjust initial braking power and aggressiveness for smooth, safe braking
  • Built-in safeguards protect your vehicle and trailer
    • Current limiter protects vehicle from shorts in the trailer wiring
    • Hazard flasher immunity prevents pulsing of the brakes when flashers are activated
  • Quick and easy mounting with included bracket and hardware
    • 90 To -35 degree mounting range - must be horizontally level
    • Pigtail harness hardwires into your vehicle
  • Made in the USA


Specs:

  • Application: trailers with up to 2 axles (4 brake assemblies)
    • Compatible with electric brakes only
  • Dimensions: 6-1/2" long x 3" wide x 1-5/8" tall
  • Mounting angle: -35 degrees to 90 degrees vertically
  • 7-Year limited warranty


Proportional Braking

What is proportional Braking

The Dexter Predator DX2 brake controller comes equipped with proportional braking to give you the best towing experience. Proportional braking means that your trailer brakes mimic your tow vehicle's brakes. If you slam on the brakes in your vehicle, your trailer brakes will activate with the same intensity; if you brake lightly, your trailer brakes lightly too. The trailer's braking is in proportion to your vehicle's braking. This saves wear and tear on the tires and the brakes on both your vehicle and trailer.


The Predator DX2 uses an internal 3-axis accelerometer to sense how your vehicle is braking so it can send the right amount of braking power to your trailer. It measures the inertia of your tow vehicle and activates the trailer's brakes to slow at the same rate. The result is uniform braking across your towing setup. No push-pull action - just smooth, proportional braking every time.


Large Digital LED Display

The Dexter Predator DX2 features a large LED display that's easy to see so you can check on your current braking output setting with a glance. This display is designed to keep it simple and not overload you with information. The display will also show you the voltage to confirm that the trailer brakes are receiving power.


Braking Output

Dexter Predator DX2 Power Gain Wheel

During the initial setup process, use the thumbwheel on the front of the brake controller to adjust the braking output. The output control lets you set the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes. Typically, the output is only readjusted when you experience changing road conditions or if the weight of your trailer changes. The power output control on this brake controller lets you set the maximum amount of power that will be applied to your trailer's brakes. Typically, the power output is only readjusted if you switch from a heavy, loaded trailer to a much lighter, empty trailer - or vice versa.


During the initial setup process, you can use the thumbwheel to adjust the power output. To get more power to your brakes, increase the power level. To decrease the power output, lower the power level.


Sensitivity Adjustment with Deceleration Sensor Lever

Dexter Predator DX2 Deceleration Sensor Level

Once you have the overall power set, you can fine-tune the power output by adjusting the sensitivity of the internal sensor. This controls the aggressiveness of your trailer's braking, meaning how quickly the brakes reach the maximum braking level. You can adjust this when you're towing heavy loads and you need more umph to bring your trailer to a stop. Your tow vehicle doesn't need that much power to brake in time, but your heavy trailer does. Boost gets the braking power to your trailer brakes faster and with more intensity so that it doesn't push your tow vehicle forward. To increase the sensitivity for towing heavier loads, move the lever away from you. For a lighter load, move the lever toward you.


Slide-Bar Manual Override

Dexter Predator DX2 Manual Override

The Dexter Predator DX2 comes with a built-in manual override slide-bar in easy reach, great for stopping sway or controlling your trailer's momentum in emergencies. To engage the manual override, just push the slide-bar to the left. This will activate the trailer's brakes and brake lights without you having to apply the brakes on your tow vehicle, perfect for limiting trailer movement while you're cruising.


You can also engage the manual override to help you move a sliding 5th-wheel hitch closer to your truck's tailgate for tight maneuvering during slow speed turns. Just apply the manual override to hold the trailer in place while slowly moving the tow vehicle forward.


Quick, Simple Installation

Because the controller operates with an internal inertia sensor, it must be mounted between -35 degrees and 90 degrees vertically. The Predator DX2 also needs to be horizontally level and parallel with the direction of travel to function properly. During initial installation, the deceleration sensor lever must be positioned straight up and down. After mounting the Predator DX2 using the included bracket, hardwire the controller directly into your vehicle.



Installation Accessories

See etrailer.com's exclusive 7- and 4-way brake-control installation kit (ETBC7 - sold separately) if you don't already have a 7-way plug at the back of your vehicle


Note: One of the following will be required to ensure proper installation:

  • 20-Amp circuit breaker (9506P - sold separately) for 2- to 4-brake applications
  • 30-Amp circuit breaker (38630 - sold separately) for 6- to 8-brake applications


058-008-00 Dexter Predator DX2 Electric Brake Controller with Inertia Sensor - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional

Replaces 58-8




Customer Satisfaction Score:


Customer Reviews

Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional - 58-8

Average Customer Rating:  4.8 out of 5 stars   (41 Customer Reviews)

This proportional brake controller keeps it simple with intuitive controls that are easy to use. Includes a large digital LED display, fingertip gain control, a slide-bar manual override, and built-in safety features.

by: Rancher01/07/2023

Finally a brake controller that does what I set it to, not what it’s little computer brain, designed by someone who has never pulled a trailer thinks it needs to do.



by: Michael 09/22/2022

I installed this controller in my 1982 Chevy K20 pickup.
It works perfectly! Etrailer exceeded my expectations with their level of customer service from the time the order was placed to the products arrival at my home. Truly 5-star service!
The video tutorials are straight forward and very helpful.
The universal installation kit literally had everything needed to complete the job.
Side note:
I would have liked to see the (2) 10ga wires in the insulation to be black and blue, not black and white, no biggie, black on black and white on blue.
Thanks again!



by: Richard12/28/2022

was difficult to find a good mounting location away from leg room



by: Bob J.09/07/2016

I am very satisfied with the Dexter Axle Predator Electric Brake controller. I purchased the Dexter brake controller to be compatible with Dexter car trailer axles on a 16 foot car hauler. The braking unit is very useful when towing in very steep and winding mountain terrain. I feel that the braking is a necessary safety item when towing in a hilly or mountainous environment and the Dexter Predator brake controller provides the great control and driver peace of mind knowing that a heavy load can be managed. The unit installs very easily with the proper adapter.



by: Aaron 02/06/2024

Delivered on time and the right parts



by: roula m07/25/2017

The parts I ordered were shipped and now are installed on a enclosed trailer that carries a variety of motorcycles. The roads are mountainous and treacherous here so I have to be able to 100% depend on my trailer brakes. The brakes have been flawless, giving me total confidence. Perfect parts, great price. Customer service was a 10. Thanks for all your help !



by: Fred09/09/2017

My brake controller was a great match for my needs. I have a 4 brake trailer which gets the proper control from my Dexter unit. From empty weight to heavy load the adjustment is just a slight roll of the knob. I like the digital read out so I can glance down to check system operations. It does great f or me and fit right in to the factory wire set up in my truck



by: Mark06/18/2020

Item was shipped promptly and was easy to install works great on my 20,000 pound felling goosneck trailer with 4 electric over hydraulic disc brakes.



by: Gary M.06/01/2015

Just finish installing the brake controller so I have not seen it in operation. Everything that was needed for installation was contained in the package. Due to limited access due to the chosen mounting location getting two of the side screws started took some effort.



by: Terry03/06/2017

This is a great product, installation was easy, instructions accurate and product works as advertised. I would do this all over again if needed.



by: Anthony12/29/2018

A great product. Had it installed by my Benz dealership. No adjustments needed.....factory settings were all I needed to tow my boat and trailer.



by: Dennis 06/06/2023

Everything as described.



by: WalkerEOD11/03/2017

Easy to install and adjust, seems to work well with my Pathfinder. The butt connectors that were included were not the correct size but i wouldn't have used them anyway.



by: Chuck 08/03/2022

Products came quickly... what I was looking for.



by: Stephen02/05/2022

Easy to set up and use.



by: Jim S12/17/2014

Great service from etrailer. I have never had a problem with any products I have bought.
Excellent company.



by: Fred Charlton06/01/2015

good quality product, instructions are easy to follow.



by: Richard 09/12/2022

Easy install and reasonably priced !



by: Tim 09/15/2022

FAst shipping



by: Roger08/02/2019

All my ordered parts arrived have not installed yet but so far perfect experience.



by: Ken07/12/2020

PARTS SHOWED UP ON TIME . HAVE NOT YET INSTALLED



by: Gilberto05/14/2019

So far so good all products worked as a dvertised



by: Mark 01/26/2022

Everything was sent that I ordered. Thank you



by: Richard01/27/2015

Quality product at a good price.



by: Walter06/18/2019

These guys and gals are fast with their deliveries!


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Ask the Experts about this Trailer Brake Controller
Do you have a question about this Trailer Brake Controller?


  • Recommended Trailer Brake Controller For a 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 With Factory 7-Way
  • I recommend installing the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller # RED52VR on your 2011 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. This controller is proportional and takes up much less room than the Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller # 58-8 you found. This will make is easier to reach and give you a much cleaner look with the brake controller. I have linked an installation video below for the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller # 90195 that will accurately walk you through all
    view full answer...

  • Wiring a Brake Controller on 2010 Chevy Silverado
  • You are correct, the tow package wiring in your Silverado does not match up color for color with the controller. The red/black tow package wire will connect to the black wire on the controller. The dark blue tow package wire connects to the blue wire on the controller, the light blue tow package wire connects to the red controller wire, and the white tow package wire connects to the white wire on the controller. The orange tow package wire is for an illumination circuit and is NOT needed.
    view full answer...

  • Troubleshooting Predator DX2 Brake Controller that Only Works with Override Lever
  • The controller shouldn't have been showing voltage without a trailer connected. Typically this is caused by corrosion on the 7-way which is putting a slight draw on the circuit and causing the controller to think a trailer is connected. If the controller isn't applying the brakes with the brake pedal typically that's due to an issue with the red wire of the controller though. This wire needs to see 12 volts to know you are applying the brakes so that it can then start activating the
    view full answer...

  • Brake Controller for Towing a Trailmaster Trailer with a Harley Electra Glide Classic Motorcycle
  • I have spoken with small tent trailer manufacturers about which brake controllers are best for their trailers with brakes and found that they recommend using a a time delayed brake controller for their trailers. They said that many of their customers have excellent performance from the Activator electric trailer brake controller by Draw-Tite, # 5504. The advantage of a time delayed brake controller on a motorcycle is that it can be positioned in any way, so you can easily find a mounting
    view full answer...

  • Troubleshooting 12V Power & Brake Output Circuits on 7-Way on 2008 Saab 9-7X
  • It sounds like you have a 7-way trailer socket on your 2008 Saab 9-7X that has no signals on the 12V charging circuit nor on the brake controller output circuit. If you refer to the linked photo you'll see the usual pin/function assignments typically found on an RV-style 7-way. Often the 12V trailer power circuit is carried on the pin at the 1-o-clock position and the brake controller output is carried on the pin at the 5-o-clock position. The most common causes for an issue like this
    view full answer...

  • Troubleshooting Brake Controller with 1.5 on Display All of the Time
  • Sometimes brake controllers need to be reset as they get a weird internal bug. Try unplugging yours for a minute or so and replugging in and see if that helps. Here's how to test the controller though: Testing the brake controller is fairly easy. Sever the blue brake output wire near the brake controller leaving enough room to reconnect it and then apply the manual slide. Using a circuit tester like the Tester, part # PTW2993, you should get output to the controller side of the wire
    view full answer...

  • Best Trailer Brake Controller for 2004 Chevy Blazer
  • For a brake controller for your 2004 Chevy Blazer I recommend the Prodigy P3 Brake Controller part # 90195. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. This is a proportional brake controller that senses the amount of braking the tow vehicle is applying and applies a proportionate amount to the trailer brakes. This will be the last brake controller you buy as it is incredibly reliable, works, well and is easy to use. It can easily
    view full answer...

  • Trailer Brake Controller Recommendation for a 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500
  • If you are concerned there is no where to mount a brake controller (something that comes up a lot since truck interiors are more and more car-like) then I have the perfect solution for you. You can use the Curt Echo Wireless # C51180 that uses a mobile device so it requires no wiring or mounting in your vehicle. If you determine you want to use a more traditional style controller like the Spectrum # C51170 for a physical button, you will need to cut off the end that plugs into the controller
    view full answer...

  • Troubleshooting Low Power Output for Predator DX2 Brake Controller
  • It sounds like you've done a good amount of troubleshooting already which gives us a good foundation to work off of. Since your Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller # 58-8 isn't supplying more than 3.2 for power this tells me that 1 of 2 things is going on; either there isn't enough power getting to the controller and is limiting it, or something is internally wrong with the controller. Start off by checking the wires connected to the controller first. The white should have
    view full answer...

  • Recommended Brake Controller for a 2017 Dodge Durango with Factory Installed Tow Package
  • For you 2017 Dodge Durango, i recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, # 90885. The P2 Brake Controller is a proportional brake controller, so it applies brake power to your trailer in proportion to the brake pressure applied to your vehicle. You will get a faster braking response with proportional controllers over the traditional time delay. The Prodigy P2 is more of an entry level brake controller; easy to use, easy to mount, and it works well. That is probably why it is
    view full answer...

  • How to Wire a Dexter Axle Predator Brake Controller 58-8 on a 2001 GMC Sierra
  • The light blue wire mentioned in the video of the # HM40975-11998 7 and 4-pole trailer connector being installed on a 2002 Silverado is for a camper shell brake light, and is not for use with an electric brake controller. The electric brake wire on your 2001 GMC Sierra is run from the port below the dash into the engine compartment, but it does not continue back to the rear wiring bundle. You will need to finish the connection by running a wire from the 7-Way in the rear of the truck
    view full answer...

  • Can I Replace the Factory Brake Controller on a 2017 Ram 3500
  • Yes, you can replace your 2017 Ram 2500's factory brake controller. I recommend using the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller item # RED24FR. This is a proportional brake controller that automatically adjusts the trailer's braking based on the deceleration of your vehicle. You will also want the Redarc Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness item # 331-TPH-020. This will allow you to plug directly into your trucks brake controller port and avoid having to cut or splice wires. An aftermarket
    view full answer...

  • When to Use a 20 or 30 amp Circuit Breaker When Installing Brake Controller
  • You'd want to use the 20 amp circuit breaker like # PK54220PL unless your trailer has more than two brake axles. If that's the case you'd want to use the 30 amp breaker # 38630.
    view full answer...

  • Parts Needed To Install a Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller On a 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe
  • The Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller # 58-8 will connect to a 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe with the Tekonsha Custom Wiring Adapter # 3016-S as long as you have the factory tow package with 7-way. You will need to wire the adapter to the controller since Dexter does not put a connector on its controller. If your Tahoe does not have the factory tow package you will need the Custom Multi-Tow 7-Way and 4-Way Trailer Connectors # 30955 to plug into the wiring on your Tahoe and the controller
    view full answer...

  • Where Do the 4 Wires of a Brake Controller Go for Installation in Vehicle
  • The four wires and their functions are: White: Ground wire, connected to negative side of battery. Blue: Electric brake wire, ran to the brake output circuit of your 7-way with 10 gauge wire like # 10-1-1 sold by the foot. Black: 12v power wire, connected to the vehicle positive battery terminal with a 40amp circuit breaker, part # 9510. Red: Stoplight switch circuit. This will get run to the wire on your stoplight pedal assembly that sees voltage only when the brakes are applied.
    view full answer...

  • Display of Dexter 58-8 DX 2 Predator Brake Controller Lights Up Without Trailer Connected
  • According to Dexter Axle, it's perfectly normal for the display to light up and display .0 when a trailer isn't connected. This will happen regardless of if the vehicle is running, as the controller has a constant 12V connection to the vehicle battery.
    view full answer...

  • Brake Controller Does Not Have Full Power When Used
  • First, I would go to the 7-way connector and test to make sure you have power. You will want to use a circuit tester, part # PTW2993 to test the wires. Start by testing the Black wire for power, then test the blue wire for brake controller output. To test the blue wire you will need to have a friend help you. With the vehicle in power accessory mode, in park, and parking brake engaged, have them activate the brakes. Next I would check to make sure the Red Stoplight wire is connected
    view full answer...

  • What is the Wire Gauge Used for the Dexter Predator Brake Controller for a 2008 Chevy Silverado
  • No problem, I'm happy to help. I went out to the warehouse with our little wire gauge measuring tool to measure the wires on the Dexter Predator # 58-8. They all came up as 14 gauge (btween 12 and 14 but closer to 14). So a butt connector such as # DW05714 would work for the installation.
    view full answer...

  • Installing Dexter Predator DX2 Brake Controller on 2008 GMC Envoy
  • As long as your 2008 GMC Envoy is equipped with the factory 7-Way connector there will be blunt cut wires located inside the vehicle on the driver's side under the instrument panel to which your Dexter Predator DX2 Brake Controller # 58-8 can be directly wired. Based on my research there should be a red/black wire that connects to the black (12V power) wire on the controller, a white wire that connects to the white (ground) wire on the controller, a light blue/white wire that gets connected
    view full answer...

  • Mounting Bracket for a Dexter Predator DX2 Brake Controller
  • You should be able to use bracket # 2178. I have included a picture showing the measurements for you. I was able to read the instructions for the controller from the Dexter site but I can send you a copy in a separate email.
    view full answer...

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