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

Part Numbers: 58-8

Retail:$223.10
Our Price: $162.25
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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?


  • Can Trailer Brakes be Added to Motorcycle Trailer Axle
  • When adding brakes to a trailer the first thing you will need is a brake mounting flange on the axle. If you do not have a brake flange I recommend part # 4-35. This should be welded in place by a professional welder because it needs to be square and concentric. Beyond that step we have to first determine what hubs/spindles you have on your trailer so that we can first fit a hub/drum (if available) to it and then install assemblies as well. If you check out the help article
    view full answer...

  • How to Wire Dexter Predator Brake Controller on a 2013 Town and Country With a Tow Package
  • In my research, the 2013 Chrysler Town and Country with a tow package does come with a wiring harness and should have a 7-way. To install the Dexter Predator # 58-8, you will need to run the wires from the brake controller to the 7-way connector on your vehicle. You are also going to need Draw-Tite # 5506 which gives you the extra length you will need to hook up your brake controller to your 7-way connector. I have attached a FAQ regarding trailer brake controller installation information,
    view full answer...

  • Brake Wire for Installation of Dexter Predator Trailer Brake Controller in 2006 Dodge Ram 2500
  • When installing the Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller # 58-8 with Wiring Adapter # 3020-S in your 2006 Dodge Ram 2500, the blue wire from the brake controller will connect to the blue wire from the harness. I have added links to help articles on brake controllers and brake controller installation for you to check out as well.
    view full answer...

  • Installing Dexter Predator Brake Controller on 2006 Ford F-150 with Factory 4-Way
  • The reverse light wire on your 2006 Ford F-150 is likely purple or orange, though we have no way to know for sure (manufacturers have been known to change colors so a definitive answer is an impossibility). That said, you can find out pretty easily with Circuit Tester # PTW2979. When installing a brake controller you will need to use this to determine the functions of all wires on your 2006 Ford F-150 which has what I assume is the factory 4-way. I have added a link to a help article on
    view full answer...

  • Parts Needed to Install a Trailer Brake Controller on a 1987 Dodge Ram 350 Full Size Van
  • The 1987 Dodge full size vans do not have wiring under the dash to wire in a brake controller. You will need to hardwire in the controller using an installation kit. There are different kits depending on whether or not the vehicle has a trailer connector or not. If your van has a 4-Way trailer wiring harness, you will need to use the 4 and 7 way installation kit # ETBC7. It comes with the 7-Way, wiring, and accessories to wire in the brake controller. If you do not have any type of trailer
    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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • How to Install a Trailer Brake Controller on a 1996 Dodge Ram 1500 with Factory 4-Way
  • On a 1996 Dodge Ram that came with a factory 4-Way trailer connector there is a factory harness you can plug into to install a brake controller. The harness is located underneath the dash, to the left of the steering column, taped to another harness near the emergency brake pedal. I have included a link to a video that should help. For the Dexter brake controller, # 58-8 you referenced, you would need wiring harness # 3020-P. To wire in your 7-Way that you have you will need to hardwire
    view full answer...

  • Fuse and Circuit Breaker Installation Help For Dexter Predator Brake Controller in 2008 GMC Sierra
  • When installing the Dexter Predator Brake Controller # 58-8 in your 2008 GMC Sierra you will want to follow the Dexter instructions and install the specified fuse and self-resetting circuit breaker as indicated. The vehicle manufacturer installs fuses to protect the OEM electrical components in the vehicle so any aftermarket accessory that is added will need to be protected independently of the factory fuses and circuit breakers. To correctly install the Dexter Predator you will
    view full answer...

  • Brake Controller Recommendation and Installation on a 2003 GMC Sierra with or without Factory 7-Way
  • I did a little research and found that the Dexter Predator, # 58-8, is for 2 to 4 brakes. So if each wheel on your two axle trailer has a brake assembly, or just two of them, this brake controller will work. Brake controllers are not vehicle or trailer specific, so you will be able to use the best one for your application. I recommend going with a proportional controller because they offer the best and safest braking, and will reduce wear on both the trailer and tow vehicle brakes. I
    view full answer...

  • Brake Controller for 1999 Chevy Tahoe Towing a 2006 Fleetwood Bayside Camper with Electric Brakes
  • Since brake controllers are not vehicle-specific, you can use any of our brake controllers with your 1999 Chevy Tahoe and camper. The Dexter Axle Predator Electric Brake Controller, part # 58-8, is a great choice. It is inertia-activated, meaning you have a lot of mounting options for inside your Tahoe, has an LED display showing voltage output, and works with 1 or 2 axles. If you don't already have a 4-way connector on the back of your vehicle, you will need the custom-fit Vehicle Wiring
    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...

  • 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...

  • Can the Dexter # 58-8 Predator DX2 Brake Controller Be Installed Vertically
  • According to Dexter, the # 58-8 Predator DX2 needs to be mounted in the direction of travel, level on a side to side plane. If mounted on vertical plane as you mention, the brake controller would not function. If the vehicle design somehow limits the installation options, and you have no other option than to mount a brake controller vertically, you can use a time delayed brake controller like the # 5504 Draw-Tite Activator IV. Because the controller is solid state, if can be mounted
    view full answer...

  • Installing Trailer Brake Controller on 2012 Chevy Silverado with Factory 7-Way
  • If your 2012 Chevy Silverado is equipped with the factory 7-Way connector at the rear there isn't an actual OEM port behind the dash for a brake controller plug-and-play install, however all the needed wiring is present. This means you can simply hardwire the Dexter Predator DX2 Brake Controller # 58-8 directly to the factory wire bundle behind the dash of your truck. Based on my research these blunt cut wires are behind the steering column. You will make the following connections using
    view full answer...

  • Should Brake Controller Draw Power All The Time
  • You won't have any problem with power going to the brake controller all the time. This lets the brake controller keep all of its settings and not lose them every time the vehicle is turned off. Brake controllers are designed to enter a sleep mode after a period of time when there is no activity. An idle controller draws very little current and will not drain the vehicle battery.
    view full answer...

  • How to Wire Dexter DX2 Brake Controller on 2013 Chevrolet Silverado
  • The red wire from your Dexter DX2 brake controller # 58-8 needs to be wired to the cold side of the stop light switch, which on your 2013 Chevy Silverado corresponds to a light blue wire with a white stripe. This wire should ONLY be hot when the brake pedal is applied. The rest of the wires actually match up with the same color wires on your truck as follows: Dark blue on brake controller - To dark blue on vehicle White on brake controller - To white on vehicle Black on brake controller
    view full answer...

  • Surge Brakes or Electric Brake Controller for a Trailer Towed by a Motorcycle
  • Electric brakes and brake controllers do require adjustment when the trailer changes weight due to adding or removing a load. As long as you remember to do that there is no problem with the brakes being too aggressive. Surge brakes require a certain amount of momentum, inertia to activate the trailer brakes. The reason you do not see them on trailers towed by motorcycles is because those trailers are light and it does take a lot of pressure to activate the brakes that just isn't present
    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...

Info for this part was:

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