bing tracking image

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

Part Numbers: 58-8

Retail:$223.10
Our Price: $162.15
You Save: $60.95
Trailer Brake Controller
This item qualifies for Free Shipping

58-8 - Up to 2 Axles Dexter Trailer Brake Controller
zoom in icon
slider vertical icon
zoom out icon
Comment field cannot be left empty.
Name field cannot be left empty.

Thank you! Your comment has been submitted successfully. You should be able to view your question/comment here within a few days.

Error submitting comment. Please try again momentarily.

Product Images

Need help with installation?
Locate installers near me



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!


25
41
Show More Reviews

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


  • Parts Needed to Flat Tow a 2005 Cadillac SRX or 2007 Ford Edge Behind a Motor Home
  • In order to determine if your vehicles can be flat towed and if there are any special requirements (such as a specific transmission or engine) you will want to consult your vehicle owner's manuals. To flat tow either vehicle you will need 5 main components: base plates, tow bar, safety cables, lighting, and a supplemental braking system. Base plates for the Cadillac SRX: # 3125-3. Base plates for the Ford Edge: # 4408-1. Compatible tow bar for either vehicle: Falcon # RM-520. Safety
    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...

  • Installing a Brake Controller on a 2016 Chrysler Town and Country Van
  • The 2016 Chrysler Town and Country did not come with a factory installed tow package and a 7-way trailer connector. You will have to hardwire in a 7-way and the all the wiring so you can install your controller. None of the wiring is pre-installed on this model vehicle. The first thing you will need to do is wire in a 4-way flat trailer plug if you have not already done so. You will need a wiring harness, I recommend the Curt T-One harness, # C56331. This harness is custom-fit to your
    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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Brake Controller Installation
  • The Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional # 58-8 will have the red wire connect to the brown and white wire in your 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited. I've attached a video of an installation of the Prodigy P3 # 90195 which will have that same red wire from the brake light switch. This installation uses heat shrink butt connectors # DW05745-5 along with wiring kit # 5506 to Factory 7-way.
    view full answer...

  • Location of Brake Controller Connector on 2012 Ram Truck
  • The connector you are looking for will be located taped to another larger wiring harness just to the right and above the emergency brake pedal, as shown in the photo I have edited for you. You can confirm that this is the correct connector by testing it with a circuit tester like part # PTW2993. One pin should show a constant 12-volt power supply, another should show voltage only when the brake pedal is pressed. Unfortunately, my contact at Tekonsha was not able to shed any light
    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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • Troubleshooting Brake Controller that Won't Work with Brake Pedal
  • If a brake controller is detecting a trailer connected when there isn't one connected that indicates that there is a load somewhere on the brake output circuit that is confusing the controller. Typically this is corrosion on the 7-way and cleaning the pins with fine grit sandpaper will do the trick. If a controller will work with the override but not with the brake pedal that indicates a problem with the red (stoplight circuit) wire of the controller. What you will need to do is check
    view full answer...

  • Can Dexter Predator Brake Controller Fit 2019 Ford Explorer
  • Yes the Dexter Predator brake controller part # 58-8 that you referenced does fit your 2019 Ford Explorer by using the install harness part # 3035-S and you'd be set.
    view full answer...

  • How to Install a Brake Controller in a 1996 Dodge Ram
  • If your 1996 Dodge Ram has the factory 7-way connector at the rear of the vehicle, then all of the wires for the brake controller have been run. You will just need a brake controller wiring adapter. I recommend using part # 3020-P and cutting off the black plug. This adapter plugs into the brake controller plug under the dash, to the left of the steering column taped to another harness near the emergency brake pedal. The four pigtail wires on the other end will be butt-connected to the
    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...

  • 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...

  • Parts Needed to Install Dexter Predator DX2 in 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 with 7-Way
  • All you need to install the Dexter Predator DX2 brake controller part # 58-8 in your 1998 Dodge Ram 1500 with the factory 7-way is the install harness part # 3020-S which plugs right into the port under your dash and then wires color for color to the # 3020-S. No additional breakers needed.
    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...

Info for this part was:

Employee Mike L
Expert Research:
Mike L
Employee Sarah L
Expert Research:
Sarah L
Employee DeAnne T
Expert Research:
DeAnne T
Employee Robert G
Expert Research:
Robert G
Employee Michael H
Expert Research:
Michael H
Employee Reno H
Expert Research:
Reno H
Employee Jameson C
Expert Research:
Jameson C
Employee Adam R
Expert Research:
Adam R
Employee Lori W
Expert Research:
Lori W
Employee Rachael H
Expert Research:
Rachael H
Employee Jeffrey L
Expert Research:
Jeffrey L
Employee Jacob T
Video Edited:
Jacob T
Employee Wilson B
Updated by:
Wilson B
Employee Brian T
Updated by:
Brian T

At etrailer.com we provide the best information available about the products we sell. We take the quality of our information seriously so that you can get the right part the first time. Let us know if anything is missing or if you have any questions.