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

Part Numbers: 58-8

Retail:$223.10
Our Price: $162.22
You Save: $60.88
Trailer Brake Controller

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: 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: Richard12/28/2022

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



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: 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: 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: Stephen02/05/2022

Easy to set up and use.



by: Chuck 08/03/2022

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



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: Roger08/02/2019

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



by: Tim 09/15/2022

FAst shipping



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?


  • Trailer Brakes Lock Up When Brake Pedal is Pressed Even With Controller Turned All the Way Down
  • Have you tried towing the trailer with another truck? Or towing another trailer with the Dodge? This would help you narrow down whether the problem is with the wiring on the vehicle or the trailer. From what you're describing, it sounds like either something's incorrectly wired on the vehicle or trailer, or the trailer connector on the vehicle is damaged or corroded. This is kind of a strange occurrence, so try what I've mentioned above and get back with me. I've also linked you
    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...

  • Trailer Brake Controller for a 2008 Saab 9-7X with Factory 7-Way Trailer Connector
  • The 24 pin receptacle you are seeing sounds like the OBD2 port and would not be used for a brake controller. You will need to utilize the owners manual or a Saab technician to locate the wires and to determine the functions of those wires. Identifying the wire functions is critical because a brake controller has to be hardwired in since there is no plug and play option available. The wires on a brake controller are as follows: white is ground black is 12 volt power in blue is output
    view full answer...

  • Troubleshooting No Truck Brake Lights When Manual Override Used on Dexter Predator Brake Controller
  • According to the Dexter Predator # 58-8 Brake Controller installation instructions, if your truck lights are not illuminating properly with the manual override is activated, then you will need to check the red stoplight wiring connection. The brake controller red wire should be connected to the non-powered stop lamp switch wire on your 2008 GMC Sierra. On your specific truck there should be a wiring bundle that is below the steering column, and is to the left of the brake pedal. This
    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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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 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...

  • 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 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...

  • Dexter Predator Brake Controller 58-8 Installation in 2005 Ford F150
  • If your 2005 Ford F-150 has only 4 wires at the bumper (or only a 4-pole connector) and you need to install a 7-way vehicle-side connector, you could use the Hopkins # 37185. If you already have the 7-way connector on your truck, you will need to make the additional wire connections for the brake controller. (The 4 wires you have carry the brake light, running light and turn light signals for your trailer, plus a ground: white = ground, brown = running/brake lights, green = right turn signal
    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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

  • 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...

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