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

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

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

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

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

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:

93% were satisfied with this product

7% of customers were not satisfied

• Wrong item was ordered
• Defective
• Too difficult to install

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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)

Order: RelevanceNewestRating - High to LowRating - Low to High 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.1496113

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!1419932

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.292121

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 truck430590

by: Richard12/28/2022

was difficult to find a good mounting location away from leg room1490248

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 !410276

by: Aaron 02/06/2024

Delivered on time and the right parts 1721804

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.817419

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.199608

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.349055

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.593808

by: Dennis 06/06/2023

Everything as described. 1594960

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. 448846

by: Stephen02/05/2022

Easy to set up and use. 1259532

by: Chuck 08/03/2022

Products came quickly... what I was looking for.1345448

by: Jim S12/17/2014

Great service from etrailer. I have never had a problem with any products I have bought.
Excellent company. 165785

by: Fred Charlton06/01/2015

good quality product, instructions are easy to follow.199343

by: Richard 09/12/2022

Easy install and reasonably priced ! 1404719

by: Roger08/02/2019

All my ordered parts arrived have not installed yet but so far perfect experience. 681243

by: Tim 09/15/2022

FAst shipping 1409637

by: Ken07/12/2020

PARTS SHOWED UP ON TIME . HAVE NOT YET INSTALLED836987

by: Gilberto05/14/2019

So far so good all products worked as a dvertised642694

by: Mark 01/26/2022

Everything was sent that I ordered. Thank you1252684

by: Richard01/27/2015

Quality product at a good price. 171365

by: Walter06/18/2019

These guys and gals are fast with their deliveries! 660308

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

• 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...


• Will the Dexter Preadator Brake Controller # 58-8 fit a 2006 Cadillac SRX
  
• Yes, there is a way to install the Dexter Axle Predator Electric Brake Controller # 58-8 in your 2006 Cadillac SRX. The first thing you need is a 4-way trailer connection at the rear of your vehicle. You may already have this, but if not you will need part # C59496. This comes with everything you would need to install the 4-way, I attached install instructions and an install video for you to check out also. Next, you need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way so that you can install the brake
  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...


• 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...


• 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...


• 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...


• 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...


• 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...


• 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...


• 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...


• Troubleshooting Electric Brakes with Dexter DX2 Controller
  
• The manual override lever does not move when you hit your brake pedal but the digital display will light up and give you a reading. The slide is only for the manual emergency braking or to apply additional braking pressure to your trailer as desired and should not move when you hit your brake pedal at all. The description you gave is that your manual override is sticking and not releasing the braking pressure some of the time which would definitely lead to burning up your brake shoes
  view full answer...


• Brake Controller Installation on 2006 Ford F150
  
• The brake controller installation on your 2006 F150 is pretty easy. The connector for the brake controller is located under the dash, behind and to the right of the OBD port as shown in the video I've linked for you. You'll need the brake controller wiring adapter, part # 3035-S. The adapter will plug into the connector, and the bare wires on the connector would wire to your Dexter Predator brake controller, color for color. If your vehicle is equipped with the 7-way trailer connector,
  view full answer...


• Can a Trailer with Electric Brakes be Converted to Surge Hydraulic Brakes
  
• You can convert your trailer from electric brakes to hydraulic surge brakes, but it will require new brake assemblies, a new coupler and brake lines. To see all that is needed check out the FAQ article I attached to the right.
  view full answer...


• Parts Needed To Tow a Towmaster Trailer with Electric Brakes with a Winnebago
  
• The Dexter Predator brake controller # 58-8 would be a good fit to power the trailer brakes on your Towmaster trailer. You would need to hard wire the brake controller to the Winnebago, connecting the wires coming from the back side of the brake controller as follows. The brake controller wire functions are: White: Ground, attached to a clean piece of unpainted metal. Black: 12v lead, attached to the positive battery terminal on the Winnebago with a 40amp circuit breaker. Blue:
  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...


• 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...


• 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...


• 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...


• 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...


• Parts Needed to Install Trailer Brake Controller in 1993 and 1994 Chevy C/K Trucks
  
• Installing a Dexter Predator DX2 Trailer Brake Controller # 58-8 in a 1993 Chevy Silverado and 1994 Chevy Cheyenne, both of which are Chevy C/K Series pickup trucks, require both trucks to have their own 4-flat connectors and a brake controller wiring kit. However, since both trucks require the Predator to be hardwired, it would mean you would have to get two brake controllers or you would need to wire and un-wire the controller to change trucks; there are better options that will allow
  view full answer...