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How to install a Tow-Pro in a Jeep Gladiator

Whether you’re looking to tow for work or adventure, we’ve put together some simple step-by-step instructions for installing a Tow-Pro into your Jeep Gladiator. No matter if you’re going to stick to the highways or get as far off-road as possible, REDARC has the best brake controller for Jeep.

 

Choosing between the Tow-Pro Elite and Liberty
 

Deciding on the right brake controller for your setup will depend on where you’re planning to travel. The Tow-Pro Elite is the best controller for all terrain, all weather towing, with its two brake modes for on or off-road driving. The Tow-Pro Liberty only utilizes REDARC’s proportional braking mode for everyday towing in highway conditions.

As far as installation, both main control units are approximately the same size and install in the same way. With the right tools, installing the Tow-Pro takes about thirty minutes.

 

What you’ll need
 

REDARC has designed a range of vehicle specific wiring harnesses to make installation in some of the most popular overlanding vehicles simple. For an easy to install brake controller in a Jeep Gladiator you’ll need;


Inside the Tow-Pro box is the brake controller unit itself, with the plug for the switch controls on one end and the plug for the Gladiator on the other. The remote head unit and remote head dial are also on top of the box. Also included are two cables, the universal wiring harness and the wire that connects the Tow-Pro to the dial, the remote head bezel and nut and a square switch insert. The trailer switch insert that came in the box can be discarded.

While there is no specific Switch Insert for the Jeep Wrangler, the GM and Isuzu Switch Insert will work perfectly, replacing your 12v cigarette power outlet.

You will need some tools to make installation easier, we recommend having on hand;

  • Socket set
  • Pliers (or anything capable of cutting zip ties)
  • Screwdriver set
     

How to install the Tow-Pro in your Gladiator
 

  1. Assemble the remote head: Remove the round switch insert from the package and put the remote head into the switch. It will only go in one way. Screw on the clear plastic remote head nut and put the dial on top. Give it a few presses and make sure it clicks. You will not need the Remote Head Bezel or the Bare Cable Wiring Harness that came in the box.
  2. Disconnect the battery: Before you do any electrical work, you’ll need to disconnect the battery.
  3. Remove the trim: Pull the panel off underneath the steering wheel. This should come of easily. Once that’s removed there will be an exposed edge you can use to pop off the trim from around the push to start button. Using the retaining clips on either side, this will remove the whole centre dash console.
  4. Disconnect the console: Unplug the two cables from the back and place this piece aside. Behind this piece there is one Phillips head screw in the centre. Remove this and gently pop out the lower section. Unplug all the connections behind this piece.
  5. Remove the 12v plug: Remove the 12v plug from behind this piece. You may have to file down a little notch on the console piece to match the notch on the top of switch insert, but after that it should snap in easily. 
  6. Connect the remote head: Attach the white end of the remote head cable into the remote head. Reconnect all the plugs back into the lower section of the dash. Run the other end of the remote head wire behind the dash to where the Tow-Pro will be mounted under the steering wheel.
  7. Reassemble the centre console: Snap the lower section back in and secure with the Phillips head screw. Reconnect the plugs back into the top part of the centre dash and snap all of that back into place.
  8. Mount the main Tow-Pro unit: Using the mounting kit, attach the main unit of the Tow-Pro to the bracket and bend the bracket into this configuration to help it fit better. Plug the tow-Pro harness in and using two self-tapping, half inch screws attach the main unit to the cross member underneath the steering wheel.
  9. Connect the trailer plug: Run the brake wiring harness back underneath the dash and locate the Mopar trailer brake plug underneath the left side of the dash and make sure it’s securely connected.
  10. Plug the remote head cable into the Tow-Pro main unit: On the other side, plug the main wiring harness in. Position the Tow-Pro and use the first self-tapping screw to lock it down. Straighten as needed and use and secure the second self-tapping screw to secure.
  11. Refit trim: Organise and zip tie up the loose wires and reattached the dash panel underneath the steering wheel. Reconnect your battery in the engine bay.

  12. Check operation: Once the battery is reconnected, turn on your vehicle and press in the dial to see if you have power. The LED should light up blue to indicate you have power.

Tow-Pro Gladiator PanelTow-Pro Gladiator Panel

Calibrating the Tow-Pro

Over the course of regular driving and braking the Tow-Pro will calibrate in the orientation that it has been mounted. The only time you should need to recalibrate is if you move the positioning or the location of the brake controller.

Changing between braking modes in the Tow-Pro Elite
 

To change between braking modes, you must have a trailer connected and be at a complete stop. Turn the dial all the way down to zero, release and then apply the brakes and double tap the knob. You will see the LED change from blue (proportional mode) to green (user controlled mode) or vice versa.

Find everything you need to install your new brake controller in your Gladiator and tow safely. For more information on installing your new Tow-Pro electric brake controller, check out the video install guide below.