Expedition Modded Jeeps - Let's see 'em!!
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Box Elder, South Dakota
Lol I can guarantee lots of pictures and videos, but I can't guarantee the voice over and four part harmony part, although voice over would be a nice touch.
JK Freak
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 847
Likes: 0
From: Spanaway, WA
JK Newbie
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Aliso Viejo, CA
For the brake controller, I ended up going with the Tekonsha Prodigy wireless unit and it works very well. This controller is installed on the trailer rather than in the Jeep. I can tell you that it would be simple to install a controller in the cabin of the Jeep. Chrysler makes it very easy with a handy grommet though the firewall in just the right place. The hardest part is finding the right 12V power lead to tap. I did some research on various forums and found out what the right wire was - found it under the dash and would have been a breeze, but in the end went with the wireless unit. If you have any trouble figuring it out let me know. I think it was the tan wire coming off the brake switch under the dash.
The only issue I had with the Prodigy wireless controller was when using a pintle hitch on my Adventure Trailer Horizon on washboard roads. The pintle allows some front to back motion and the brake controller got sort of confused as the trailer was bouncing forward and back. Only happened once and was not a biggie, but for regular work with a pintle I would want the brake controller in the vehicle rather than on the trailer. Here's the trailer and Jeep in Anza Borrego this spring.
Good luck!
Last edited by aeb949; Apr 27, 2014 at 08:19 PM.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 354
Likes: 0
From: Box Elder, South Dakota
I installed the 7-pin harness about a month ago. It is pretty simple as long as you are reasonably handy. Make sure you focus on preserving as much length as you can as you work forward. Mine was just barely long enough on my JKUR. The battery orientation changed with the 3.6 and I don't think they updated the harness, so it gets a little tight at the end. I focused on keeping mine away from any moving parts or exhaust as much as possible, so that may have contributed to my issues with the harness length. It fit on the first try but I was getting worried it wasn't going to reach the terminals as I was getting it finished. For the brake controller, I ended up going with the Tekonsha Prodigy wireless unit and it works very well. This controller is installed on the trailer rather than in the Jeep. I can tell you that it would be simple to install a controller in the cabin of the Jeep. Chrysler makes it very easy with a handy grommet though the firewall in just the right place. The hardest part is finding the right 12V power lead to tap. I did some research on various forums and found out what the right wire was - found it under the dash and would have been a breeze, but in the end went with the wireless unit. If you have any trouble figuring it out let me know. I think it was the tan wire coming off the brake switch under the dash. The only issue I had with the Prodigy wireless controller was when using a pintle hitch on my Adventure Trailer Horizon on washboard roads. The pintle allows some front to back motion and the brake controller got sort of confused as the trailer was bouncing forward and back. Only happened once and was not a biggie, but for regular work with a pintle I would want the brake controller in the vehicle rather than on the trailer. Here's the trailer and Jeep in Anza Borrego this spring. Good luck! <img src="https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=549139"/>
I'm pretty handy and I ordered the wiring harness to put the 7 pin in. I'm thinking I shouldn't have too many problems with it, but I'm a research junkie, so I try and get every ounce of info before I do anything. I'm thinking of cutting. Hole in my factory bumper to put the 7 pin in that once I get my popup so I know the best place to put it.
I also ordered a Tekonsha Prodigy P3, it seemed to have everything, was highly rated and a best seller. I had to order all the wiring harnesses (2) to hook the brake controller to my jeep. I found a nice video for my actual model, 2011 JKUS, and it seems easy good to hook the controller up.
I should have everything in about a week and then I will have to make the time to install it. So hopefully in a few weeks I'll be good to go. I'll post some pictures of it all if I'm not too busy swearing at the process.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 245
Likes: 6
From: Pocatello, Idaho
You have to pencil it out. What will it cost you to do the trade plus mods vs. just gearing and reinforcing what you have. If the Rubi idea is just for the lockers, forget it. I replaced my Rubi e-lockers with ARB airs and never looked back. The motor and transmission improvement is the better question. If you are unsatisfied with the 2010 powertrain, 35's are only going to make it worse and you will be happier with the newer models.
JK Newbie
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Aliso Viejo, CA
I found a nice video for my actual model, 2011 JKUS, and it seems easy good to hook the controller up. I should have everything in about a week and then I will have to make the time to install it. So hopefully in a few weeks I'll be good to go. I'll post some pictures of it all if I'm not too busy swearing at the process.
I am also a research junkie, but I didn't discover any factory harnesses that would work for a brake controller on a JK. (Practically every other vehicle under the sun but not the JK for some reason). All the research I did pointed to having to tap a wire from the brake switch. It would be great if you didn't have to do that.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
From: Vandergrift PA
Need help. I am building an off road trailer I have a 4x6 frame welded and I'm ready for the axle and not sure where to start. I want my jk wheels to bolt right on. Can I just buy a 5 lug axle from tractor supply? Thanks any input would be great
JK Freak
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 847
Likes: 0
From: Spanaway, WA
Sent from the hand of the RSB himself!!!
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 211
Likes: 3
From: Pagosa Springs CO
Today I am switching over to 285/70/17, which are 33 tires, so it will be interesting to see if there are any changes in power or MPG. With the stock tires, I get good mpg, 18.5 over all (low 14 to 22) and I have pulled 3000lbs (tow dolly & small pickup) with the set up and it worked good (10-14mpg). So far I love the set up I have and it has done everything I have wanted it to do.
I think the 4.10 & 35 will do just find, with the 3.6L & 5-speed auto.
Last edited by NMBruce; Apr 28, 2014 at 08:50 AM.