Hello, I'm confused and hoping someone can help me. I have a new Defender on the water. I plan on towing my tab400 camper with it. The dealer tells me that they can't install a brake controller because it would void the warranty on certain parts - not recommended to install it. Don't I need a brake controller to tow? What am I missing? Thanks.

 

Hey there I have a Redarc Tow-Pro Elite and I couldn't be happier with it. I bought the LR kit so it was just plug and play.
Here is the link
​​​​​​https://www.redarcelectronics.com/us...ake-controller

 

Big +1 on the RedArc Two Pro Elite - I have one and it's fabulous. First accessory we installed in our LR110x in the first week of ownership

As to the dealers notion (emphasis in bold by me below) :
Some "BS" sensors go off I my mind but I can only speak from first hand experience towing in the United States and Canada:

1. Brakes need to be installed on any trailer over a certain weight - sorry can't the specific threshold. The trailer manufacturer will know those specifics and build their rig accordingly. Here in N.A. those brakes are electric.
2. An electric trailer brake controller in the tow vehicle would therefore required - and I believe wired or wireless are permissible. On a personal note I would only run a hard wired system but I see the logic for wireless being useful in some instances. As an aside: I also see hydraulic brakes installed on trailers as advantageous as seen in other parts of the globe.
3. Gross combined weight of trailer+tow vehicle is also a contributing factor if a trailer brakes and a brake controller are required.
4. If Land Rover didn't think an in cab trailer brake controller was needed / useful / required on a vehicle with a max tow of +/-7700 ~ +/-8200 pounds (depending on model) then why did they include a pigtail for it into the cab as part of the factory wiring loom?** I"m still confused as to why Land Rover doesn't offer a factory installed trailer brake controller as a factory option but that's another matter.

I can't fathom what warranty can be of concern in installing a trailer brake controller, whether dealer, owner, or third party installed. If the trailer has electric brakes here in North America then a brake controller is required, and I can't imagine a trailer manufacturer would be in business long if they didn't follow those laws.

Hope that helps - sorry for the mini rant.

** NB: I believe the pigtail is there whether or not the vehicle was ordered with the towing package but I'd welcome clarification on that subject. It just seems logical to do that at time of assembly.

 

Do you have a link to the LR kit as well? Thanks!

 

here we go again..... Another dealership tells someone that they will void their warranty. This is so silly. The vehicle has a specific connector designed specifically for a brake controller, so if you plug in a brake controller, somehow you void a warranty. Really? Remember, the dealership does not make the warranty rules. JLR does. You sign the contract with them when you purchase the vehicle. Dealership employees give false information on the regular. Read the contract and don't let the dealership misinform you. I use a standard brake controller on my D90.

 

The dealer is wrong. In N/A, trailer brakes (and control of those brakes) are required by law for trailers over a specific weight. That weight varies state to state, but typically is around 3,000 lbs. JLR provides a factory plug for 3rd controller installs.

 

Sadly the RedArc website vehicle search doesn't specifically list the Defender but the part is the same. Before ordering I received a confirmation email from RedArc Int'l Training & Dev Mgr the specific parts for the new defenders. They confirmed and I installed this one for Ford (TPH-006). Would be nice if RedArc would update their site but c'est la vie.

 

Knowing that the RedArc TPH-006 can be used as a plug and play harness for the 2020+ is awesome.

Silly question but is the RedArc **** illuminated when plugging in to the Defender? I couldn't tell from pics

 

Good question - truth is I've never looked as it's low and outta the way and I'd be nervous checking it out while driving LOL For me - it's pretty much spin it to set it, test the brakes, teak as needed, and forget it. However, there is power and LEDs as the dial does illuminate when changing between on/off road modes and when calibrating the unit after install (red / blue LED, etc) - this RedArc link has a great breakdown

 

I installed a brake control with hardness. Worked great. Till I inputted the size trailer on the screen. Then there was no 12v light signal to brake control.(trailer was not braking) When deleting the trailer on screen control worked again. Any suggestions on what to do? Also then towing was a little scary with air ride trying to stop the swaying. It felt like I was on a cruise ship in heavy storm. Any ways to put anti-sway, even though it’s not recommend it? This is with a travel trailer that 5k.