Subaru Outback 3.6

Originally posted by FreeRangePod I am using a 2007 Jeep Grand Cherokee V8 with tow package. Doing well so far. I don't have a brake controller installed on the Jeep. Do you think I should?

You may wish to start a new thread with your question, since you've tacked it on to the end of a rather old thread dealing with a different question.  But here's my answer:  Yes!  You need a brake controller!  Without a brake controller, your R-pod brakes are not functioning currently.  That's not safe.

Be prepared, however, for a little bit of wiring and frustration.  Even though your Grand Cherokee has the tow package, Chrysler didn't see fit to include a pre-wired receptacle for the brake controller.  The tow package has the receiver hitch and the Bargmann 7-pin plug-in, and it's wired from the hitch to the dashboard, but that's it.  You'll need to mount the brake controller, tap into the line from the hitch, tap into the brake lights, and then run a wire through the firewall and to your battery for power.  I just did that a couple of months ago.  It's not that hard, but a pain working under the dashboard.

Here's some good info on doing it:  http://www.wkjeeps.com/trailer/electric_brake_inst_wk.jpg

 Without functional trailer brakes, you tow vehicle is doing all the work of stopping both vehicles. It is also much more susceptible to a jack knife situation. Also, every state has laws concerning the max un-braked trailer weight, and most of those limits are near 1600 ponds. The R-Pod exceeds that my a wide margin. Get the trailer brake controller quick.