Nissan Ruined My Brand New Truck! 2022 Nissan Frontier Trailer Brake Controller Install.

In this video, I'm replacing the knee-knocker Curt trailer brake controller that Nissan installed in my 2022 NIssan Frontier with a nice discreet REDARC Tow-Pro Liberty controller.

[@travelinman482]

How did Nissan, not a dealership, "ruin" your truck? Rednecks have been installing brake controllers like that in their pickups since the 80s. So, where's the damage?

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

Well, they ruined it (for me) in a few ways. #1 With the controller installed, I couldn't fit in the truck without hitting my knee on it, even with the seat all the way back, 80's trucks had a LOT more room! #2, they unnecessarily drilled through the lower dash panel, meaning if I go to sell the truck, that panel is effectively now garbage and I need to replace it. #3, it looked like absolute garbage, for no reason...It's not 1980 anymore, there are far better options that both improve the function and actually look good. For reference, I paid more to have the absolute cheapest Curt brake controller installed than I did for the Tow-Pro Liberty. And as for why I throw Nissan under the bus instead of the dealer...I reached out to Nissan Canada on Twitter and they supported the original installation and said that was their current standard. And finally, when I originally spoke to the dealer, they informed me that the controller they installed was the only one on the market that would work for the 2022 Frontier (which is obviously not true) and after much discussion, I determined that the best course of action was a refund and installing it myself. For anyone wondering, the Tow-Pro works absolutely perfectly, I've towed my mobile bar and a dump trailer (at max towing capacity) with it and couldn't ask for better performance. Great job with the design of the Tow-Pro series @RedarcElectronics !

[@travelinman482]

@WetCoastWorkshop Thanks for replying back. Secondly, why didn't you ask the dealership where and how they were going to install the controller before paying them? Third, the lower plastic with holes is mostly unnoticeable from the driver pov.

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

I did have a brief discussion with them about what was going to happen, and he didn't know exactly which controller it was, just told me it was the only one that worked with the truck. I agreed to have it installed under the center console (there's a little pocket there), and when I picked it up, they said they had trouble getting the wiring harness to go that far. And yes, the holes were very visible every time you open the door, and always visible from the passenger's side. Either way, even if (for some reason) that had actually been the only brake controller that worked with the truck, the sloppy install was completely unacceptable for a dealership doing work on a brand new vehicle.

[@travelinman482]

@@WetCoastWorkshop Understood.

[@classikz]

@@WetCoastWorkshop Those desk service guys don't know shit, they just take your order and try to upsell you services and other shit you don't need because they literally make commission off of every encounter.

[@45asunder1]

A video about a legitimate gripe. Good job sir.👍

[@douglass56]

Thanks for showing the relative ease of installation of that Aussie trailer controller.

[@nikonmark37814]

Awesome video, you made it look so easy with clear instructions and YES the Nissan dealership that installed the first controller did muck up the appearance of your truck and ruined the panel you replaced, everything you did looked like it was factory installed!

[@douglass56]

Were you an Airdale? I saw the P-2 Neptune Retired P-3 AT

[@PRO4XKEV]

Dealer should be ashamed for that install, that was terrible. You did great on your install.

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

Thanks! I'm super happy with the result! I've shared the video with the dealer to encourage them to take a different approach in the future.

[@Rsgarage1904]

i just bought my pro4x last month and thank god you showed me this video i was going to get it at Nissan but nevermind lol

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

Haha, yes, please avoid! Highly recommend the Tow-Pro controller (Liberty or Elite depending on your application). They do also sell a switch plate blank for the frontier, they were just out of stock when I ordered my controller. The switch plate was definitely the hardest part of the process, but that's only because the rest of it was so easy! And don't worry about color match for the switch blank, because none of them match anyways, haha.

[@JeffreyGreep]

Definitely turned out well. Great recovery from the dealer's subpar work.

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

Thanks, very happy with the final result!

[@classikz]

Nice work, that looks FACTORY. Have my redarc in a box to be installed over the winter.

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

Thanks! Good luck with the install!

[@ChiAcevedo]

Hi Wet Coast Workshop, I want to say Thank you for your video it was a grate help, I didnt knew that the Nissasn 2022, was pre-wired for Electric Brake Controller. Also I just got my Redarc Towpro Elite, and got the harness...on the instruction it mentioned to add a Circuit Breaker...should i add it? Would it be just ok with the Harness? Thanks

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

Glad it was helpful! There should be no need to add an additional circuit breaker as there is one already in the engine bay for the towing controls.

[@ChiAcevedo]

@WetCoastWorkshop Got it, thank you for the info. Wet Coast Workshop. Looking forward to new videos.

[@benjoseph260]

Great video! I'm about to buy a 2024 without tow package and the dealer outsources the install using aftermarket parts. I working on getting them to throw in the tow switch, harness and receiver (OEM) that I can install myself along with a brake controller. Like you, I'm particular to how things are installed and I don't think it is unreasonable for a professional business to do professional level work that a customer is paying for. I would lose it if I were to have encounter the work you paid for. What a hack job and I hope you got a full refund and didn't have to pay for the lower panel.

[@justicews]

Nice job. You convinced me that I do not need one of those doohickeys.

[@bguffer]

did you change the brake controller fuse to larger amperage? manual seems to suggest that should be done.

[@duanebledsoe7566]

I just ordered this exact brake controller for my 23 Frontier SV. Thanks for the video! It will make my install process go smoother. One question. The plug located behind the kick panel, it looks like it might be high enough to access without removal of the kick panel. Any chance of that? I can take it off if need be, I already did it on the passenger side to install the tow harness relays. I’d just like to avoid it if possible.

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

You can definitelty access the plug without removing the kick panel, but you will need to find an alternate mounting location for it. I like the spot right behind the panel as it easily fits the controller.

[@duanebledsoe7566]

I installed mine the way you did yours. The hardest part was modifying the blank to hold the knob. I had to use a 1/2” chisel and scrape the back side of the blank to thin it down so the knob’s momentary override push action worked correctly. I also had to shorten the sleeve of the blank about 1/4” from behind because the knob housing was tapered and wouldn’t fit in all the way without doing this. Drilling the two holes was no issue since I used a drill press and brad point bits to make it precise. The instructions called for the larger hole to be 3/8”, but this proved to be too small for the supplied nut. I widened it out as well. That part is critical! If the nut does not slip freely into the hole then it can crossthread easily and ruin the knob!!! So my total install time was 2 hours and I easily spent an hour on the blank modifying alone, just figuring things out.

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

@@duanebledsoe7566 Yeah, modifying the blank was the worst for me too. I did it off camera because I didn't want anyone getting bad ideas. I used a utility knife and pliers and then I chamfered the back of the hole to get it through enough. I think ordering the proper switch plate is probably worth it for $10.

[@duanebledsoe7566]

I saw one installed using the RedArc blank. It didn’t look good to me, like it just didn’t match the Frontier dash well enough. It was a lot of work to put it in using the Nissan blank but it was worth it.

[@noxin75]

Do you recall what size screw you used for mounting the controller?

[@davidleadford6511]

I went to the dealer for a brake controller, and they scratched their heads like they didn't know what I was talking about. I went to my RV dealer, they installed theirs within what seemed like an hour and it looks so much better.

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

Yes, I didn't even think to go to an RV dealer, but they are probably a lot more experienced with brake controllers than the dealers are. I'm happy that I ended up doing it myself, and would have done so originally if I had the time, but good to know there is another decent option out there!

[@markwatney8641]

I don't get how we were all brainwashed into thinking the dealership knows anything about the things they sell other than up charging for it ? They're just resellers. They didn't design it, they didn't manufacture it, they didn't even get factory training to service it. Would you trust best buy to service the expensive electronics you buy there ? What about Walmart ? Target ? They're salespeople only. They pay crap so how in Hades are they going to recruit people who do have the skills, background and training to work on those things. They're scrapping the bottom of the barrel and only hire the dullest crayons in the box.

[@johnmcmorran7706]

Thank you. Great video and it will be useful when I hook up my brake controller. Thanks again.

[@bradleypollack5658]

That’s a god awful Job!! I don’t blame you at all for making them give you a new kick panel.

[@rafaelaguilar4480]

You had 2 empty switches/buttons, is that what it’s for the trailer brake and what else???

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

You can use them for any accessories you want to add, like maybe a light bar. I don't have any plans for mine yet.

[@All-Miles-Matter]

Damn thats a small battery. My battery is twice that size in my 23 pro4x. It's also on the other side of the engine bay.

[@Gamingoodz]

I bought the redarc controller and I have a 3d printer so I 3d modeled a new switch blank to not ruin the real one. I designed the new blank the fit the redarc knob perfectly and looks factory. If you are interested I can send you a picture of mine and if u want me to print one for you I'd send u one. The resin for the 3d print is super cheap and I already invested the design time for mine so I'd send it free. I don't have the 3e print files on thingiverse for others to print themselves yet but will put it online just haven't got to it.

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

Thank you! That's a very generous offer! My modified switch plate is working for my needs right now, but if you do get the 3d plans loaded up definitely link them here, I'm sure lots of people could make use of them!

[@eddiehaskell5578]

You can get a trailer brake controller app so you can apply your brakes via your phone. In fact, a kid in the backseat can do it for you while you drink your coffee ☕️

[@All-Miles-Matter]

Yeah because that's what we want. Kids slamming on the brakes....not!

[@austincolt3306]

Put the rubber door seal back over the top of ur lock panel edging

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

Yes, thanks, I did this after testing out the system towing a trailer!

[@Hiser23]

Do you have a part number for the harness?

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

Yes, it's TPH-014. You can find it on redarcelectronics.com . They also have the switch plate blanks back in stock now, they are TPSI-008

[@danielje449]

Don’t ever go to the dealer unless your getting oem stuff. They don’t pay there techs any money to do the job right. Techs don’t get paid anywhere close to what they charge per hour.

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

Yes, probably sound advice! I've always found that it's just better to do things myself, and in this case, trying to save time cost me twice as much time!

[@cjkarlstafford]

If you were unhappy with the results then why did you leave?? First off you need to tell them where to install it if you didn't want it in the most convenient spot for them too Most of the time the mechanic is getting paid hourly so he might of been given 2 1/2 hours to install something that should take three for proper clean fit

[@jamonmang6099]

excellent content. thank you.

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jackrussellville]

Nissan didn't ruin your truck the dealership ruined it

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

Yes, the dealership poorly executed the work, but this (at least at the time) was the approved installation by Nissan Canada, so the dealership was following guidelines and it's Nissan who needs to set the standard for the dealerships!

[@lllllllllllllllllllllllll8722]

From my experience no dealer need work approved by the car manufacturer. Only big warranty jobs related to hybrid battery and power train.

[@jasenswick7725]

I wouldn't have paid for that. Thats terrible honestly

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

Yes! After confirming with Nissan that this was, in-fact, what they intended to do (and consider a professional installation) they refunded me and ordered a new lower dash panel to replace the one they drilled into. So, other than a bit of extra work, and a valuable lesson, they did resolve the issue....sort of.

[@crod760]

19:34

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

Haha, what can I say, I was a tradesman for too long ;)

[@stephenfazekas5054]

Your dealership is to blame not nissan

[@f5fstop]

Really. Nissan or the dealer? Can't get your facts straight, sell it and get a Taco....Just a BS video.

[@WetCoastWorkshop]

Not sure what Toyota has to do with this...I chose the Frontier over a Tacoma for many reasons....But yeah, when the dealer follows Nissan's recommended installation techniques then it's on Nissan (and the dealer) for the shoddy install. If you're happy with a horribly installed, ugly, cheap, inconvenient trailer controller, then by all means, you do you! But if you want a better option, then follow along and give the Redarc a shot.