Beware of Infotainment aftermarket "OEM" accessories!

[AnthroMoto]

I recently ordered the Trailer Brake Kit from Infotainment.com. They advertise "Another 100% factory OEM Mopar plug & play Infotainment.com exclusive upgrade" and show a photo of the kit and parts that come from Mopar. Their price is slightly higher than Mopar, but they include the programmer to flash your computer. In the end, this saves time, hassle, and money as having the dealer do it will cost more in the long run. However...

What had arrived was NOT OEM kit. The OEM brake controller advertised is made in Mexico by Continental. The one they sent was a Chinese knock-off. It was a classic bait-and-switch. The exact one that is advertised on Amazon is the one they sent, and it sells for @$90. The Infotainment package lists for $399. I hardly think their programmer is worth $209! You would be better off buying the OEM Mopar part and paying the dealer to program it.

I did not realize that I was sent a Chinese knockoff until I had it half installed and started having difficulty. After the install was done, I contacted Infotainment and they denied sending a Chinese knockoff, but offered to exchange or refund my money. I then told them I had already installed it and asked if they would still take it back. They never responded. I think it's deplorable that they would advertise "Another 100% factory OEM Mopar" product and then send a cheap Chinese knockoff.

 

[HSKR R/T]

I recently ordered the Trailer Brake Kit from Infotainment.com. They advertise "Another 100% factory OEM Mopar plug & play Infotainment.com exclusive upgrade" and show a photo of the kit and parts that come from Mopar. Their price is slightly higher than Mopar, but they include the programmer to flash your computer. In the end, this saves time, hassle, and money as having the dealer do it will cost more in the long run. However...

What had arrived was NOT OEM kit. The OEM brake controller advertised is made in Mexico by Continental. The one they sent was a Chinese knock-off. It was a classic bait-and-switch. The exact one that is advertised on Amazon is the one they sent, and it sells for @$90. The Infotainment package lists for $399. I hardly think their programmer is worth $209! You would be better off buying the OEM Mopar part and paying the dealer to program it.

I did not realize that I was sent a Chinese knockoff until I had it half installed and started having difficulty. After the install was done, I contacted Infotainment and they denied sending a Chinese knockoff, but offered to exchange or refund my money. I then told them I had already installed it and asked if they would still take it back. They never responded. I think it's deplorable that they would advertise "Another 100% factory OEM Mopar" product and then send a cheap Chinese knockoff.

Does it work? I would definitely ask for at least a partial refund as long as it works. And even if it was OEM, $399 is a rip off as you can buy the real Mopar one on eBay for $170ish. I got mine a year and a half ago for $130.

 

[mike_ct]

Had issues with purchases from them as well. Buyer beware I guess.

 

[AnthroMoto]

I asked for a partial refund, but an Eric Sanchez sent me an email stating "We had received a package of these knock offs and we thought we had sent them all back to the supplier. It looks like the warehouse had missed one. My apologies for that, sir. We are sending you out another kit." The kit arrived and I recorded unboxing it with my phone. Its the same knockoff they sent me the first time! Definitely NOT OEM. I did a search of eBay this time and saw the exact same kit they sent me for sale for less than $100. The OEM kits on eBay are @$179, and those say "Continental" on them with the silver mounting bracket.

Am I missing the definition of OEM? Does OEM mean it looks and acts just like the original but it is made in China and not Mexico where Chrysler makes their original brake controller? I always thought OEM meant ORIGINAL....EQUIPMENT....MANUFACTURER. Meaning the same manufactuerer that made this part was the same that made the original.

 

[AnthroMoto]

Does it work? I would definitely ask for at least a partial refund as long as it works. And even if it was OEM, $399 is a rip off as you can buy the real Mopar one on eBay for $170ish. I got mine a year and a half ago for $130.

It does work. I could have purchased an OEM one from eBay but I thought it would be worth while to go with Infotainment because they offered a military discount, they included the programmer so I didn't have to pay the dealership the outrageous programming fee, and I didn't have to deal with making an appointment and go through the hassle of dropping the truck off, getting a ride, etc. In order to avoid that hassle, I got Chinese knockoff parts that were not OEM. You just cant trust anyone these days!

 

[HSKR R/T]

It does work. I could have purchased an OEM one from eBay but I thought it would be worth while to go with Infotainment because they offered a military discount, they included the programmer so I didn't have to pay the dealership the outrageous programming fee, and I didn't have to deal with making an appointment and go through the hassle of dropping the truck off, getting a ride, etc. In order to avoid that hassle, I got Chinese knockoff parts that were not OEM. You just cant trust anyone these days!

You can program it yourself for far less than the difference in price buying the infotainment "kit".

 

[AnthroMoto]

You can program it yourself for far less than the difference in price buying the infotainment "kit".

How do you program it yourself? I didn't know it was possible.

 

[HSKR R/T]

How do you program it yourself? I didn't know it was possible.

alfaOBD an OBD2 Bluetooth adapter, and security bypass cable. Check out the alfaOBD thread

 

[Jburkert2024]

AnthroMoto, how is it working 2 years later? I’m researching bc I’m basically in your spot now. The product I received from the fella in China on eBay would pass the test to the naked eye, but little things make me turn my head… no MOPAR label, the bracket is painted, and the packaging and instructions don’t feel like MOPAR OEM. He’s got good eBay ratings, so I’m thinking it will be alright, but I figured I’d see how happy you are 2 years later before I install.

 

[JRD]

AnthroMoto, how is it working 2 years later? I’m researching bc I’m basically in your spot now. The product I received from the fella in China on eBay would pass the test to the naked eye, but little things make me turn my head… no MOPAR label, the bracket is painted, and the packaging and instructions don’t feel like MOPAR OEM. He’s got good eBay ratings, so I’m thinking it will be alright, but I figured I’d see how happy you are 2 years later before I install.

If I were in your position I’d just get an OEM one, nothing will beat the peace of mind you’ll have when towing. There are a number of sites that you can OEM parts at discounted rates (MOPAR Parts and Accessories - Lowest price guaranteed) or maybe there is a vendor on here I’m not sure. But you aren’t talking about a door handle or something, you don’t want a Chinese knockoff brake controller. Either way, good luck w the install! Would be interested to see a write up if you have the time

 

[Jburkert2024]

I followed the install that I found on YouTube by “The Getty Adventures” (

). It was pretty thorough and almost spot on for the experience. It took me probably 45 minutes with my young kids “helping out” - fairly painless!

After installing and really inspecting this Chinese version, they did a really good job. The quality feels like it’s there. The color is VERY close (if it was anlrwady on the truck, I never would’ve noticed) and the function of the pinch brake and buttons feels good as well. We’ll see how it functions. I’m busy this week, but when I get it programmed next week, I’ll take the trailer for a spin and report back.