Brake Controller Recommendation and Installation Instructions for a 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Question:

I have a 2010 Grand Cherokee 5.7 Hemi 4x4 with Tow Package Group IV. I plan to tow a Casita camping trailer. weight about 3500 lbs loaded with 505 lbs hitch weight.

asked by: F M

Expert Reply:

For your 2010 Jeep Grand Cherokee, I recommend the Tekonsha P2, # 90885. This is one of our highest rated and most popular brake controllers. I have included installation details for the brake controller below.

To install a brake controller, you will need to do a little hard wiring. I spoke with my contact at Tekonsha and he stated that the only wire Jeep provides is the electric brake output wire that goes back to the 7-Way trailer connector. This wire is probably a light green wire that is behind the in cab fuse box. It will connect to the blue wire on the brake controller.

You will still need to wire the black, white, and red wires. Both the black and white wires will be routed through the firewall, into the engine compartment, and over to the battery. You will need Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6 and 8 Brake Electric Brake Controllers, # 5506.

Attach the black wire on the brake controller to the black wire in the duplex cable. Attach the white wire on the brake controller to the white wire on the duplex cable. Route the duplex cable through the firewall to the battery. Separate the two wires and connect the white wire to the negative battery terminal. Connect the black wire to the included 30 amp breaker (you might need a 20 amp breaker, check the brake controller instructions for which size breaker to use). The breaker can be mounted on the fire wall or near the battery. Then connect a wire from the breaker to the positive battery terminal.

Last, use a circuit tester, like # PTW2993, to find the brake light wire on the stop light switch located above the brake pedal. Find the wire that carries a signal ONLY when the brake pedal is pressed. Attach this wire to the red wire on the brake controller. Once you have the brake controller mounted installation will be complete.

I also recommend a weight distribution system. Weight distribution should be used when what you are towing is 50 percent or more of the vehicle weight. I recommend the Reese Round Bar Strait-Line Hitch with Shank, # 66086. This system is rated for 200 to 600 pounds of tongue weight and 10,000 pounds of gross trailer weight. It comes with built-in dual-cam sway control that stops trailer sway before it starts. I have included links to the installation instructions below.