Recommended Trailer Hitch and Wiring Harness for 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo

Question:

I was looking for a trailer hitch for my 2012 jeep grand Cherokee Laredo. I noticed there are multiple options for the trailer hitch but wanted to know what the more sought after brand was? Is it the Curt, Draw tite, or hidden hitch? Also do they all come equipped with wiring capabilities or do you have to purchase that separately? Any advice would be greatly appreciated! Thanks.

asked by: Jordan D

Expert Reply:

Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch brands are actually sister companies and the hitches themselves will be identical except for branding. Curt hitches are of similar high quality and all three brands use robotic welding technology for uniform, consistent manufacture. In terms of hitch quality there is no one brand that out-classes the others.

What you might consider in addition to price when making your choice is the hitch tongue weight (TW) capacity and the hitch's appearance. Curt hitch # C13182 offers a few advantages: it is the lowest-priced option, it offers the highest TW rating at 750-lbs and it features a round cross tube which many customers find more visually appealing than a square tube hitch like their # C13065.

For all of these reasons I recommend the Curt # C13182. You may also want to add a ball mount kit # 989900 since it includes multiple ball mounts, hitch balls and a pin and clip, all in a handy bag.
The linked article on ball mounts will be helpful to you in choosing one.

Wiring harnesses are sold separate from the hitches and the correct one for your Jeep depends on whether or not it has a factory tow package. The linked page shows you all wiring kits for your Grand Cherokee. If you do NOT have a factory tow package I recommend TowReady harness # 118425 for its easy plug-in installation and high current capacity of 7.5-amps per circuit; an install video is included. If you DO have a factory tow package I recommend # HM40975 since it includes both 4-pole and a 7-way connector for greater flexibility with a range of trailer wiring.

You can check around your rear bumper area to see if there is a round U.S. Car connector that mates to the one on # 20119. If you find one you have the tow package; if not you can use the other harness # 118425.