Recommended Trailer Hitch And Trailer Wiring For 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Question:

i plan to purchase a 6x10 or 6x12 enclosed trailer. I also plan to install my own hitch and wiring harness on my 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. How do I know what kind of wiring harness I need? What is standard for this type of trailer?

asked by: Steven

Helpful Expert Reply:

The first item I recommend is the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, part # 75338. This is a Class lll hitch and it has a 2 inch receiver opening.

If you plan on doing some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

For a trailer that size many do not have brakes and they have a 4-way connector. This would be the simplest wiring to install on your Jeep. The 4-way wiring harness I recommend is the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector, part # 118394. You would install this by accessing the wiring behind the tail lights on both the driver and passenger side of the vehicle. Both of the tail light assemblies will need to be removed for installation. You can check out the attached installation video for the wiring harness.

If a 7-way connector is needed on your vehicle to match the trailer, you would first install the 4-way mentioned above and then need to install part # ETBC7. This will give you a 7-way connector at the back of your Jeep.

When working with electrical connectors I recommend using dielectric grease like part # 11755. This keeps dirt and moisture out of the electrical connections and helps prevent corrosion.

If the trailer has brakes It will probably have a 7-way connector. You will need a brake controller like part # 90885 as well as the rest of the components. A brake controller activates the brakes on a trailer when the pedal is pressed in the vehicle.