Trailer Hitch, Drawbar, Hitch Ball, and Trailer Wiring Recommendations for a 2008 Jeep Commander  

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I can certainly point out everything you will need to tow the boat with your 2008 Jeep Commander. First, you will need a hitch. There are several available but I recommend going with a Class III hitch rated for weight distribution because you never know what you might be towing in the future.

I would go with Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, # 75338. This is a Class III, 2 inch trailer hitch, capable of 500 pounds tongue weight capacity and 5,000 pounds gross trailer weight. When used with weight distribution, it is rated at 7,500 pounds gross trailer weight. I have included the installation instructions below.

Next, you will need a drawbar and hitch ball. The recommend drawbar is # C45010. The hitch ball depends on the size of the coupler on the trailers you tow. Use # 19260 (1-7/8 inch diameter), # 63845 (2 inch diameter), or # 63853 (2-5/16 inch diameter). hitch pin and clip like # PC3 will also be needed to secure the drawbar in the hitch.

The last necessity is trailer wiring. You will need Tow Ready Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring, # 118408. This is a T-one type connector that plugs in line with your vehicle taillights and provides a 4-Flat trailer connector at the rear of the vehicle. I have included a link to the installation details below. If your boat trailer has a surge coupler, you may need a 5 or 6-Way connector. To add a 5-Way, you can install the 4-Flat and then add Adapter 4 Pole to 5 Pole Trailer Wiring Adapter, # 47515. The blue wire gets connected to the reverse light wire on the tow vehicle.

To add a 6-Way, you would install the 4-Way, then add Adapter 4 Pole to 6 Pole, # A10-6034VP. This harness has additional leads for brakes and 12 volt power.

Be sure to check your owners manual for the towing capacities of your Jeep. The manufacturer also might recommend using a transmission cooler when towing.

I also recommend adding a weight distribution system if the gross trailer weight is 50 percent or more of the vehicle weight. The right weight distribution system depends on the gross trailer weight and the tongue weight of the trailer. You would need to add a drawbar (some WD systems come with the drawbar or shank) and the right diameter hitch ball for your boat trailer coupler. I have included an FAQ on weight distribution and sway control for you to review should you decide to add a system later. If your boat trailer has a pole tongue, you would also need to use a pole tongue adapter to use a weight distribution system. I have included a link to the pole tongue adapter main page below.

expert reply by: Michael H

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