Trailer Hitch, Wiring, and Brake Controller Recommendations for a 2008 Jeep Liberty
Question:
Hi there. I need everything involved with installing a trailer hitch for my 2008 Jeep Liberty. Ill be towing a 2800-3500 pound travel trailer. The hitch itself with a 2inch receiver, ball mount, wiring for a 7 pin electrical connector. Is a brake controller separate? If so, Ill need one of those, too. Any help or info offered will be fully appreciated. Obviously, Im a total novice here.
asked by: Courtney
Expert Reply:
The first thing I did was check the owner's manual for a 2008 Jeep Liberty. It looks like the models that have the 3.7 liter motor with a 6-speed manual transmission as well as automatic models with the factory transmission cooler are rated for up to 3,500 pounds. Automatic models without the factory cooler are rated for 2,000 pounds gross trailer weight. Keep that in mind moving forward.
For a trailer hitch I recommend the popular Curt hitch # 13245 which is a 2 inch Class III hitch. It has enough capacity to cover the whole range that the Liberty is rated for. I have included a link to a video showing an example installation for you.
I also recommend 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.
If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.
To add a 7-Way trailer connector and brake controller (which are separate) you will first need to install a 4-Way using # 118554. I have linked a video showing installation of the wiring as well. After the 4-Way is installed you can install # ETBC7. This will provide the 7-Way, retain the 4-Way, and has the provisions to install a brake controller. I have included links that show and explain the ETBC7 installation for you.
For a brake controller I recommend the P2 # 90885 because it is easy to set up and use and it is reliable. I have also included some links on towing for you since you are new to the towing world! But I have every confidence that you will be great at it and we are here if you need us.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- etrailer
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 500 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 7500 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 750 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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