Adding a 5-Way Trailer Connector to a 2016 Jeep Cherokee

Question:

I need to add trailer wiring to my 2016 Jeep Cherokee. I often need a 5 wire flat setup because I have a boat with surge brakes. Sometimes the 4 wire flat is good for me when I pull a small utility trailer. What can you suggest for your products to fix this problem? I am actually used to having a truck with the round 7? pole connector and the flat connector option on a nice mounted setup.

asked by: Tom C

Expert Reply:

If your 2016 Jeep Cherokee did not come with the factory tow package then the first step is to add a 4-Way flat connector using # 118605. I have linked a video showing an example installation for you.

You can then turn it into a 5-Way by adding 4- to 5-Way adapter # 20036. Please note that a 4-Way flat can plug into a 5-Way receptacle so you won't have to have 2 different connectors on the Jeep.

With the adapter you will need to find a place to tap into the reverse light wire. Jeep put them on the hatch for the 2016 Cherokee so if you are unable to find that signal in a wire behind one of the tail lights your best option is in the wiring that goes from hatch to the body usually located at the top of the hatch.

For a mounting bracket for the 5-Way flat you can use # C58001 for a model that attaches to the trailer hitch receiver (2 inch, the 1-1/4 inch version is # C58002 ).