Recommended Brake Controller And Trailer Wiring For 2014 Jeep Cherokee

Question:

Hi there! I have a small camper trailer 1,500 lbs that I am going to be towing with my 2014 Jeep Cherokee. I just purchased a Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver from you that I will be installing and also need to install some wiring at the same time.... but Im not 100 sure what I need. My trailer has a 7-way blade wiring system and comes equipped with electronic brakes. I would like the most economical products possible also considering the fees for installation time / labor and heres what Im thinking: 7-way wiring harness and system Tekonsha PowerTrac Electronic Brake Controller The brake controller does not estimate labor time and does not specify whether or not the harness it comes with plugs directly into the vehicle or we have to wire it up ourselves. I would love something that just plugs into the vehicle since the labor cost will be lower... can you recommend anything? Thank you,

asked by: Brianna D

Expert Reply:

Since your trailer has brakes you will need a brake controller and trailer wiring on your 2014 Cherokee.

If your Cherokee did not come with a factory trailer connector you will need to first install a trailer wiring harness. If you do not have a factory towing package I recommend part # 118605. This plugs into the vehicle wiring behind the Jeep tail lights and you then need to run the hot lead wire to the positive battery post. This will give you a 4-way trailer connector.

You will then need part # ETBC7. This connects to the 4-way connector and the remainder of the wires will need to be hardwired.

We do offer the tekonsha Powertrac brake Controller, part # 39523. This is a time-delayed brake controller where you set the brake intensity.

I really recommend the Prodigy P2, part # 90885 over the Powertrac because the P2 applies the brakes in direct proportion to the brake action of the vehicle. It is also our most popular because it is easy to set up and operate.

You will have to hardwire either of these brake controllers. I have attached a drawing that shows how the wiring is run when installing the # ETBC7 and a brake controller.