Recommended Brake Controller and 7 Way Trailer Connector For 2012 Jeep Liberty

Question:

I will be towing a horse trailer dry weight 2300 lbs with my jeep and it has electric breaks and a 7 way round plug. Towing with 2012 Jeep Liberty. Primarily I will only be hauling one horse in it 1000 lbs but there will be occasions where I haul 2, totaling roughly 4500 lbs including equipment. My jeep has a 5,000 lb towing capacity. The roads are flat, we are in Southern Florida. I currently have a 4-way plug and no brake controller. What do I need to change from 4-way to 7-way and what do I need for brake control? And is this something I can install on my own?

asked by: Alexandra

Expert Reply:

For your 2012 Jeep Liberty, you will need to upgrade from a 4-way to a 7-way and add a brake controller. This is something you can install on your own. I'll give you some videos to walk you through the process.

The first thing I recommend is the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7. This will use your current 4 way and give you the 7 way connector as well as the wires, connectors, and circuit breakers you will need to install your brake controller. I've attached a video walking you through this installation on a 2008 model Jeep Liberty, but the process will be nearly identical on your 2012.

Then you will need a brake controller. There are many models you can choose from based on your preferences, but I highly recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195. This controller is a proportional brake controller meaning that it will apply the same amount of force to the trailer brakes as you apply to your brake pedal in your Jeep, and it will do that at the same time as you brake. This controller will also give you adjustability for your driving preferences as well as 3 levels of boost. I really like this controller because of its LCD screen. It gives you a visual that everything is connected and functioning correctly or a visual that something is not operating correctly. This takes the code deciphering out of the equations that are required by most brake controllers. No LED or patterns to figure out, just real time information.

I think you will be happy with this combination and will be able to install it yourself if you so choose. This will get you and your horse or horses safely on the road with your Jeep.

expert reply by: Jason S