Recommend Trailer Hitch and Brake Controller To Tow 3400 lb. 21 Ft Trailer w/ 2010 Dodge Nitro  

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For a complete towing setup for your 2010 Dodge Nitro Heat to pull your 21 foot travel trailer, you will need a hitch, brake controller, and wiring. In addition, I would recommend a weight distribution system with sway control, and adding an aftermarket transmission cooler.

The Curt Trailer Hitch, part # 13334, which is a Class III 2 Inch Hitch, would be a good choice for your Dodge Nitro. Part # 13334 mounts below the rear bumper fascia. We do not have a hitch available for the Nitro that comes through the bumper fascia.

For a brake controller, I would recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, part # 90885. To install the brake controller, you would need to install T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Trailer Connector, part # 118554 and Brake Controller 7 & 4 Way Installation Kit, part # ETBC7.

To begin installation, you will want to first install part # 118554, by plugging the harness in-line with the tail light connections. Then you will connect the ground wire, then run the power wire to the positive battery terminal via the included fuse and fuse holder.

Next you can install part # ETBC7. Begin by plugging the 4-way of part # 118554 to the 4-way on part # ETBC7, then connect the remaining wires. The White wire is the ground and should be connected to the frame of vehicle. The Black wire will be connected to the Black wire inside the duplex cable and ran to front of vehicle and connected to the battery via included 40 amp circuit breaker. The Blue wire will be connected to the White wire inside the duplex wire, and ran to the front of the vehicle and later will be connected to the brake controller.The Purple wire can be connected to the reverse lights if trailer has reverse lights or can be taped off and tied out of the way if not being used.

To install the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller, you will need to connect the wires on the back of the brake controller. The White wire will be connected to the negative battery terminal. The Black wire will be connected to the positive battery terminal via 40 amp circuit breaker. The Blue wire will connect to the White wire in the duplex cable that you ran up earlier. The Red wire will be connected to the stoplight switch near the brake pedal. The stoplight switch will be the wire that only carries signal when the brake pedal is pressed. You will want to use a circuit tester, part # 40376 to test for this wire.

The Reese Strait-Line Weight Distribution w Sway Control, part # RP66086, would be a good option for a weight distribution system with sway control. Part # RP66086 features dual-cam sway control which acts to stop trailer sway before it starts.

The Derale Series 8000, part # D13502, would work well to cool your transmission while towing. Part # D13502 installs in-line with your transmission fluid return line. Installing the cooler behind the front grille, but in front of the radiator will provide the greatest cooling efficiency. You will want to measure a mounting location for part # D13502, as the cooler is 6-1/8 inches tall by 11 inches wide and 7/8 inches thick

You will want to consult your owners manual for the towing and tongue weight capacity of your Dodge Nitro as you will not want to exceed it.

expert reply by: Reno H

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