Install Trailer Brake Wiring on 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Without Factory Tow Package

Question

Question:

I would like to connect a 7 blade/4 pin trailer connector to my 2011 Grand Cherokee. The Jeep appears to not have factory wiring for a trailer connection. The four pin is not a concern but my trailer has electric brakes which need to operate. Where is the best place to obtain the power for the break system? How about a fuse or CB?

asked by: Douglas C

0

Expert Reply:

Since your vehicle did not come with a factory tow package and existing wiring, you will need to install the 7-way, 4-pole, and brake controller from scratch. I've attached a helpful article with instructions on how to do this.

Essentially, you will need three things to set up your trailer brakes: a 4-pole connector, a 7-way installation kit, and a brake controller. One wire from your 7-way connector will run to your Jeep's battery to supply power to the connector, and another wire will run from the 7-way connector to the brake controller to supply power to the trailer brakes.

For the 7-way installation kit, I recommend the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires, Item # ETBC7. You will also need a wiring harness with a 4-pole flat trailer connector, which will plug into the 4-way flat on the universal installation kit. I recommend going with the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector, Item # 118425, which is confirmed to fit your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee without a factory tow package.

If you need a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P2 # 90885. This proportional brake controller will automatically adjust your brakes based on the deceleration of your jeep. The P2 is very popular with our customers and installers due to its easy installation and operation.

I've also attached several review videos of the products I mentioned for you to check out.

expert reply by: Amber S

0

Answer 1

What is really frustrating about factory integrated brake controllers is that even the ones that say they are compatible with electric over hydraulic brakes don't always work properly. The factory controller of your 2013 Ram 3500 is supposed…

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Answer 2

If your 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee did not come with a factory installed 7-Way then if you plug one into the wiring at the back of the Jeep the 7-Way would not function. Like you already did, you would go to the dealer and have them reprogram the…

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Answer 3

You will not need a trailer brake controller as boat trailers use hydraulic surge brakes to apply the braking pressure instead of electric brakes and do not require any electric for the brakes to be engaged. Surge brakes are activated by the force of…

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Answer 4

The 5th wire on a 5-Way flat connector is intended to connect to the vehicle's reverse light circuit. This is for the exact situation you described, so the 5th wire can signal a surge coupler's electric reverse lockout. If you need a 5-Way…

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Answer 5

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 6

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 7

Hey Richard, thanks for reaching out! The Dexter DX7.5 Drop-N-Go Brake Actuator #099-175-00 is a great option for a replacement actuator because it's a direct replacement for the common Model 60 actuators that were popular in the '90s.…

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Answer 8

The best brake controller option to go with is one that activates the brakes proportionally instead of time delayed. A proportional brake controller will activate the trailer brakes at the same time and with the same intensity as the tow vehicle…

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Answer 9

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Answer 10

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

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Answer 11

That's a very good question, we tend to be extra cautious and say to use 10 gauge wire because that would be more than enough. When you get into longer trailers that will end up using a lot of wire the heavier gauge wire becomes more necessary.…

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Answer 12

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

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Install Trailer Brake Wiring on 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Without Factory Tow Package

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