Adding a Brake Controller to a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Question:
Hello, I have a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee that I need to add trailer wiring to. I want to add a electric brake controller but I am confused as to which harness to buy so that I can utilize a 7 pin connector. My Jeep came with no wiring or hitch.
asked by: Michael R
Helpful Expert Reply:
I'd be happy to help clear up any confusion; because you do not have the factory tow package you are going to need to install a few parts in order to use an electric brake controller. You will need to start by adding the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118425. From there you'll need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7, which will give you the 7-pin connector to allow you to use your trailer's electric brakes.
Finally, of course, you will need the brake controller itself and I strongly recommend the Prodigy P3 # 90195; it is the most popular model we carry due to its effectiveness and ease of use. It will activate your trailer's brakes immediately in proportion to your Jeep's brakes and offers three different boost levels so you can adjust your braking power. The P3 levels automatically, has constant diagnostic checks, contains safeguards which defend your controller against shorts, and features an LCD display which is much easier to read than that of other controllers. This controller has been met with nearly universal praise; it has been reviewed by our customers more than 2,000 times and is averaging close to 5 out of 5 stars.
For a hitch, I recommend taking a look at the Draw-Tite # 75338, which is a Class III hitch that offers a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and tongue weight capacity of 750 lbs. If your Grand Cherokee is an SRT-8 model the only hitch available is the light duty Curt # C11103.
Since you will be towing, I recommend checking out Ball Mount Kit # 989900, which may fulfill your towing needs in one tidy package; two ball mounts - one with a 3/4” rise or 2” drop and the other with a 2-3/4” rise or 4” drop - a 1-7/8” hitch ball, a 2” hitch ball, and a pin and clip. You can use the link to the help article on ball mounts I've added to determine if this kit will give you the correct amount of drop or rise. Please keep in mind this kit would work for the 2" Draw-Tite hitch only. If you have an SRT-8 you would need a ball mount to fit a 1-1/4" hitch.
I've also attached a link to our page with each of our ball mounts, as well as links to video reviews of these products for you to take a look at.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 750 lbs TW
- 5000 lbs GTW
- 7500 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 750 lbs WD TW
- No Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- etrailer
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class I
- 200 lbs TW
- 2000 lbs GTW
- 1-1/4 Inch Hitch
- No Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 4 Axles
- LCD Display
- Up to 360 Degrees
- Tekonsha
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
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- Article: Installing an Electric Brake Controller on 2007-2013 GM Full-Size Truck or 2007-Present GM SUV
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