How to Install a Brake Controller on a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with Factory Tow Package
Question:
Thank you very much for your help. I have ordered the products as your recommended. I plan to test the Jeep Wrangler towing the airstream, but assuming that goes well I need to look at the hitch situation. The previous owner handed over a collection of weight distributing hitch gear (ball mount, bars, etc.), but I'm thinking we'll start fresh with new equipment better-suited to our towing situation. It might not be absolutely essential, but I think it might tow better with a weight-distributing hitch. The Jeep has the sway control built into the ABS - but not sure how effective that is. The Jeep came with the 2" receiver, but I don't know if it is suitable for a weight-distributing setup. The specs I have for the airstream show a hitch weight of 350 lbs (2" ball), but I plan to use (2) 30 lb gas tanks in order to supply a compact propane generator. Also I assume we'll need a break-away safety switch. Finally, I need whatever we come up with to be something that my wife can manage by herself. What do you recommend hitch-wise for our situation? I'm open to a new hitch for the Jeep if required for WD setup.
asked by: Joe H
Expert Reply:
I have exactly what you will need for your 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to tow your Vintage Airstream with brakes. The first thing you will want is a 7-way trailer connector at the rear of the vehicle and for this I recommend the Hopkins Endurance Quick-Install 7-Way Trailer Connector part # HM42190 which is a direct plug and play option that will not require you to cut or splice any wires/circuits. The square plug on the end of this connector will plug into and replace the 4-way trailer connector you have which is found near the driver's side taillight housing.
The next thing you will need is a brake controller and the most popular, well reviewed, and easy to use one we sell is the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195. This controller gets its reputation from the easy-to-read LCD display, integrated safeguards, and 5 storable settings.
In order to install said brake controller you will also need the Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers part # 5506. This is the only part of the installation that will require you to cut/splice any wires but I have attached an installation video of this very same harness/controller on a very similar 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited for reference. Unfortunately, as the Jeep does not have a factory brake controller harness this will be your only option to install a brake controller.
Joe
12/12/2017
Thank you very much for your help. I have ordered the products as your recommended. I plan to test the Jeep Wrangler towing the airstream, but assuming that goes well I need to look at the hitch situation. The previous owner handed over a collection of weight distributing hitch gear (ball mount, bars, etc.), but I'm thinking we'll start fresh with new equipment better-suited to our towing situation. It might not be absolutely essential, but I think it might tow better with a weight-distributing hitch. The Jeep has the sway control built into the ABS - but not sure how effective that is. The Jeep came with the 2" receiver, but I don't know if it is suitable for a weight-distributing setup. The specs I have for the airstream show a hitch weight of 350 lbs (2" ball), but I plan to use (2) 30 lb gas tanks in order to supply a compact propane generator. Also I assume we'll need a break-away safety switch. Finally, I need whatever we come up with to be something that my wife can manage by herself. What do you recommend hitch-wise for our situation? I'm open to a new hitch for the Jeep if required for WD setup.
Products Referenced in This Question
Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit w/ Built-In Charger - Side Load - 7" Wire
- Trailer Breakaway Kit
- Kit with Charger
- Side Load
- Single-axle
- Tandem-axle
- LED Tester
- Hopkins
more information >
Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
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 >
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 675 lbs TW
- 4500 lbs GTW
- 4500 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 675 lbs WD TW
- No Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
etrailer Tongue Weight Scale for Campers and Utility Trailers - 2,000-lb Capacity
- Tongue Weight Scale
- Analog Scale
- 2000 lbs
- etrailer
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 4,000 lbs GTW, 400 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 200 lbs
- 300 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control - 6,000 lbs GTW, 600 lbs TW
- Weight Distribution Hitch
- WD With Sway Control
- Some Sway
- Includes Shank
- Electric Brake Compatible
- Surge Brake Compatible
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Allows Backing Up
- 400 lbs
- 500 lbs
- Equal-i-zer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Hopkins Endurance Quick-Install 7-Way Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Hopkins
more information >
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Robert R.
5/24/2020
Hi. I have a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. It came with a towing package, including 2inch receiver and flat 4 wire connector. I need to add or change to a 7 pin to tow a travel trailer w/brakes. What product do I need if I wish to install an Autowbrake on-trailer brake controller? Does the tow package mean I have a 12v supply for the trailer mounted brake controller AND the trailer battery charging?