Trailer Hitch and Wiring Recommendations for a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee and Rental Trailer  

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Draw-Tite trailer hitch # 75699 for your 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited is rated for 5,000 pounds gross trailer weight and 500 pounds tongue weight so as far as the hitch goes it can handle a trailer up to that capacity. When used with weight distribution the hitch is rated for 750 pounds tongue weight and 7,500 pounds gross trailer weight but on a rental trailer you most likely won't use weight distribution.

Curt hitch # C13182 is rated for 600 pounds tongue weight and 6,000 pounds gross trailer weight (and 750/7,500 with weight distribution) so if you need a little more capacity without using weight distribution go with the Curt hitch.

Your Grand Cherokee will either be rated for 6,200 pounds gross trailer weight (3.6 liter motor) or 7,400 pounds (5.7 liter). The rule of thumb is to always go by the lowest rated component in the system. As long as the gross trailer weight when loaded and ready to tow is under that capacity you will be good to go.

In addition to the trailer hitch you will need a ball mount, properly sized ball for the trailer coupler, and trailer connector to power the trailer lights. Uhaul trailers usually have hydraulic surge brakes so you would not need a brake controller.

For a ball mount you will want one that allows you to tow the trailer level. Since you are renting a trailer and won't necessarily know its coupler height I recommend an adjustable ball mount # C45901 which offers up to 5-1/4 inches of rise or 6-3/4 inches of drop. It is rated for 6,000 pounds. If the coupler takes a 2 inch ball use # 63845. If it takes a 2-5/16 inch ball use # 63847.

And to add a trailer wiring harness to the vehicle you can use # 118727 which plugs in line with the vehicle tail light wiring. It requires a direct connection to the vehicle battery as well which is what will power the trailer lights and help protect the vehicle's wiring.

expert reply by: Michael H

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