Hitch and Wiring Harness for 2010 Dodge Journey

Question:

I have a 2010 Dodge Journey, 3.5 V6 with no hitch. The manual has towing capacities of the vehicle with and without the factory tow package. There is a difference of 1500 lbs between the vehicle with the tow package and the one without. Not knowing what the package provides, can towing equipment that would be equivalent to the vehicle that came with the tow package be added to my vehicle get the higher towing capacity?

asked by: Marshall S

Expert Reply:

The towing capacity of the vehicle itself is based off of the engine and transmission and a number of other factors and not simply just the trailer hitch. Since your Dodge Journey did not come equipped with the factory towing package you should stay under the towing capacity and tongue weight recommendations in the owner's manual for the 3.5 liter engine without towing package. This is the capacity of the Journey as determined by Dodge and unfortunately it cannot be increased by adding aftermarket parts.

If you are going to be towing with your Journey, I recommend Draw-Tite hitch part # 75648 because the installation is the easier compared to the other hitch options available. The Draw-Tite does not require you to temporarily remove the spare tire during installation like the Curt hitch option. The Draw-Tite hitch is designed to attach around the spare tire.

For wiring, I recommend Tekonsha 4-pole flat part # 118495. This T-one connector plugs into the wiring located behind the driver's side and passenger's-side tail lights. I have attached a video of the wiring and hitch installation on a 2010 Dodge Journey for your reference.

The first step to finding a ball mount to tow the trailer with is figuring out if you need a rise or a drop. I have attached a help article for help to figure out which you need. We do carry a ball mount kit part # 989900 that includes 2 ball mounts with two different common rises and drops. It also includes the two most common hitch ball sizes,1-7/8 inch ball and 2 inch ball and 2 pin and clips.

expert reply by: Heather A