How do I Find Out if my 98 Jeep Grand Cherokee Came with the Factory Tow Package?

Question:

My Jeep didn’t have a hitch when I bought it used. How can you tell if it has a Factory tow package. Thank you

asked by: Jjim

Expert Reply:

In most cases you'll be able to tell whether or not your Jeep has the factory tow package because it came with an unbranded (no manufacturer) hitch and a wiring harness installed on the rear of the vehicle. Even if those two things aren't true, it doesn't mean that at one point they were not attached. The most accurate way to determine the factory build on your Jeep is using the Jeep website and putting in your VIN to get the exact build sheet for your 1998 Jeep Grand Cherokee.

If you find out your Jeep did come with the factory towing capacity you will be able to tow up to 5,000-lbs; if it did not, you will be limited to 2,000-lbs and towing may require a weight distribution hitch.

If you need a hitch and wiring harness for your 1998 Grand Cherokee, I recommend going with the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13048 and the Tekonsha T-One Wiring Harness # 118349 . The Curt hitch is a Class (3) III hitch that (will) easily install on your 98 Grand Cherokee. The Tekonsha T-One harness is also an easy installation; this kit plugs in behind the tail lights on your vehicle to provide a 4 way connection for lights to tow a trailer. I've attached 2 videos to this answer that show the installation of the hitch and a quick video that reviews the wiring harness.

expert reply by: Erik B