Trailer Hitch, Wiring Harness and Parts Needed to Tow Small Trailer with 2007 Chrysler Pacifica

Question:

Hi Im looking to buy a trailer hitch so that I can buy a trailer and put household appliances and furniture on to it and move them to another city but Im not sure what trailer hitch I need to buy I want to buy an 8 by 14 foot trailer but not sure what trailer hitch to buy and if I can even tow it with my 2007 Chrysler Pacifica 4.0 can you give me some advice please and thank you.

asked by: Jose P

Expert Reply:

According to my research, your vehicle has a towing capacity of 2600 lbs. This means that the trailer you choose plus what's loaded on it should not exceed 2600 lbs.

For a trailer hitch, I'd recommend the Curt Class III, part # 13529. You'll also need a trailer wiring harness, part # C55530. You'll also need a ball mount and the appropriately sized trailer ball and a hitch pin and retaining clip. When installed (assuming that your Pacifica has stock tires and ride height), the hitch I recommended will be about 11 inches off the ground. The typical trailer coupler is about 16-19 inches off the ground with the trailer level. This means you'll need a ball mount with at least a 5 inch rise, if not more. You don't have to get the trailer perfectly level, but you'll want to be within 2 inches if at possible. I'll link you to an article that explains exactly how to determine what ball mount height you'll need. The trailer's coupler will have the necessary ball size stamped on it. You'll want to choose a ball whose shank diameter matches the hole diameter in the ball mount you choose. For a hitch pin, use # PC3.

A trailer that your vehicle is capable of pulling isn't likely to have brakes, but if it does, you'll need a brake controller and the # ETBC7 kit to install it. As far as a brake controller goes, it's preferable to use a proportional type controller like the Tekonsha Primus, part # TK90160. When properly adjusted, a proportional controller will apply the trailer brakes with the same intensity as the vehicle's brakes for smooth dependable and predictable braking. I'll link you to some help articles that explain more about brake controllers and how they're installed.

I've also linked to install videos for the hitch and the wiring harness I recommended as well as a video showing a brake controller being installed on a 2005 Pacifica. The procedure would be the same on your vehicle.