Recommended Trailer Hitch and Wiring for Towing a Popup Camper with a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan
Question:
I am looking at buying a popup camper and need a recommendation on a receiving hitch and wiring kit that I can purchase and get installed for a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan.
asked by: Johnny B
Helpful Expert Reply:
I recommend using the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98854 because it has a matte black finish that does a better job at blending in with the vehicle as well as hiding damage from road debris than the glossy black finishes do from other manufacturers. It also has a 2' receiver which means it is compatible with a wide variety of accessories if you were ever to use it for anything else like a bike rack or cargo carrier.
Then for wiring I recommend the Curt # C56331 which plugs in behind your tail lights and then pulls power directly from the battery in your 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan via the black wire. I have attached install videos of both this and the trailer hitch on similar Grand Caravans that you can check out.
To complete a towing setup you also need a ball mount kit. I recommend checking out Ball Mount Kit # 989900 because it includes two ball mounts, one with a 3/4” rise/2” drop and the other with a 2-3/4” rise/4” drop, a 1-7/8” hitch ball, a 2” hitch ball, and a pin and clip. You will want to refer to the attached ball mount article to ensure that this kit is correct for your towing application.
I took a look at the online owner's manual for your vehicle and it stated that for any trailer over 1,000 lbs a brake controller is recommended, and then anything over 2,000 lbs a brake controller is required. Since popup campers weigh somewhere around the 2,000 lb mark I'll make a brake controller recommendation as well. For your application I recommend the Curt Echo # C51180 because it is a wireless brake controller that you use your Apple/Android smart device to adjust the settings. You will need to install the wiring kit # ETBC7L but after that this controller just plugs into the 7-Way and you connect your phone. There is no drilling or modification needed to the interior of your vehicle. Just use the No-Drill Mount Bracket # 18136 for an easy way to mount the ETBC7L connector.
Attached are some videos for these products as well.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- 1-7/8 Inch Ball
- 2 Inch Ball
- Two Balls
- Steel Ball
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Drop - 4 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Rise - 3 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Ball Mount Kit
- etrailer
more information >
Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug Mount w/ Bluetooth App - 1 to 2 Axle - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Smartphone Display
- CURT
more information >
Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- CURT
more information >
7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 400 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
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