7-Pin Trailer Light Wiring Harness for 2020 Jeep Cherokee Without Tow Package  

Question:

Helpful Expert Reply:

No Problem! For trailer lights you need the Tekonsha # 118727 4-pin wiring harness. This will get you trailer lighting, brake lights and turn signals. I have attached a link to that page, and a link to a video demonstration of installing the harness on a 2020 Cherokee.

If the trailer you are towing does NOT have electric brakes or an onboard battery, but still uses a 7 pin connector, you need the Curt # C57672 4-way to 7-way adapter. This will give you a 4-way and 7-way jack on the back of your Cherokee. It includes a nice mounting bracket that most people attach to the vehicle bumper. I have attached a link to that product page.

If the trailer you are towing DOES have electric brakes and/or an onboard battery, you will instead need the etrailer # ETBC7 Universal Installation kit. Your 4-way connector plugs into the back of the 7-way connector and hardware is provided to provision the 12 volt charging line, and brakes signal line. This kit includes a built in mounting bracket and wire necessary for all connections.

For trailers with electric brakes you will additionally need a trailer brake controller installed near the driver in your Cherokee. I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy # 90195. The Tekonsha includes all your mounting hardware and can be located in many areas without having to lay flat. It also allows custom brake settings. I have attached a link to this product page for you.

expert reply by: Les D

1

Richard T.

9/1/2020

Hi Les, Thanks for the info. Is the Curt Bluetooth mobile Brake control worth the money or is it better to use the hardwire brake control.

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Les D.

9/1/2020

My personal take on the Curt # C51180 Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller is that it is super-easy to install and would allow you to move it from one vehicle to another in minutes. The bigger screen on your smart device would make setting up profiles (if needed) easier too. However, when I am on the road I don't like having to switch apps on my smart device from GPS to phone calls to text messages. I don't want to add another app for trailer brakes to the rotation. I like having a dedicated device with a manual operating lever or knob for the trailer brakes. If I need to immediately apply just the trailer brakes to correct a sway situation, I don't want to fiddle with my phone. As mentioned before, I prefer the Tekonsha Prodigy # 90195 brake controller. It has a well lit display and a large lever for manual braking. I also has a pretty bold warning light if the trailer brakes are not connected. I would suggest you to read the "Let's Talk About Brake Controllers" article that I have attached a link to. This will give you a lot of good information and alternatives.

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