Brake Controller And Wiring For A 2017 Jeep Patriot

Question:

Good afternoon, I have a question regarding a electric brake controller for a 2017 Jeep Patriot. I recently installed a Curt trailer hitch and standard 4 prong wiring harness on my Jeep Patriot. Looking at camping trailers that are available to buy and rent, I noticed some of them require a hookup to run the electric brakes that are on them. With a standard 4 prong wiring harness already installed on my Jeep, what would be the best option to have an electric brake controller readily available if ever I have the need to tow a trailer with electric brakes? Thank you.

asked by: Jared H

Expert Reply:

The easiest way for you to be ready to tow a camper with brakes behind your 2017 Jeep Patriot is to add the 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires Item # ETBC7L. Since you already have a 4 pole plug, this kit connects directly to it and the only thing left to do is run a power wire to the battery and a ground wire to the frame.

This setup provides you with a 7 pole and four pole plug so you are able to tow trailers with different wire connections, brakes or no brakes. The nice thing about this kit is you can use a wireless brake controller like the Curt Echo Wireless Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional Item # C51180 and use your cell phone to manage and adjust the brake pressure. This means the controller can be placed in your glove box until you need it, take it out, plug it into the 7 pole plug on the back of the car and connect the trailer cable, open the app on your phone and your set.

Since you do not tow a trailer with brakes consistently, having a bulky brake controller inside the vehicle all the time is unnecessary.

expert reply by: Shane H