Trailer Hitch and Towing Equipment Recommendation for 2012 Dodge Journey
Question:
Hello, I am looking at purchasing a tow hitch and wiring harness for my wifes 2012 Dodge Journey V6. I need it to tow a trailerprobably enclosed about 12 to 14 feet long that would hold a ride on lawn mower and a few other yard tools. Could you please give me some direction as which one would suit me best
asked by: Kevin S
Expert Reply:
I'd be glad to help you with that.
Actually, the etrailer brand Class III hitch you'd already looked at, part # e98845 would be a high quality but reasonably priced choice. You'll also need a few other items to complete your towing system.
You'll need a trailer wiring harness, a ball mount, a trailer ball and possibly a brake controller and install kit if the trailer in question is equipped with electric brakes.
For the wiring harness, use # 118567 for vehicles with incandescent taillights or # 118536 for Journey models equipped with LED taillights. For a ball mount, use # D-28 along with the # PC3 hitch pin. For a 2 inch trailer ball, use part # 63845.
Finally, if the trailer has electric brakes, you will need a brake controller to actuate them. If you're wanting a standard type brake controller, you can't go wrong with the Tekonsha Primus, part # TK90160. You'll also need the # ETBC7 install kit. The install kit includes the adapter to convert the 4 pole to a 7-way, plus all the wiring connectors, wire and circuit breakers needed to complete the install.
For a simpler installation that would use your smart phone as the control unit in the vehicle cab, I'd recommend the Curt Echo, part # C51180. You'll also need the simpler version of the install kit, part
# ETBC7L.
I've linked to install videos and some support articles that you might find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
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 Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 4" Rise, 6" Drop - 14-1/4" Long - 6,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 6 Inch
- Rise - 4 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 6000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Long Shank
- CURT
more information >
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Installation Kits
- etrailer
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 >
Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-1/4" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 5/8 Inch Diameter
- 4 Inch Span
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Automatic Leveling
- Under-Dash Box
- Dash Mount
- Up to 3 Axles
- LED Display
- Up to 90 Degrees
- Tekonsha
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
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 400 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
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