Installing 7-Way Trailer Connector on 2017 Jeep Cherokee  

Question:

Expert Reply:

I'm assuming that your 2017 Jeep Cherokee isn't equipped with the factory tow package.

To install a 7-way trailer connector, the route you'd choose will depend on your desired outcome. As a starting point, you'll need the functional 4-pole trailer connector provided by part # 118605. If your trailer does not have brakes, and you don't need the 12-v feed to the trailer to be functional, you can just use the # 37185 4-pole to 7-way adapter. You'll plug the adapter into the 4-pole provided by the # 118605, ground the white wire on the adapter to the vehicle frame or chassis, and you'll be good to go.

If your trailer has brakes, you'll need to install a brake controller to actuate them. The easiest to install option we offer is the Curt Echo, part # C51180. To install the Echo, you'll also need the # ETBC7L install kit, which includes the # 37185 adapter I mentioned above, as well as all the wiring and hardware needed to successfully complete the installation. The # 37185 adapter would provide both a 7-way and a 4-pole trailer connector.

The Echo will communicate wirelessly with your smart phone, which will be used to control the trailer brakes. The only wiring that will need to be done is to run once circuit from the black wire of the # 37185 under the vehicle to the engine compartment where it'll connect to the positive battery terminal via the circuit breaker included in the kit.

If you'd prefer a more traditional wired brake controller, I'd recommend the Redarc Tow Pro Elite, part # RED44FR. If you decided to go that route, you'll need a different install kit, part # ETBC7.

I've linked to a product installation video for the # 118605 harness mentioned above, plus demonstration videos for the # C51180 Curt Echo wireless brake controller and the # ETBC7L brake controller wiring kit. I've also linked to a demonstration video for the Tow Pro elite and an article explaining how the # ETBC7 kit works.

expert reply by: Mike L

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