Installing Hitch, Brake Controller and 7-Way Trailer Connector on 2018 Dodge Durango
Question:
We just purchased a 2018 Dodge Durango. I would like to install a draw title class three hitch without removing the bumper cover....a proportional trailer brake preferably the elite And a 7/4 way connector .I have been watching videos and was curious . If I buy the 4/7 way connector that connects to my vehicles wiring harness ....if that is possible for this model ... and use a connector that plugs my brake controller into the factory plug ....does this link the 7 pin to the brake controller through the factory harness then or do I still have to run a 12volt wire and a wire for the brake switch ..??? Hope that makes sense. I’m trying to not cut into the harness anywhere. But if you have suggestions I’m up for that . I like the Redarc controller. Thanks for help and suggestions and do I need to crawl under the vehicle and look for a specific place in the harness to see if something will or won’t work?
asked by: James
Expert Reply:
Lets begin with the hitch. As you don't care to mess with removing the bumper cover/rear fascia I'd recommend the etrailer brand Class III hitch, part # e98901 which is rated for 6000lbs towing/600lbs tongue weight. The installation won't require removing the bumper cover or fascia, but if your Durango is an RT model with dual exhaust, you might need to so some trimming on the heat shield and fascia. The hitch will fit models with an 18" or smaller spare tire under vehicle; larger spare tires will not be able to be stored under the vehicle once the hitch is installed.
The Redarc Tow-Pro Elite, part # RED44FR would be an excellent choice, but unless you're planning on doing off-road towing, you won't need the user-activated feature of the Tow-Pro Elite and would be better served using the less-expensive Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty, part # RED24FR. The only difference between the two is that the Liberty doesn't provide the use-controlled mode like the Elite. Since you likely won't need that feature, there's no need to pay for it. You will also need the # RED77FR wiring pigtail.
For a 7-way trailer wiring harness that's compatible with a brake controller, I'd recommend the Tekonsha OEM kit, part # TK22113 which would provide a plug and play install with no splicing needed.
Here's the lowdown on how this all hooks up. Follow the linked instructions by plugging the # TK22113 harness inline at the connections where the taillight wiring harness plug into the taillight assemblies. Run the body harness up to the battery, installing the black and red wire to the positive battery terminal via the provided inline fuse holders. The blue wire in the body harness would connect to the coiled up green wire located in the passenger side wheel well. Install the controller according to the linked instructions, use the
# RED77FR harness to plug the controller into the factory connector located near the top of the e-brake pedal.
I've linked to some videos that you might find helpful.
Products Referenced in This Question
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 600 lbs TW
- 6000 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- etrailer
more information >
Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 1 to 2 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Hidden
- Up to 2 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Redarc
more information >
Redarc Tow-Pro Elite Brake Controller - Dash Knob - 2 Braking Modes - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Proportional Controller
- Electric
- Electric over Hydraulic
- Automatic Leveling
- Dash-Mounted Knob
- Hidden
- Up to 3 Axles
- Indicator Lights
- Redarc
more information >
Plug-and-Play Wiring Harness for Redarc Tow-Pro Trailer Brake Controllers
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Brake Controller
- Wiring Adapter
- Plugs into Brake Controller
- Vehicle Specific
- Redarc
more information >
Tekonsha OEM Replacement Vehicle Wiring Harness w Brake Controller Adapter - 7 Way Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Powered Converter
- Custom Fit
- 7 Round - Blade
- Tekonsha
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket, Chrysler/Dodge OEM Plug Adapter
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- No Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- 7 Round - Blade
- Pollak
more information >
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