Complete Towing Setup for a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Question:

Looking for a towing package that fits a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Well be pulling an empty food trailer. Potentially pulling up to 2,500-3k lbs.

asked by: Devin G

Expert Reply:

I would be happy to help you set up a towing package for your 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee. You're going to need a hitch, wiring harnesses, brake controller, and ball mount.

For your hitch you are going to want the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver item # C13065. This hitch is custom fit and bolts directly to your Jeep's frame with included hardware. It has more than enough capacity to pull your food trailer. It is also the only hitch for your model year of Grand Cherokee that allows for storage of a full size spare tire. This hitch has a hidden crossbar so the only visible portion of the hitch will be the 2" receiver. I have attached a picture so you can see the final look. I have also attached an installation video so you can follow along with the process.

You will need a 7-way connector to control your trailer's lighting functions and brakes. Trailer's over 2,000 lbs require brakes. If your Jeep has the factory towing package all you will need is the 7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End item # HM40975. I linked a video so you can find the OEM harness this plugs into.

If your Jeep doesn't have the towing package you will need two separate parts to achieve a 7-way connector. The first harness you will need is the Tekonsha T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector item # 118727. This custom-fit T-One connector plugs into your Jeep's wiring harness, which is located behind the rear tail lights. This will provide you with a 4-Flat connector that controls lighting functions. The second harness you will need is the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires item # ETBC7. The kit includes a pre-wired 7- and 4-way trailer connector that mounts easily at the rear of your vehicle with an included bracket. This kit is designed for use on a vehicle with an existing 4-way flat trailer connector and plugs directly into it. I have linked a couple of videos showing the installation process of these parts. Whether you have the factory towing package or not you will want the Curt No-Drill Bracket for 6-Way or 7-Way Round Trailer Connector Mounting Bracket - Long item # C57202 to cleanly attach your 7-way connector to your hitch receiver without drilling.

For your brake controller I recommend the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller item # 90195. This is a proportional brake controller that activates your trailer brakes in proportion to your Jeep's braking action. It automatically adjusts the trailer's braking based on the deceleration of your vehicle. The brakes activate immediately, there is no pausing like with time-delayed brake controllers. If your Jeep has the towing package you will want the Tekonsha Plug-In Wiring Adapter for Electric Brake Controllers item # TK93VR. This adapter allows you to plug a Tekonsha brake controller directly into an OEM port under your Jeep's dash. I have linked a couple of videos that will help you get your brake controller set up.

To round out your towing setup I recommend the Curt Towing Starter Kit for 2" Hitches item # C45534. This towing kit will provide you with a 2" ball and a fixed ball mount with a 3/4" rise and 2" drop. It also includes a hitch pin and clip, hitch receiver lock with keys, hitch cover, and a storage case.