What is Needed to Use Saris Door County Bike Rack on 2018 Dodge Journey

Question:

I currently own a 2018 Dodge Journey Crossroads, all wheel drive. It was not equipped with a factory hitch or electrical connection plug at all. I am interested in your Saris Door County Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes Electric Lift, item # SAR42RR. I already have ordered your Draw-Tite Max -Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2, Item # 76225. Will the Saris Door County Bike Rack work with the hitch that I have ordered? If so, what are the additional items required e.g., electrical harnesses that I will need for the bike rack. Thank you for your time and help for my questions. I just spoke with my service technician at Dodge and he suggested that I allow them to put in the regular wiring harness that would have come with the vehicle since it is made for my particular SUV. Could I then use their set-up in conjunction with one of your electrical harnesses?

asked by: Willliam C

Helpful Expert Reply:

So good news is yes, the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 76225 that fits your 2018 Dodge Journey is 100 percent compatible with the Saris Door County Bike Rack for 2 Electric Bikes - Electric Lift - 2" Hitches # SAR42RR.

You could use the Dodge wiring harness, assuming it is a 7-way, but my guess is it's going to be quite pricey compared to aftermarket parts (as is the norm). But to answer your question regarding what is needed for your '18 Journey for the electrical connections, that's a 4-way and 7-way; the 4-way activates the lighting functions and plugs into the 7-way, which connects to the # SAR42RR. The correct 4-way for your Journey will depend on if you have incandescent or LED taillights:

- LED Taillights: T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C56330
OR
- Incandescent Taillights: T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # C56109

- 7-Way RV Upgrade Kit # ETBC7L

The # ETBC7L is required (and will work with) either LED or incandescent taillights; otherwise, that's all you need, and if it were me, I'd base it on cost, as the OEM parts aren't going to be any higher quality.