Parts Needed to Safely Tow a Rental Trailer with a 2010 Dodge Journey

Question:

Our 2010 Dodge Journey did not come with the trailer tow prep package - an engine oil cooler, a four-pin wiring harness and Trailer Sway Control[6] TSC. We are planning to tow a 6*8 rental trailer 450lbs with about 400lbs worth of stuff in it for 900 miles. My vehicle states it tow a max of 1000lbs GTW when fully loaded with passengers with a max of 100 lbs tongue weight. I am looking at the Curt Class III Hitch Receiver, but as far as wiring goes I am not sure what I need. Do I need a weight disbursement hitch? How do I ensure I have trailer assisted braking? Do I need this, the terrain will be mountainous

asked by: Sandra J

Expert Reply:

We have everything you will need. First let's start with a hitch, for that I would recommend the Curt Trailer hitch part # C13201 that you said you were interested in. This is a Class III hitch with a 2 inch opening that would have more than enough capacity for your trailer.

Now for wiring you will want to start with a 4-way, for that you would need the Trailer Wiring Kit from Curt part # C56109. This will give you a 4-way. Now since you need to install a brake controller since you said you need "trailer assisted braking," you will need to convert the 4-way to a 7-way to let you install a brake controller. For that you would need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7.

For a brake controller I would recommend the Prodigy P2 Brake Controller part # 90885. This is our best selling brake controller because of how well it works and how easy it is to setup. You will need to be sure to rent a trailer with electric brakes.

For ball mounts I recommend the etrailer Ball Mount Kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts, 2 balls, a hitch pin with clip, and a carrying bag.

You would not need a weight distribution system since your trailer will weigh less than 50 percent of the total weight of your tow vehicle. Most likely a rental company would not let you install one on their trailer anyway.