Adding a Brake Controller to a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo that Did Not Originally have a 7-Way

Question

Question:

Any specifics to know to install a brake controller? An OE hitch was installed and the dealer did the programming for the 7 pin electrical connection. Would the brake control wire be already installed in the harness? What controller would you recommend for a single axle travel trailer? Thanks

asked by: Tom L

0

Expert Reply:

If your 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee did not come with a factory 7-Way trailer connector then the connector to plug in a controller may not be present or, if present, may not be fully functional. You can look to see if the plug is present. It is located under the dash, to the left and above the emergency brake pedal and up and to the left of the OBD II port. You will have to remove a trim panel to access this location. Take a look at the instructions I have linked for harness # TK93VR for help.

To test if this plug, if present, is functional you will need a helper, a 12 volt battery, and a multimeter such as # PT89ZR. You would need someone to apply power to the brake output pin on the 7-Way (5 0clock position) using the battery and a length of wire.

In the cab you will use the circuit tester to test the pins on that plug. If none of them have power then the wire is not ran from that connector all the way to the 7-Way.

Also, you will want to make sure one of the pins has 12 volt power to power the brake controller. And one pin should have power only when the brake pedal is pressed. If none or not all of these functions are present then you will have to hardwire in the brake controller using installation kit # 5506. You can then follow the relevant parts of the video and help article I have linked.

It is possible that it will all be functional without having to hardwire anything. If you determine that the brake controller port is there and active I reocmmend the P2 # 90885 and harness # 3045-P. The P2 is easy to set up, easy to use, and it is reliable.

expert reply by: Michael H

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Answer 1

The red wire on a brake controller signals the controller that you are stepping on the brake pedal, so it has to be connected. It does not operate the brake lights on the trailer. It attaches to the cold side of the brake switch. The brake switch is…

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Answer 2

Let's begin with the brake controller. Redarc makes a great product, but unless you plan on towing overland you won't ever need or use the user-controlled mode offered by the #RED44FR Tow-Pro Elite. I'd recommend the Redarc #RED24FR…

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Answer 3

The Redarc Tow Pro Elite is indeed available as part #RED44FR, it's one of our most popular brake controllers. If your 2021 Grand Cherokee has the factory tow package with the 7-way on the back bumper, you'll also need the #RED77FR wiring…

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Answer 4

The parts needed to install the #RED44FR Redarc Tow Pro Elite will depend on how your 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee is equipped. If your vehicle is equipped with the factory tow package which includes the 7-way trailer connector at the rear bumper,…

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Answer 5

You will need the Stop Light Switch Kit #RM-751449 for your 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. This will provide you with a brake signal as the factory brake switch wiring is very thin and not recommended for splicing into. This switch includes a custom fit…

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Answer 6

I see that you'd looked at both the Redac #RED24FR Tow-Pro Liberty as well as the Tekonsha #TK90160 Primus. Either controller would work well, to answer the question of which would be the best controller for you will depend on how familiar you…

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Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 8

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 9

If you just need a 4-pin to 7-pin trailer wiring adapter, then you can use part #C57672. This will plug into the 4-pin trailer connector on your brother's vehicle and give him the 7-pin socket for the trailer. Keep in mind, this will only give…

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Answer 10

If you have a vehicle specific wiring harness for a brake controller then that would indicate that you have a factory tow package and subsequently would already have a 7-way at the back of your vehicle. The universal 7-way connector #ETBC7 is meant…

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Answer 11

Hey Jeremy, Typically with boat trailers the manufacturer will install hydraulic surge brakes because you don't have to worry about the water damaging wires like you would with electric brakes. That being said, if you use a heat shrink butt…

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Answer 12

In order to determine the torque rating for the lug nuts on your trailer you will need to know check out the chart I attached that shows all of the torque specs for all the trailer lugs available based on stud size, wheel material and wheel size.

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Adding a Brake Controller to a 2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo that Did Not Originally have a 7-Way

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