Trailer hitch but no plug for wiring

[TxHotrod]

Just got an 05 a few weeks ago, it came with the hitch, but no sign of any wiring for the break lights. Am I missing something or is this just how they came? And if that is the case, does any know where I can get a plug-n-play wiring kit at a local store?

Thanks

 

[thegerb]

there was a recall on these for not having any protection for the gas tank. so their solution was to put hitches on them. they were not required to do a wiring harness for them.

 

[LibertyTC]

You could call your local hitch shop and inquire about a plug & play set up.
Here is an example of what is required here:
Link: Trailer Wiring for 2005 Jeep Liberty | etrailer.com

 

[profdlp]

I bought the kit TC mentioned and it works fine. It is also nice that you don't have to cut into your taillight wires.

 

[LibertyTC]

Ya..don't cut into your wires :icon_lol:, and overload / really screw up & short everything!

 

[dougmac]

I just put in the factory harness for a 7-Way trailer connector yesterday. The kit comes with everything that you need. In addition to the light converter for the light connections, it interfaces with the brake control wire under the dash. It also provides 12 volt battery power to the trailer connector.

The installation is easy. Just plug it in. It has all of the factory harness supports that clip into existing holes.

It is a little expensive but well worth it in my opinion!

The Mopar part number is: 82207248AB

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

I just put in the factory harness for a 7-Way trailer connector yesterday. The kit comes with everything that you need. In addition to the light converter for the light connections, it interfaces with the brake control wire under the dash. It also provides 12 volt battery power to the trailer connector.

The installation is easy. Just plug it in. It has all of the factory harness supports that clip into existing holes.

It is a little expensive but well worth it in my opinion!

The Mopar part number is: 82207248AB

What I was going to suggest as well. It does cost more than an aftermarket kit but the plug 'n play makes up for it.

Did you buy the supplemental harness as well? For KJ's that DON'T have an EVIC overhead computer from the factory the supplemental harness is needed to get the 12 volt power to the 7-way plug. If your KJ did come with the EVIC from the factory then you can just install the kit linked to above.

There is one bummer however. The recall hitches don't come with the box welded to the hitch into which the 7-way or 4-way plug is installed. You'll have to buy one from etrailer.com or a local hitch installer and attach it to your recall hitch.

Seems Fiat/Chrysler thumbed their noses at the NHTSA for forcing them to do an unnecessary recall - and the lack of a harness connector is the result. Pretty stupid to install a hitch that isn't ready for wiring :favorites68:

Bob

 

[twowings]

I've installed the Mopar kit and it's a nice, easy install...well worth the extra bucks...

 

[Sasquatch]

I just had the N46 recall done yesterday. It wasn't until I saw this thread that I realized they didn't put the wiring in for the hitch.

I'll have to get the harness from a different dealer though. The one that did the recall work tried to rip me off in the process. Told me I needed new belts, hoses, radiator flush, and transmission service. Which I probably do need. But they were going to charge me $1,000 for it all. Hah!

 

[twowings]

try avondalewholesaleparts.com...good prices

 

[TxHotrod]

Thanks for all the info! I could not find a plug-n-play one, so I went to U-Haul and got a universal. It did come with a relay box & 12v / ground inputs so it don't use the tail lights for it's primary power source.

Looks like I'm all set for my road trip next month!

 

[dude1116]

I just put in the factory harness for a 7-Way trailer connector yesterday. The kit comes with everything that you need. In addition to the light converter for the light connections, it interfaces with the brake control wire under the dash. It also provides 12 volt battery power to the trailer connector.

The installation is easy. Just plug it in. It has all of the factory harness supports that clip into existing holes.

It is a little expensive but well worth it in my opinion!

The Mopar part number is: 82207248AB

Do you need a brake controller for this? Or does it come with one?

PS - I don't have an EVIC. How necessary is it?

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

Do you need a brake controller for this? Or does it come with one?

PS - I don't have an EVIC. How necessary is it?

No, a brake controller is a separate unit that you mount somewhere on the console, the little cubby in front of the shifter or next to the steering column.

If you don't have the EVIC you're supposed to add the supplemental harness so you gain the power leads to the main harness as well as the brake controller wire. I've never seen a good explanation as to why the supplmental harness is required if the EVIC didn't come with the KJ from the factory but I bought and installed the supplemental anyway. It's a really easy install and the brake controller wire is right there with it so if you want to add a controller later it's right there for you.

I've yet to need a brake controller for all the trailers I've towed. The larger ones have had surge brakes and my boat trailer doesn't have brakes. But I'm considering a camper that would have electric brakes so I'm probably going to just buy a controller and install it so it's there.

Bob

 

[dougmac]

What I was going to suggest as well. It does cost more than an aftermarket kit but the plug 'n play makes up for it.

Did you buy the supplemental harness as well? For KJ's that DON'T have an EVIC overhead computer from the factory the supplemental harness is needed to get the 12 volt power to the 7-way plug. If your KJ did come with the EVIC from the factory then you can just install the kit linked to above.

There is one bummer however. The recall hitches don't come with the box welded to the hitch into which the 7-way or 4-way plug is installed. You'll have to buy one from etrailer.com or a local hitch installer and attach it to your recall hitch.

Seems Fiat/Chrysler thumbed their noses at the NHTSA for forcing them to do an unnecessary recall - and the lack of a harness connector is the result. Pretty stupid to install a hitch that isn't ready for wiring :favorites68:

Bob

Dang.... Sure enough, no 12v power at my trailer plug. Do you have information on the harness needed to get the power back to the plug?

 

[twowings]

On the 7-way harness, IIRC you have to run the power up to the engine compartment...the 4-way just plugs into the passenger-side rear wiring harness....

 

[TwoBobsKJ]

Dang.... Sure enough, no 12v power at my trailer plug. Do you have information on the harness needed to get the power back to the plug?

Yep, it's PN 82207620AB. I found it at AvondaleWholesaleParts.com as well as here at JParts.com. The prices are within a couple of bucks of each other. This harness will bring 12 volt power back to the 7-pin connector as well as give you the blue brake controller wire.

You'll need to go through the firewall to connect a fused lead to the battery - I found it easier to come through from the engine bay side than crawling in the footwell and trying to punch it through that direction. You'll need to pull back the passenger cargo sidewall to access the relays in the primary harness, then run the wiring under the door trim on the passenger side. The HVAC controls and the stereo surround need to be partially removed too so you can put a connector on the 12 volt accessory plug but the entire process should take you no more than 30 minutes. You'll have a complete 7-pin wire harness (minus the actual brake controller) when you're done.

Bob

 

[dougmac]

Thanks Bob! I will get one coming....