How to Install a Brake Controller on a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with Factory Tow Package

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Question:

Thank you very much for your help. I have ordered the products as your recommended. I plan to test the Jeep Wrangler towing the airstream, but assuming that goes well I need to look at the hitch situation. The previous owner handed over a collection of weight distributing hitch gear (ball mount, bars, etc.), but I'm thinking we'll start fresh with new equipment better-suited to our towing situation. It might not be absolutely essential, but I think it might tow better with a weight-distributing hitch. The Jeep has the sway control built into the ABS - but not sure how effective that is. The Jeep came with the 2" receiver, but I don't know if it is suitable for a weight-distributing setup. The specs I have for the airstream show a hitch weight of 350 lbs (2" ball), but I plan to use (2) 30 lb gas tanks in order to supply a compact propane generator. Also I assume we'll need a break-away safety switch. Finally, I need whatever we come up with to be something that my wife can manage by herself. What do you recommend hitch-wise for our situation? I'm open to a new hitch for the Jeep if required for WD setup.

asked by: Joe H

0

Expert Reply:

I have exactly what you will need for your 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited to tow your Vintage Airstream with brakes. The first thing you will want is a 7-way trailer connector at the rear of the vehicle and for this I recommend the Hopkins Endurance Quick-Install 7-Way Trailer Connector part # HM42190 which is a direct plug and play option that will not require you to cut or splice any wires/circuits. The square plug on the end of this connector will plug into and replace the 4-way trailer connector you have which is found near the driver's side taillight housing.

The next thing you will need is a brake controller and the most popular, well reviewed, and easy to use one we sell is the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller part # 90195. This controller gets its reputation from the easy-to-read LCD display, integrated safeguards, and 5 storable settings.

In order to install said brake controller you will also need the Wiring Kit for 2, 4, 6, and 8 Brake Electric Trailer Brake Controllers part # 5506. This is the only part of the installation that will require you to cut/splice any wires but I have attached an installation video of this very same harness/controller on a very similar 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited for reference. Unfortunately, as the Jeep does not have a factory brake controller harness this will be your only option to install a brake controller.

expert reply by: Conner L

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Joe

12/12/2017

Thank you very much for your help. I have ordered the products as your recommended. I plan to test the Jeep Wrangler towing the airstream, but assuming that goes well I need to look at the hitch situation. The previous owner handed over a collection of weight distributing hitch gear (ball mount, bars, etc.), but I'm thinking we'll start fresh with new equipment better-suited to our towing situation. It might not be absolutely essential, but I think it might tow better with a weight-distributing hitch. The Jeep has the sway control built into the ABS - but not sure how effective that is. The Jeep came with the 2" receiver, but I don't know if it is suitable for a weight-distributing setup. The specs I have for the airstream show a hitch weight of 350 lbs (2" ball), but I plan to use (2) 30 lb gas tanks in order to supply a compact propane generator. Also I assume we'll need a break-away safety switch. Finally, I need whatever we come up with to be something that my wife can manage by herself. What do you recommend hitch-wise for our situation? I'm open to a new hitch for the Jeep if required for WD setup.

Reply

Conner L.

12/12/2017

Thank you for your purchase, we certainly appreciate your business. If the gross trailer weight (GTW) of your trailer is more than 50% of your gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR), the use of a weight distribution system is recommended. In order to be sure you are choosing the correct weight distribution system, you will want to find the total tongue weight of your towing setup by adding the tongue weight of both your loaded ready to tow trailer and any cargo stored behind the rear axle of the tow vehicle. The average total tongue weight (TTW) rating of a trailer is typically 10-15% of the gross trailer weight (GTW). An easy way to find this would involve using a tongue weight scale like the etrailer Trailer Tongue Weight Scale part # e99044. When choosing a weight distribution system, you will want your total tongue weight to fall in the middle of the weight distributions weight capacity. For example, the ideal weight distribution system for a total tongue weight of 600 lbs. is one that is rated for 400-800 lbs. of tongue weight. There should be a sticker on your factory trailer hitch receiver that will state the capacities for a hitch with a weight distribution system if allowed. If you factory trailer hitch does not allow for the use of a weight distribution system then you can replace it with the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver part # DT78MR (see install video attached). This hitch has a max GTW and TW rating of 4,500 lbs and 675 lbs respectively though you will need to determine the max GTW and TW allowed for your vehicle and go with the lower of the two ratings. To determine the maximum trailer weight capacity you can tow with your Jeep, you will need take your Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and subtract that by the the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) of your vehicle from the (GCWR) that will give you the maximum Gross Trailer Weight (GTW). This can all be found on the information tag located inside the driver door jamb. For a total tongue weight between 100-400 lbs, I recommend taking a look at the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System w/ 4-Point Sway Control part # EQ37040ET or part # EQ37060ET for a total tongue weight between 200-600 lbs. The Equal-i-zer weight distribution systems are considered to be one of the best on the market. I have attached a review video on one of the systems for you as well. In regards to a breakaway system, this may or may not be required depending on the state you live in and their individual regulations for towing a trailer. Should you end up needing a breakaway system then I recommend using the Hopkins Engager Push-To-Test Trailer Breakaway Kit with Built-In Battery Charger part # 20099.

Reply

Robert R.

5/24/2020

Hi. I have a 2017 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. It came with a towing package, including 2inch receiver and flat 4 wire connector. I need to add or change to a 7 pin to tow a travel trailer w/brakes. What product do I need if I wish to install an Autowbrake on-trailer brake controller? Does the tow package mean I have a 12v supply for the trailer mounted brake controller AND the trailer battery charging?

Reply

Chris R.

5/27/2020

In addition to the trailer signal light circuits you already have with the 4-Way on your Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - the Autowbrake # 3430001 just needs the 12V battery charge circuit from the tow vehicle for operation. Since your Wrangler has the factory 4-Way, you can use the Hopkins # HM40975 for a plug-and-play upgrade to a 7-Way (and 4-Way). Most models with the tow package do have the 12V circuit already active, but there are some that require the hot wire to be manually ran (you can check with your Jeep dealer to be sure). If this is the case you can use the Wiring Kit # 5506.

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How to Install a Brake Controller on a 2015 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited with Factory Tow Package

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