Trailer Hitch and Wiring for a 2014 Jeep Cherokee

Published 07/27/2015

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(101)

$206.76

etrailer Ball Mount Kit for 2" Hitches - 7,500 lbs

(1381)

$88.29

Question:

The photo supplied with the installation instructions shows a receiver below the bottom edge of the fascia. The problem with the photo is that according to the installation instructions the fascia must be trimmed at the center 3.5 inches wide by 4.5 inches in height to create and opening for the receiver to protrude. base on the installation instructions one would expect the receiver to be approximately 4.5 inches higher than shown. Please clarify this for me. Thank you.

asked by: Tim B

Helpful Expert Reply:

The lower fascia on the back of the 2014 Jeep Cherokee curves, not straight up and down, so the reason there has to be trimming is because of how gentle that curve is and how long it curves. If the fascia went from vertical to horizontal like an L shape there would be no trimming. But it sort of gently curves down so trimming is required to install the hitch.

I have included a picture that should help. It is a different hitch but shows the curve nicely. The other hitch, # e73ZR, has a more concealed cross tube that the receiver hangs from which is why it has to be trimmed in that location.

If you plan on doing some towing you might be interested in etrailer ball mount kit # 989900. It comes with 2 ball mounts; one with a 3/4 inch rise or 2 inch drop and one with a 2-3/4 inch rise or 4 inch drop. It also includes a 1-7/8 inch ball, 2 inch ball, hitch pin with clip, and a storage bag.

If the ball mount kit does not have the right rise or drop to tow the trailer level, use the link I have included that explains how to measure to choose a ball mount to tow the trailer level.

To add trailer wiring you can use # 118605.

expert reply by: Michael H