Adding a Brake Controller to a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Updated 12/05/2017 | Published 12/04/2017

Products Featured in This Question

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

(1381)

$88.29

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

(5)

$177.93

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3448)

$124.27

Question:

Hello, I have a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee that I need to add trailer wiring to. I want to add a electric brake controller but I am confused as to which harness to buy so that I can utilize a 7 pin connector. My Jeep came with no wiring or hitch.

asked by: Michael R

Helpful Expert Reply:

I'd be happy to help clear up any confusion; because you do not have the factory tow package you are going to need to install a few parts in order to use an electric brake controller. You will need to start by adding the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118425. From there you'll need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7, which will give you the 7-pin connector to allow you to use your trailer's electric brakes.

Finally, of course, you will need the brake controller itself and I strongly recommend the Prodigy P3 # 90195; it is the most popular model we carry due to its effectiveness and ease of use. It will activate your trailer's brakes immediately in proportion to your Jeep's brakes and offers three different boost levels so you can adjust your braking power. The P3 levels automatically, has constant diagnostic checks, contains safeguards which defend your controller against shorts, and features an LCD display which is much easier to read than that of other controllers. This controller has been met with nearly universal praise; it has been reviewed by our customers more than 2,000 times and is averaging close to 5 out of 5 stars.

For a hitch, I recommend taking a look at the Draw-Tite # 75338, which is a Class III hitch that offers a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs and tongue weight capacity of 750 lbs. If your Grand Cherokee is an SRT-8 model the only hitch available is the light duty Curt # C11103.

Since you will be towing, I recommend checking out Ball Mount Kit # 989900, which may fulfill your towing needs in one tidy package; two ball mounts - one with a 3/4” rise or 2” drop and the other with a 2-3/4” rise or 4” drop - a 1-7/8” hitch ball, a 2” hitch ball, and a pin and clip. You can use the link to the help article on ball mounts I've added to determine if this kit will give you the correct amount of drop or rise. Please keep in mind this kit would work for the 2" Draw-Tite hitch only. If you have an SRT-8 you would need a ball mount to fit a 1-1/4" hitch.

I've also attached a link to our page with each of our ball mounts, as well as links to video reviews of these products for you to take a look at.