Recommended Trailer Hitch and Wiring for Towing a Popup Camper with a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan

Published 02/11/2020

Products Featured in This Question

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

(1070)

$188.41

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

(1375)

$93.56

Curt Echo Wireless Brake Controller - 7-Way Plug-in w/ Bluetooth App - Up to 2 Axles - Proportional

(1769)

$279.95

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(681)

$73.94

7-Way RV Upgrade Kit for Trailer Brake Controller Installation - 12 Gauge Wires

(337)

$96.74

Question:

I am looking at buying a popup camper and need a recommendation on a receiving hitch and wiring kit that I can purchase and get installed for a 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan.

asked by: Johnny B

Helpful Expert Reply:

I recommend using the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98854 because it has a matte black finish that does a better job at blending in with the vehicle as well as hiding damage from road debris than the glossy black finishes do from other manufacturers. It also has a 2' receiver which means it is compatible with a wide variety of accessories if you were ever to use it for anything else like a bike rack or cargo carrier.

Then for wiring I recommend the Curt # C56331 which plugs in behind your tail lights and then pulls power directly from the battery in your 2018 Dodge Grand Caravan via the black wire. I have attached install videos of both this and the trailer hitch on similar Grand Caravans that you can check out.

To complete a towing setup you also need a ball mount kit. I recommend checking out Ball Mount Kit # 989900 because it includes two ball mounts, one with a 3/4” rise/2” drop and the other with a 2-3/4” rise/4” drop, a 1-7/8” hitch ball, a 2” hitch ball, and a pin and clip. You will want to refer to the attached ball mount article to ensure that this kit is correct for your towing application.

I took a look at the online owner's manual for your vehicle and it stated that for any trailer over 1,000 lbs a brake controller is recommended, and then anything over 2,000 lbs a brake controller is required. Since popup campers weigh somewhere around the 2,000 lb mark I'll make a brake controller recommendation as well. For your application I recommend the Curt Echo # C51180 because it is a wireless brake controller that you use your Apple/Android smart device to adjust the settings. You will need to install the wiring kit # ETBC7L but after that this controller just plugs into the 7-Way and you connect your phone. There is no drilling or modification needed to the interior of your vehicle. Just use the No-Drill Mount Bracket # 18136 for an easy way to mount the ETBC7L connector.

Attached are some videos for these products as well.