Is There a 7 Way Connection That Uses T-Connectors for a 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Updated 09/05/2021 | Published 09/04/2021

Products Featured in This Question

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

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$31.27

Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 4 Axles - Proportional

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$169.94

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

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$279.95

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

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

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Question:

Hello experts I am newbie to the trailing fun: I am planning to use my Jeep Grand Cherokee 2011 Laredo 3.6L to tow travel trailers. I do not have one yet, but I will be renting from RVShare.com that are 3,500 weight. These travel trailers usually have 7 blade connections, and I need my Jeep to be ready to tow these travel trailers. In other words: t connectors that hook to my Jeep’s rear lights and turn signals I don’t have factory set up, and produce a 7 blade at the other end so I can hook the travel trailers into my Jeep. I couldn’t find anything like that. All I found is t connector BUT produces 4-pin and NOT 7 pin. Any help PLEASE?

asked by: Altijani

Helpful Expert Reply:

I have a solution for you, but it sounds like you're looking for a 7 way connector that's installed using T-connectors, which does not exist. Additionally, since your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee does not have the towing package, you'll need to do some hard wiring to complete the installation of the parts required.

In order to install a 7 way connector on your 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee you'll need to start by adding a 4-way connector like the Tekonsha # 118425, which will tee into the tail lights. Once you've installed this harness, you'll be able to install either the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires # ETBC7 (for wired brake controllers) or # ETBC7L (for wireless brake controllers). The # ETBC7 and # ETBC7L kits come with all of the parts you'll need to install a completely functional including circuit breakers, butt connectors and wiring.

If the trailers you'll be towing have brakes, then you will also need a trailer brake controller; since your 2011 Grand Cherokee does not have the factory towing package, a plug and play adapter is not available. For this reason I recommend using the # ETBC7L kit and a wireless brake controller like the Curt Echo # C51180; using a wireless brake controller means you won't have to run a brake output wire into the cabin of the vehicle to connect to the brake controller, so it's a much less intensive installation process all around.

The Curt Echo # C51180 connects directly to the 7 way trailer connector provided by the # ETBC7L, and provides proportional braking for your trailer, meaning that the trailer brakes will be applied with the same force as the brakes on the tow vehicle; the result is a more responsive braking system, less wear and tear on the brakes and a smoother towing experience. The Echo is controlled via smartphone, so you'll need one running either Android 4.4 or newer, or iOS 8.0 or newer.

If you wanted to go with a wired controller, then you'll want to use the # ETBC7 and I recommend using the Tekonsha Prodigy P3 # 90195 since it provides you with proportional braking and gives you one of the most popular brake controllers on the market. The Prodigy P3 # 90195 is one of our most well reviewed controllers, and it will do a great job when towing any trailer you might encounter.

I've linked some review and installation videos of these parts for you to check out, as well.