Best Place To Mount 7-Way Plug On 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JL

Updated 03/12/2026 | Published 03/08/2026

Products Featured in This Question

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

(385)

$93.28

Curt No-Drill Bracket for 6-Way or 7-Way Round Trailer Connector Mounting Bracket - Long

(325)

$38.26

Question:

I purchased a ETBC7L for use with an Echo wireless brake controller for a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited JL. Im trying to figure out the best place to attach the bracket holding the 7 pin connector and havent found a good place. Any suggestions? The muffler is less than 6 inches behind the rear bumper frame and if attaching the bracket to the steel frame, the wiring coming out of the back of the connector gets very close to the muffler.

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

Hey Brian, good question. The JL doesn’t give you a ton of room back there, especially with how close that muffler sits to the crossmember.

On most 2018 Wranglers the cleanest spot to mount the 7-way plug ends up being to the trailer hitch crossmember tube. A no-drill hitch bracket like part # C57202 attached directly to the crosstube usually positions the 7-way far enough rearward to clear the muffler and keep the wiring pointed away from the heat. That also keeps the plug centered and easy to reach. The no-drill bracket should extend it far enough rearward to where muffler heat won't be a problem so that's what I would do.

The picture I included shows a good example of this.

What kind of trailer will you be hauling?

expert reply by: Jesse M

Jack M.

3/12/2026

Brian, what I do when I find install is in questionable high heat areas is I just wrap harness, airline, fuel line etc in some header wrap, usually 2" wide. Buy yourself 25' roll, usually comes with stainless zip ties. Best wishes

Jack M.

3/12/2026

@JackM also make sure to wear latex gloves when handling header wrap. Sometimes instead of using the zip ties I'll use hog rings.