What Hitch, Wiring, Brake Controller, and Ball Mount do I Need for My 2023 Jeep Grand Cherokee?  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hello Al,

Welcome to etrailer, I'm glad you found us!

Of the three hitch options, the Blue Ox Trailer Hitch Receiver # BLU46HR does have the highest tongue weight rating. I would still double check your owner's manual to see what Jeep says your Grand Cherokee can handle. It's pretty common for an aftermarket hitch to be rated higher than the vehicle itself, and you'll always want to follow the lowest-rated component in your towing setup.

As of today, 08/18/2026, I would go with # BLU46HR. It's the most cost-effective option of the three, and it also gives you the added benefit of working with the larger spare tire. I don't see a downside to going with the Blue Ox over the Curt or etrailer hitch for what you're looking to do. With all three options, you'll also be able to reinstall the factory bumper access cover over the hitch when you're not using it, so you can keep that nice clean factory look.

If you need wiring for some light towing, you'll want the Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness # C27BR. This gives you a 4-way connector to operate your trailer's turn signals, brake lights, and running lights.

If you're towing a trailer with electric brakes, you'll also need the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller # ETBC7 along with # C27BR. The # ETBC7 gives you the components needed to add a 7-way and the wiring needed for a brake controller. This installation is a little more involved since you'll be running wiring between the rear of the Jeep, the battery, and the brake controller.

For the brake controller, I really like the Redarc Tow-Pro Liberty # RED52VR. It's a proportional controller, and one of my favorite things about the Redarc is that you only have a small control knob showing on the dash instead of a traditional brake controller hanging underneath it.

One thing you'll want to check is whether the Jeep's brake lights work with the ignition in the position you'll be using while towing. If you can't get a usable brake light signal for the controller, the Roadmaster Universal Stop Light Switch Kit # RM-751000 can provide that signal.

For a ball mount, check out our etrailer Ball Mount with Pre-Torqued 2" Ball # e77DR. It has a 4" drop and comes with the 2" hitch ball already installed and torqued. I also really like the black nickel plating on the ball. It gives the whole setup a nice, clean look.

I know you just asked about the hitch, but just in case you needed all the extras, I wanted to make sure you had them. I attached some install videos for you to check out as well.

So what do you plan on using the hitch for?

expert reply by: Kate F

0