[gray808]

I've found a dealer that can add the tow package, wiring, etc to my 2019 Cherokee Trailhawk. So, that is my next upgrade I am doing.

I'm also getting close to pulling the trigger on a small teardrop trailer, a Timberleaf Pika. With the offroad upgrade to the trailer, which I am getting, I note that the wiring harness is 7-pin. I'm not terribly well versed in wiring anything...

Will the OEM wiring harness on the Jeep mate with the 7-pin on the trailer out of the box? Or will there need to be some sort of adapter?
If it doesn't come straight with a 7-pin connector, then perhaps I should just ask them to add that as part of the installation?

Thoughts?

--Gray

 

[ArizonaFred]

The OEM trailer hitch has both 7 and 4 pin connectors (at least mine does). You are talking about a FCA (Jeep)dealer installed hitch, not aftermarket like UHaul (for example) right?

 

[gray808]

The OEM trailer hitch has both 7 and 4 pin connectors (at least mine does). You are talking about a FCA (Jeep)dealer installed hitch, not aftermarket like UHaul (for example) right?

Yes, this will be dealer-installed OEM hitch w/wiring, etc.

--Gray

 

[ArizonaFred]

Then you should ,unless they changed for 2019+, both 7 and 4 pin connections. That’s with the full factory wire loom. Just call and ask them.

 

[urbittn]

if not the adapters work well.

 

[ArizonaFred]

You can use a 4 pin to 7 pin adapter, but you will not have trailer brakes. A 7 pin to 4 pin works flawlessly though.

 

[AZJeeper]

The Pika trailer requires a 7-pin connection:

Preparing your Car to Tow - Timberleaf Trailers

A guide to the equipment needed to tow your teardrop trailer.

timberleaftrailers.com

There's some other equipment that is recommended (see link above)...

Trail Brake Controller. According to Timberleaf, trailer brakes aren't required but are provided. Depending on what options you get and how heavy you load it, you'll most likely be well over 1,000 lbs. Your state may require trailer brakes - there are a handful that require @ 1,000 lbs. In any case, it's a good idea to have them instead of having that 1/2 ton dead weight pushing you around on wet roads!

Charge Line. The standard Cherokee 7-pin already has it, but don't know if it's rated for the required current. My guess is you will be OK but it's worth confirming when they do your hitch.

The Pika is also has backup lights. I would highly recommend they be accommodated as well. Makes pulling into a campsite at night much easier! The factory 7-pin has it so you should be OK.

I final note of caution - there is a standard for 7-pin connectors so most are wired the same. However, there is a "standard alternate wiring" as well. For example, Blue Ox has two umbilicals (between car and trailer) and one of them has the 12vdc charge line and the trailer brakes reversed! I don't think there is anything on the package that indicates what you are getting. Probably don't need to worry about it, but if you have funky braking or no battery charging, it's a place to start looking! (been there, done that).

 

[Firehawk989]

Make sure they know that for 2019+ Trailhawks you do not need the full tow wiring kit that requires going to the front of the vehicle. You only need a short harness that plugs into a number of plugs behind the driver's side rear cargo area interior panel near the back of the wheel well.

PN
68347439AD

I installed hitch and wiring myself and it was a relatively easy job. Hardest part was getting the interior panels out and popping out all the clips for the bumper.