Hitch

[FatBoy01]

I hear ya, although I wouldn't call splicing in 3 wires (left, right, tail) "hacking", but to each their own. I ordered the factory tow package with mine, so no hacking for me either.

No one here has reported that they have done the aftermarket, 4 pin flat install on a JLU. Yes, it involves splicing (using saddle clamp connectors) into the factory wiring harness.

I'm not real keen on cutting into/splicing in a new vehicle's wiring harness.... Indeed, I have done similar installs over the years (I solder and never would use a saddle clamp connector) but ... But, with today's vehicles and CAN Bus, you can and often do run into issues when you lets say invade the factory wiring. Of course, we also have some vehicles with LED lights, we have various sensors and more which are also thrown into the mix so....

In time we will hear reports here how the aftermarket 4 pin flat install goes for JL owner's. So far all we have is lots of talk by all of us.

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[Craigb]

I hear ya, although I wouldn't call splicing in 3 wires (left, right, tail) "hacking", but to each their own. I ordered the factory tow package with mine, so no hacking for me either.

It is not just a 7 way it is also a 4 way

 

[digitalbliss]

It is not just a 7 way it is also a 4 way

I understand. I have one sitting in my driveway. I guess I was getting at the point that 90% of that cable you ran was unnecessary for your application. Not only that, you had to run it the entire length of the vehicle. A flat 4 connector wouldnt be required to run to the engine compartment to get a signal. The wires needed are probably within 2' of your hitch.

 

[Craigb]

I understand. I have one sitting in my driveway. I guess I was getting at the point that 90% of that cable you ran was unnecessary for your application. Not only that, you had to run it the entire length of the vehicle. A flat 4 connector wouldnt be required to run to the engine compartment to get a signal. The wires needed are probably within 2' of your hitch.

Please contribute to the thread. I would love to see where you tap into the lighting circuits within 2 inches of the hitch. It could help anyone looking to add a aftermarket 4 way.

 

[digitalbliss]

Please contribute to the thread. I would love to see where you tap into the lighting circuits within 2 inches of the hitch. It could help anyone looking to add a aftermarket 4 way.

That's a foot marker. Inches would be shown as a ". As in 24" equals 2'. Either way, I have contributed in voicing an opinion that tapping into the existing lights would be easier than running that wiring harness if all you need is a basic trailer lights connection. You don't like that solution? That's ok. It's your opinion too. Like I said, to each their own.

 

[se7en]

@Craigb - did the wiring harness come with a brake controller? Seems like I remember seeing some sort of box or controller as a part in the package.

 

[Craigb]

@Craigb - did the wiring harness come with a brake controller? Seems like I remember seeing some sort of box or controller as a part in the package.

No there is no brake controller included. That module pictured with the harness is the control module for the trailer lights.

 

[JLU jax]

I bought my JL off the lot and as part of my deal, I had them include a mopar hitch and trailer wiring harness. The harness was installed today by my dealer. It came out great.

I got impatient last week and went to my local jeep shop and talked to them about just splicing into my taillight wires. I decided against it based on future warranty issues and the complexity of the wiring on this vehicle.

 

[FatBoy01]

For those with the factory installed Trailer Tow package:

 

[FatBoy01]

Anyone wanting info in regard to installing a brake controller in conjunction with the OEM trailer tow harness this thread is a must read:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/no-brake-control-adapter-available-yet.5260/page-2

 

[Dclark19]

Quick question I ordered the factory tow package on my Wrangler and understand it’s a class 2 receiver but is it a 1 1/4” or a 2” receiver?

 

[bam1111]

Quick question I ordered the factory tow package on my Wrangler and understand it’s a class 2 receiver but is it a 1 1/4” or a 2” receiver?

2”

 

[NMElkHunter]

Anyone wanting info in regard to installing a brake controller in conjunction with the OEM trailer tow harness this thread is a must read:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/no-brake-control-adapter-available-yet.5260/page-2

Thanks! Exactly what I needed.

 

[se7en]

Anyone wanting info in regard to installing a brake controller in conjunction with the OEM trailer tow harness this thread is a must read:

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/no-brake-control-adapter-available-yet.5260/page-2

Ok, so I read the thread, but have a question.

Since we didn't have the hitch and harness factory installed, do we still have the connector...or is that part of the install, too? I know that, for the install, we have to go through the firewall behind the glovebox, but do we have to then go back through the firewall behind the pedals somewhere to drop the brake controller connector?

I looked under my dash and found an open connector, but it didn't look like the one pictured on the above linked thread.

 

[kculp]

Curt trailer wiring harness plug vs factory plug on the Sahara JL. All I wanted was 4 pin, there is absolutely nothing on the aftermarket currently that fits. I am against splicing into a new vehicle electrical system. I did put on the Class III Curt hitch, works fine. We had a welding burr to grind off, otherwise did not remove bumper and installed in-place.

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