Tow package without trailer hitch?

[350camper]

Saw a few JL and JT on dealer's lot. At least two of them have the electronic trailer brake connection port, but without trailer hitch receiver. I think both have the aux switches in the cabin. Does this mean the aux switches are ready to be connected? How much work to install the hitch receiver by myself? Just a few bolts?
Thanks

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[SnowDawg]

I can’t answer on how the wiring aspect plays out here, but just adding the receiver is super simple. It’s 4 bolts. I think it can be done without removing the bumper even, but I was replacing mine so it happened concurrently.

 

[Terrymo]

 

[Jeep Wick]

Saw a few JL and JT on dealer's lot. At least two of them have the electronic trailer brake connection port, but without trailer hitch receiver. I think both have the aux switches in the cabin. Does this mean the aux switches are ready to be connected? How much work to install the hitch receiver by myself? Just a few bolts?
Thanks

Seems odd to me that they would have the harness and no receiver. Pics? The JT receiver is more complicated than the JL if I recall.

 

[CatvonNC]

Saw a few JL and JT on dealer's lot. At least two of them have the electronic trailer brake connection port, but without trailer hitch receiver. I think both have the aux switches in the cabin. Does this mean the aux switches are ready to be connected? How much work to install the hitch receiver by myself? Just a few bolts?
Thanks

We just put one on our JL and it was easy, just 4 or 6 bolts (sorry can't remember).

 

[bjm00se]

Saw a few JL and JT on dealer's lot. At least two of them have the electronic trailer brake connection port, but without trailer hitch receiver. I think both have the aux switches in the cabin. Does this mean the aux switches are ready to be connected? How much work to install the hitch receiver by myself? Just a few bolts?
Thanks

If you're counting on towing and want the trailer electronics, I strongly recommend that you limit your selection to Jeeps that have the towing package option listed on the factory sticker.

Those who've gone through the pain of retrofitting the necessary electronics will tell you it's a complicated and tedious job. It certainly does not pencil out if you're paying someone else labor to do it. (If you're a master of vehicle electronics, this comment may not apply to you.)

Jeep is constantly tweaking their manufacturing process, so various parts of non selected options may or may not be present. But the fact that some pieces are there (e.g. connection port) does NOT imply that ALL the necessary parts are there. And figuring out which ones aren't is a complex exercise in diagnostics. Far and away more complex than the relatively simple task of attaching a steel hitch receiver.

 

[350camper]

Seems odd to me that they would have the harness and no receiver. Pics? The JT receiver is more complicated than the JL if I recall.

Didn't take photo of the rear. But it appears to quite common on the lot. Might has to do with 2023 left overs.

 

[350camper]

If you're counting on towing and want the trailer electronics, I strongly recommend that you limit your selection to Jeeps that have the towing package option listed on the factory sticker.

Those who've gone through the pain of retrofitting the necessary electronics will tell you it's a complicated and tedious job. It certainly does not pencil out if you're paying someone else labor to do it. (If you're a master of vehicle electronics, this comment may not apply to you.)

Jeep is constantly tweaking their manufacturing process, so various parts of non selected options may or may not be present. But the fact that some pieces are there (e.g. connection port) does NOT imply that ALL the necessary parts are there. And figuring out which ones aren't is a complex exercise in diagnostics. Far and away more complex than the relatively simple task of attaching a steel hitch receiver.

Good point. Will definitely get one with tow package to save the guesswork and potential headache.

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