Trailers at 3500 lbs or under with brake controllers

[RussJeep1]

I ask this from an admitted point of ignorance.

Of the trailers in this world at the 3500 lbs mark or lighter: in other words those not rated beyond the JLUs ability to tow, do a fair number of them have brake controllers?

Maybe so, or FCA might have not provided it as an option.

I ask because the number one reason I might have gotten the tow package was the factory installed 7 pin brake controller (and 4 pin harness.)

But I don't tow much, and when I do it's usually not more than a flatbed with a rented tool on it, absent of brake controllers: so 4 pin is fine for me. I doubt that will change for me.

Yes-I do realize the tow package comes with more than simply the 2" receiver and aforementioned electrical receptacle.

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[DetroitJL]

I've never towed RVs, but plenty of boats and utility trailers in the 3500 lb range and under. My experience is they either have no brakes or surge brakes. Neither would require a brake controller. I ordered the tow package as well.

 

[digitalbliss]

As an FYI, most states laws require trailers over 3,000lbs to have trailer brakes. Since the Jeeps tow rating is above that, it makes complete sense to offer a 7 pin connector.

 

[Jethris]

I have a pop-up campter that is 2200 lbs dry with it's own brakes. I am so grateful for those as I bring it down I-70 from Eisenhower tunnel towards Denver!

I had a 2013 Sahara, and I didn't have a problem towing it up that climb, but coming down the brakes were a god-send. I had to have a 7 pin adapter installed, which was more expensive. I'm glad it's there.

 

[DetroitJL]

I don't have my new Jeep yet to reference, but I was under the impression that the towing package came with the 7 pin and 4 pin harness, but not necessarily a brake controller. Is there a brake controller in the cab?

 

[digitalbliss]

I don't have my new Jeep yet to reference, but I was under the impression that the towing package came with the 7 pin and 4 pin harness, but not necessarily a brake controller. Is there a brake controller in the cab?

No, you have to supply your own

 

[ToolMan514]

The connector for the brake controller is under the dash. You will need and adapter to fit your own controller. I have already ordered a Tekonsha adapter for my existing controller. It looks like this (below). There are at least one other thread where someone worked out the pinout and which adapters would work properly (RAM no, Cherokee yes.). This is a Tekonsha 3014-P.

 

[Pipebndr]

I ask this from an admitted point of ignorance.

Of the trailers in this world at the 3500 lbs mark or lighter: in other words those not rated beyond the JLUs ability to tow, do a fair number of them have brake controllers?

Maybe so, or FCA might have not provided it as an option.

I ask because the number one reason I might have gotten the tow package was the factory installed 7 pin brake controller (and 4 pin harness.)

But I don't tow much, and when I do it's usually not more than a flatbed with a rented tool on it, absent of brake controllers: so 4 pin is fine for me. I doubt that will change for me.

Yes-I do realize the tow package comes with more than simply the 2" receiver and aforementioned electrical receptacle.

New York Trailer Brake Laws

Every trailer and semitrailer weighing more than 1,000 lbs. unladen and every trailer and semitrailer manufactured on or after January 1, 1971, having a registered maximum gross weight or an actual gross weight of more than 3,000 lbs. shall be equipped with adequate brakes in good working order. This is the law in NY. Now the DOT also has laws that pertain to towing, generally the State exceeds DOT.
http://trailers.com/state-laws/

 

[Mousehunter]

A lot of trailers might also have surge brakes-no controller needed. I know I have an aluminum framed (one ton?) that does. Might is under rated at 2900lbs (but is identical to the 3400lb rated version other than the name plate

 

[WXman]

Well here's the deal on that. You have to consider that if an empty trailer weighs 3500 pounds then there's no way you can put anything on the trailer and stay within limit. In order to account for passengers, cargo, and then whatever's on your trailer that means the actual weight of your trailer is going to have to be far less than 3500 lb. And almost all trailers that weigh far less than 3500 lb are only going to have a single axle and no brakes. So that's why I think a trailer brake controller on a Wrangler is a moot point.

 

[Jackthejeeper]

The connector for the brake controller is under the dash. You will need and adapter to fit your own controller. I have already ordered a Tekonsha adapter for my existing controller. It looks like this (below). There are at least one other thread where someone worked out the pinout and which adapters would work properly (RAM no, Cherokee yes.). This is a Tekonsha 3014-P.

Hey toolman514 I am having the jeep 7 pin/flat pin installed at dealer. Does the adapter you show plug directly into it for the brake controller you have listed? I do not have the “factory tow package”.

 

[ToolMan514]

Hey toolman514 I am having the jeep 7 pin/flat pin installed at dealer. Does the adapter you show plug directly into it for the brake controller you have listed? I do not have the “factory tow package”.

I do not know what connectors the Mopar wiring harness has to know if it will take the adapter, or if you wire something directly. You should ask the dealer what the standard install includes. The adapter cable I posted was based on information others posted about their recent Cherokee experience. My Rubicon will have the factory tow package, so this will work for me. Ugh, I'm still saying WILL have, because I'm expecting delivery in the next week or two...

PS. If you put an @ in front of the member you're quoting, it will link and notify properly. Cheers @Jackthejeeper !

 

[digitalbliss]

Hey toolman514 I am having the jeep 7 pin/flat pin installed at dealer. Does the adapter you show plug directly into it for the brake controller you have listed? I do not have the “factory tow package”.

As far as I know from others posts, the answer is no. A jeep without the factory tow package will have to be spliced in.

 

[JLURmojito]

The connector for the brake controller is under the dash. You will need and adapter to fit your own controller. I have already ordered a Tekonsha adapter for my existing controller. It looks like this (below). There are at least one other thread where someone worked out the pinout and which adapters would work properly (RAM no, Cherokee yes.). This is a Tekonsha 3014-P.

that 3014 harness can cause all kinds of error codes and dash lights... it is missing a diode to protect the computer. I just posted a write-up on how to make it work the way it was intended. Sorry for hijacking - Just trying to save some Jeeps!

https://www.jlwranglerforums.com/forum/threads/jl-trailer-brake-controller.8378/page-2

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