Question:
I am looking for advice on 3 solutions. Hitch, Wiring Harness and Trailer Brake for 2008 Chrysler Town and Country. My requirements are towing either my 2400# popup camper with electric brakes or my 2400# boat. One trailer has 4way wiring and one has 7way wiring. Looking through the products I see a solution for hitch, electric brake, 4way wiring that could be permanently adapted to 7way. I do not however see an option for both 4 AND 7way wiring. Thanks.
asked by: Ron L
Expert Reply:
We've got exactly what you're needing to get on down the road with your pop-up. As a first step, please confirm with your owner's manual that your Town and Country has sufficient towing capacity to safely tow your pop-up.
For a hitch, I'd recommend the Draw-Tite Class III receiver, part # 75579. The Draw-Tite model won't require that the underside of the bumper fascia be trimmed, or that a stabilizing strap be used for non-trailer loads like bike racks or cargo trays in order to retain warranty coverage, like the Curt hitch does. You'll also need a ball mount, like part # 2753 and for a 2 inch ball, part # 63845 or # 19260 for a 1-7/8 inch ball.
For a brake controller, a basic proportional controller like the Tekonsha Primus # TK90160 works well if your trailer has electric brakes. A proportional controller is your best bet for safe, controlled and predictable braking. Since the braking force is correctly distributed between the trailer and the vehicle brakes, neither the vehicle nor the trailer is doing all the braking, which can lead to longer life for both sets of brakes.
To install the controller, you'll need to begin with a functioning 4-pole trailer connector on the vehicle, which would be provided by installing the Tow Ready T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness, part # 118552. Once that's in place, you'd use our Brake Controller Installation Kit, part # ETBC7. The kit includes everything needed to install the controller, including an adapter that will plug into your 4-pole, and convert it into a 4-pole/7-way connector, exactly what you're looking for. Also included is the wire, circuit breakers and hardware. Even the zip ties for a neat and tidy installation are included. I'll link you to the install details for the ETBC7 kit, as well as to an install video that you'll find helpful.
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
Draw-Tite Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 2-3/4" Rise, 4" Drop - 9" Long - 7.5K
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires
Tekonsha Primus IQ Trailer Brake Controller - 1 to 3 Axles - Proportional
7- and 4-Pole Trailer Connector Socket w/ Mounting Bracket - Vehicle End