Electrical Connection for Towing
10-07-2020 | 08:16 PM
#1
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2020
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From: Jackson
Electrical Connection for Towing
So I will be getting my JK home tomorrow, and will soon need to tow actually. Since it has the receiver, can I assume that the electrical connector is hidden up somewhere from the factory or no? It is a 2013. I was just thinking this might be a case of like the guy that buys a new diesel, pays the dealer to "install" the plug in for the block, when in secret all they do is reach up inside the engine and uncover it because it was installed from the factory.
Thanks.
Thanks.
10-08-2020 | 03:14 AM
#2
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From: Knoxville
I would not assume the connector is there. If it is (and the rear end is relatively stock) then it would be clipped to the left hand side of the receiver. I've bought the receiver for racks and didn't add the wiring harness ($20 if you end up needing to add one) later.
10-08-2020 | 05:10 AM
#3
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JK Newbie
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From: Jackson
Wire Harness
I would not assume the connector is there. If it is (and the rear end is relatively stock) then it would be clipped to the left hand side of the receiver. I've bought the receiver for racks and didn't add the wiring harness ($20 if you end up needing to add one) later.
10-08-2020 | 05:23 AM
#4
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From: Knoxville
The harnesses for these plug in line with the driver's tail light harness. If you don't see the pigtail hanging out right next to the receiver then you'll need to buy it, plug it in, and route it down to your receiver. Simple job, no special tools required, and actually it's only the two inner screws on the tail light.
You could actually pull off the tail light and determine if you have a harness or not. If the light goes straight to the body harness then there's no plug. If you see a T in there and it seems to disappear down into the cavity, then you've got the plug.
You could actually pull off the tail light and determine if you have a harness or not. If the light goes straight to the body harness then there's no plug. If you see a T in there and it seems to disappear down into the cavity, then you've got the plug.
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1BadMoFo (10-08-2020)
10-08-2020 | 05:32 AM
#5
JK Junkie
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: brick, nj
I assume you don't have the harness. Many Jeep's do not. It is a very easy job and inexpensive to buy and install the harness. A 7-pin is more complicated as you need to go through the fire wall and connect to the brake pedal sensor.
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1BadMoFo (10-08-2020)
10-08-2020 | 06:00 AM
#7
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 68
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From: Jackson
The harnesses for these plug in line with the driver's tail light harness. If you don't see the pigtail hanging out right next to the receiver then you'll need to buy it, plug it in, and route it down to your receiver. Simple job, no special tools required, and actually it's only the two inner screws on the tail light.
You could actually pull off the tail light and determine if you have a harness or not. If the light goes straight to the body harness then there's no plug. If you see a T in there and it seems to disappear down into the cavity, then you've got the plug.
You could actually pull off the tail light and determine if you have a harness or not. If the light goes straight to the body harness then there's no plug. If you see a T in there and it seems to disappear down into the cavity, then you've got the plug.
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10-08-2020 | 06:11 AM
#9
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From: Knoxville
A utility trailer can get heavy quickly behind a 2dr. I'm most comfortable with my 5x10', but try to avoid really loading it down. I've done it, I've exceeded the limits (likely), but would not encourage others to do so.
10-08-2020 | 07:01 AM
#10
JK Junkie
Joined: Feb 2012
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From: brick, nj
Here is a harness that would be plug & play. There are other brands that are slightly cheaper.
Rugged Ridge 17275.01, 4-Way Tow Hitch Wiring Harness for 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK Models https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003O95MT8..._gUXFFbVJ6KT61
Rugged Ridge 17275.01, 4-Way Tow Hitch Wiring Harness for 07-18 Jeep Wrangler JK Models https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003O95MT8..._gUXFFbVJ6KT61
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1BadMoFo (10-08-2020)