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OEM Tow Setup On Order

14K views 50 replies 11 participants last post by  bjs382 
#1 ·
Have been working with my dealer to come up with parts needed to add the factory hitch to my Cherokee as it didn't come with the tow package( wanted it but didn't work out ). We looked up my vehicle in the schematics and then looked up a similar Latitude that had factory tow so we could see what was different and get a parts list.

It looks like we have all the parts needed and everything is on order now. Everything shows available with the longest expected arrival time of 2 weeks, including the hitch( in stock and parts guy said 2-3 days ). Only the MOPAR tow harness kit was not available yet but is due to be available shortly.

Not a lot needed it appears. Just the rear fascia, the hitch, and 6 hitch bolts for hard parts. And of course the MOPAR wiring kit if you so choose. At least it looks that way based on the schematics and parts lists.

As soon as the hard parts arrive I am picking them up for my body guy to put on and then I will have the dealer do the tow wiring as it also requires a dealer flash I was told. The most expensive thing is the MOPAR tow harness kit. Be prepared for sticker shock( $200+ ).

Anyway, once the stuff arrives and everything is installed I will post part #'s for you. I don't have them now( hard parts - have the MOPAR tow harness )or I would. I will have to get them off the slip after I pay. Also, this is for a Latitude w/ 3.2L. There will be some variation on parts if you have a 4 cyl and/or a Limited. Also, the TH will use all different parts( tow harness may be the same? ).

I know lots of people are interested in doing this. I hope in 2-3 weeks tops to be able to provide a parts list people can use to order what is needed. At least for a similar vehicle to mine.

Stay tuned...:D
 
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#3 ·
I have no need of the 3.51's. I may or may not add the engine cooler? My boat comes in just under the 2000lbs limit. I also tow mostly during duck season( Oct - Feb )so it is cold out when towing as well. If my Patriot could tow it this vehicle sure can.

I would say the hitch is the most important part of a tow package personally. That other stuff doesn't do squat for towing if you can't tow. :lol:
 
#8 ·
It's an Aluma trailer. 63"x8' and 345 lbs. it has a 2000 lb dexter Ez lube torsion axle. It's been sitting at a dealer here in St. Louis for a few years. It's a brand new 2011 model. I paid $1300. They have a more reinforced trailer with wheel jack up there for $1500.
 
#12 · (Edited)
I wish jeep would get their info accurate. Seriously, how hard is it to just take a second and make the correct info available to people. You never really know what is true and what isn't. According to Jeep.Com Spec's( 4WD models - Sport/Latitude/Limited/TH )...

Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler - ALL Standard
160 AMP Alternator - ALL Standard
180 AMP Alternator - Available Latitude/Limited/TH ( Part of Tow Group )
Engine Oil Cooler - ALL Standard
Tow Group - ALL Optional Includes...
  • 7 and 4 Pin Wiring Harness
  • Class III Receiver Hitch
  • Full Size Spare Tire
  • Trailer Tow Wiring Harness
  • 180-Amp Alternator (Unavailable with some configurations) *Not on Sport*
  • 3.517 Final Drive Ratio (Unavailable with some configurations) *V6 Models Only*
  • Heavy Duty Engine Cooling (Unavailable with some configurations)
I wonder what they mean by HD Engine Cooling? Maybe there is a different radiator or electric fan or something. I thought it was the engine oil cooler but their spec page says all models get that standard so???


EDIT - I just went to the Jeep site and got my build sheet( get yours >>> HERE <<< - click Equipment Listing on the left then enter vin # ). I have a Latitude 3.2L ADI and no Tow Group. My vehicle has...

Engine Oil Cooler
Auxiliary Transmission Oil Cooler

So not sure what HD Engine Cooling is with the Tow Group unless it is a different radiator or fan or something as said earlier. I thought it was the oil cooler. Either that or the V6 comes with it standard and the 4cyl doesn't so the 4cyl gets it as part of the Tow Group( hence the unavailable on some comments ). BUT the Jeep site says all models have the oil cooler so?????
 
#13 ·
..............................

So not sure what HD Engine Cooling is

...................
High Definition?
Home Depot?
Harley Davidson?
Hard Disk?
High Density?
Hot Dog?
Harmonic Distortion?
Highway Department?
Honorable Discharge?
Hyperactive Disorder?

:confused: Inquiring minds want to know. :confused:

Desert Hiker
 
#22 ·
Hello again Patriot

question for you? did u find out if the dealer really does need to perform a flash for the two wiring? what does the flash do?
Sorry can't answer yet. Nothing is here( or only part of the order? )yet to be installed.

I am 99.9% sure the flash will need to be done if the MOPAR tow wiring kit is added though. I am sure I read it somewhere. Flashing basically turns it on. Dealer has to do it.
 
#27 ·
Got word from the dealer today that the parts are in so I am picking them up tomorrow. Hopefully we got everything needed. My body guy is throwing the stuff on( except for wiring )over the weekend or Monday. Then I will have the dealer throw the wiring in( without a lift it is a PITA running the harness so I will let them do it ).

Assuming all goes well and we have all the parts I will post up next week with the part #'s and such.
 
#28 ·
I'm still in limbo on my tow package from the dealer. The dealership stated that I would have it installed no later then the end of March. In December I was told end of January. As long as I've got it installed before middle of March, ( in time for boating weather), I'll be a happy camper! If not I'll be SOL? and will probably be commandeering my fathers Titan. ?
 
#30 ·
I'm still in limbo on my tow package from the dealer. The dealership stated that I would have it installed no later then the end of March. In December I was told end of January. As long as I've got it installed before middle of March, ( in time for boating weather), I'll be a happy camper! If not I'll be SOL&#55357;&#56489; and will probably be commandeering my fathers Titan. &#55357;&#56398;
All the parts are available now from hitch to wiring so no reason they can't get the stuff. Took less than 2 weeks for the parts to come in for me.
 
#29 ·
Just to update this a bit more about a possible flash being needed. I opened the tow wiring kit and it includes a body control module that is added along with the harness. I am pretty sure it will need a flash to make it work but maybe not?

Another note. It appears from the directions( which SUCK - just bad drawings - no text at all - typical MOPAR )that there is actually no under the hood( i.e. engine compartment )hook up which is good as those are a pain. HOWEVER, you have to take out the spare tire and spare tire well trim, the driver's side cargo area trim, and then strip most every piece of lower level interior trim out that goes down the driver's side of the vehicle up to the dash where you get to pull the lower dash trim. The harness goes down the driver's side to the dash where it goes in behind the dash to a fuse block there. A big ass hole has to be drilled in the rear for the harness to go out too.

Looks like the harness install is not for anyone but an experienced DIY'er or you could easily break interior trim panels. I did a similar one to this a few years ago and I will never do it again. I know what I am doing but gutting interiors just sucks plain and simple. I am having either the dealer or my body guy do it. Planned to anyway but after seeing the directions there is no doubt about it. :eek:
 
#32 ·
Isn't installed yet. I just got the stuff yesterday( was ordered Feb 17 ). Taking it to the body shop later and dropping it off so he can do the hitch install and fascia when he has time( I have a great body guy - I can call at a moments notice and get in - may have to leave it a couple days but he gets me in asap ). I figure I will see it Monday or Tuesday. He wants to see the directions to decide if he will do the harness or not. Dealer will do harness after I get it back if he doesn't want to.
 
#34 · (Edited)
The harness connects to the back of the 7/4 pin connector that mounts in the hitch( see photo below - no it isn't mine ). It uses a plug on the end of the harness that goes into the backside of the hitch mounted connector. As far as the rest of the harness I wouldn't be able to get any photos as it is buried under the trim and dash.

It certainly can be done by the DIY'er. However, like I said ^^^ you have to strip most of the trim off in the cargo area and down the driver's side of the vehicle as well as part of the dash to run the harness. You will also have to drill a big hole( 1 5/8" I think it was )in the floor pan in the back to get the harness through. It is not an easy job and trim panels can be a pain( especially in cooler/cold weather ). You can break them and/or the clips on them evry easy even when you know what you are doing.

The harness hooks into the backside of the connector shown on the hitch below and then the other end goes into a fuse block behind the dash( it looks like - directions really suck )...



 
#35 ·
UPDATE:

Just got the vehicle back from the body shop after having the hitch and fascia installed. Everything fit fine. Turns out we did have the parts list correct and this is actually an easy swap to make as it involves very few parts. The tow harness will be the hardest thing to do.

The dealer will install the tow harness on Thursday and the hitch install will be done. I will take a picture when it is all done( FWIW - will look like any Cherokee with a factory tow package ).

So, assuming the tow harness is right( and it should be )here is the parts list, list pricing( I paid much less ), and some notes...

HITCH: 68102272AB
LIST PRICE: $257.00
NOTES: Fits ALL except for Trailhawk

HITCH BOLTS: 6508668AA
LIST PRICE: $6.10 each
NOTES: 6 Needed

REAR FASCIA: 68203262AC
LIST PRICE: $137.00
NOTES: For V6 Latitude w/ Dual Exhaust Outlets.

TOW HARNESS KIT: 82213938AB
LIST PRICE: $203.85
NOTES: Fits ALL

Hope this helps.
 
#36 ·
Got great news today! The has finally been able to place a request order my towing package from Jeep. They are going to call back in the morning with a confirmation number and a date to install my package. This totally makes me feel better then the same old answer of "we don't know when it will be made available". I'm one happy camper!?
 
#37 ·
UPDATE:

Got the tow harness installed yesterday. WARNING this is a labor intensive PITA to do!!! Took them 4 hours to complete the job. It was the 1st one they had done so that adds a little to it but I would say even after they have done some and have it down to a science you are still looking at 2.5-3 hours. Just too much to do for the flat rate 1.2 Hours to be accurate. You have to strip all the trim off the driver's side from the cargo area to the front door and dash. I guess the cargo area side panel is a bear to get out. Also awkward to get up under the dash to hook the wiring in too.

Have to go back for the flash because it took so long they got behind and I said I didn't need to tow anything for a while. They would have done it but I was fine coming back later for that. Actually, they can do it when I have the remote start kit put in. I also have to go back later today and pay. The service manager said he needed to think about what to charge for a bit. He can't charge for how long it took but the flat rate is unfair as well( and I agree ).

So just FYI if you are thinking of doing this yourself - a flash IS needed( some have said it wouldn't but it is )after it is installed and this is not an easy or quick job. I am glad I did not attempt it. I have done OEM harnesses like this before and they always suck. This one sounds like it would have been a nightmare.
 
#38 ·
You know maybe Chrysler/Jeep should just include the Tow with the vehicle base as does Honda on the Pilot. I am sure they could keep the additional cost down to under $400 and maybe lower if they option out the Spare tire. The spare could even be a dealer installed.
 
#40 · (Edited)
Well I called the dealership to get an update on my tow package and this is what their reply was. "We have the hitch in however your wiring harness is on back order and we do not expect it till the end of May " So being that I'm wanting to get my boat in the lake I'll just be putting the the hitch on for now. Then later I'll have them put the wiring harness in. My question is has anyone had there's put in and is it true a flash will have to be done for the trailhawk. I guess I will also be getting a pair of battery operated flashers for the trailer. I don't have too many heavily used roads to get where I'm going and hopefully this will be sufficient for the law. ?
 
#41 ·
Update the dealership will not pay to have the hitch put in then for to come back in for the wiring harness. I feel like.this is bullcrap. I feel like I've been the one mislead the whole time one story after another. They should make it rift and help in anyway possible. I guess that's asking to much
 
#42 ·
I think it maybe a liability issue with the dealer. Tow with no lights?
The way people are these days. "Well you installed it without ligthts".
They need to put it on the road to comply with all laws.
I'm not making excuses for this bad dealer behavior. Communication is key as to why they will not. I sounds like you had an agreement when you purchased your Cherokee for the tow.

I had the issue with my Cherokee in November. Could not find one with tow. The dealer found one without tow but loaded for a hot price.
They can install it. Problem was the hitch is BO. I can bring it back when it comes in and have it put on. They even priced it into the agreement.
I factory ordered the Cherokee. After reading all of this I'm glad I did.
 
#44 ·
The hitch goes in before the wiring. Says so right on the install instructions for the wiring harness. Big bold black box/area with the following statement in all cap's on the cover of the tow harness install booklet...

VEHICLE MUST BE EQUIPPED WITH TRAILER HITCH BEFORE PROCEEDING

They may think that they will have to be in the same area again for the harness and don't want to get double dipped for the work. However, the hitch has to go on 1st anyway. All they do after that near the hitch is to plug the 7/4 pin connector into the slot on the hitch, drill a hole through the floor pan to allow the harness to be fed out of the cargo area down to the hitch, and plug the harness into the 7/4 connector. Nothing else need be done in the hitch area. There will be no repeat work.

If I were you I would tell them to either put the hitch in NOW and let you come back when the wiring kit is in or to refund your money and go elsewhere to get it done. Maybe give you the hitch and then refund the difference and let you get it installed elsewhere.
 
#46 · (Edited)
The update on my oem hitch install. The good and the bad![emoji43][emoji44]
As of today my jeep dealership will have had my trailhawk for exactly one week. The jeep was put in the shop on a Tuesday, for the installation of my hitch and wiring harness. I was expecting it to take two days being that its a hard install and it was the very first one that they have installed at the dealership. When I arrived at the dealership the next day I was told that they were having issues with installation of the wiring harness and it would take another day. I called them Thursday afternoon to check up on the progress and was told it was still not ready although everything was installed. The lady explained that after they buttoned up everything, the jeep would not turn over and that some of the electronics were not functioning also. She stated that it was narrowed down to the service dept. shorting out a body control module and the new module was in route from jeep for replacement.
I'm glad that early on when I purchased my trailhawk that I had them throw in a towing package in the deal. Rather me heckle them over the price.
I'm guessing as of right now they've spent about 24-to 32 hours total on my jeep,at $85.00 an hour (You can do he math) and am glad I did not flip the bill on this addon, I'm also sure that control module they had to pay out of pocket was not cheap. They gave me a loaner which I'm sure they will come to regret. It's 2013 dodge truck ( not a bad truck by the way), until I get my jeep back. I think their going to have a stroke,??? The wife and I have put 460 miles on it already
It's been a roller coaster of feelings about this whole experience and am ready to get off on the next exit. I wanted to share with you all the issues you might run into if your planing to have one installed. Granted you may not have any problems on the install but understand its a full day install at the very lest.
 
#50 ·
We did not need the V6/4500 lb tow capacity. We only tow a small utility 1200 GVW trailer, so the I4 is fine, but nothing on lot has a factory hitch. Yesterday, I bought the hitch receiver and compatible fascia and put it on myself today. 6 hours and no issues. Dealer wanted $225 for install. Looks great. Didn't want an aftermarket hitch, reduces clearance and departure angle. Can provide lessons learned (instructions not accurate, for example).

I have ordered a e-trailer harness for the 14 Cherokee, see video. It will take time, but do not have to remove interior panels all the way to dash, plus you do not need a software upgrade either. The e-trailer harness is only a 4 flat, ok for me. Missing piece is the finished connectors which snap into the receiver metalwork, could buy one for another $56 and solder or crimp the aftermarket 4 flat leads. Project for another day
 
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