Just got the wife a new 2014 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited - We have a Fleetwood Evolution E3 popup camper and I am worried about towing it with the jeep. It is listed at 2950 pounds empty. Jeep towing capacity is listed at 3500 pounds - I know we put more than 500 pounds of gear etc in it. Jeep is a 6 speed manual if it matters - trailer does have electric breaks..

Should I be worried about towing something right at or a little above the rated max? Anyone towed this trailer with their Jeep?

If it is ok to pull this trailer - how do I install the Electric Break controller? There is no OEM plug available for anything other than 4 flat connector and no OEM electric Break controller listed. I know you can cause problems with the computer if you hook into electrical system in the wrong way.

Any info/advice greatly appreciated.

 

Please look for some of my recent posts. What is important is your gearing. If you have 3.21 there may be a concern. If you have 3.73 you should have no problem. You will want to use a weight distribution hitch or the rear will sag too much. I just got back from a trip from NJ to VA pulling around 5000 pounds. You can message me for more advice. You will need a brake controller. I suggest Prodigy 2 because you don't need to permanently mount it and it can be unplugged and stored when not needed. You will need to install the wiring for the controller along with a 7-pin connector for the trailer. I towed for over 5000 miles collectively over the past 2.5 yrs with the stock receiver. I recently upgraded to the smittybilt xrc bumper which gave substantial improvement with the weight distribution hitch. It increases the hitch capacity to 5000 pounds. DISCLAIMER- I am not suggesting anyone violate the 3500 max tow capacity. I'm just saying I have done it for many miles all over Nj, PA, VA, and NC without a problem. I have 2012 JKU with max tow package, manual transmission.

 

There is a whole thread on here on trailer towing. Having the breaks in the trailer is an added bonus for you for sure! You should be ok towing with it just remember the basics like giving yourself more time to pull out and stop. Congrats on the new jeep you'll love it. Post some pictures.

 

Go to the dealer and get the MOPAR 7 pin wiring harness. It's plug and play for the most part, the worst part is running the wire loom from the battery to the plug location in the rear, but they cover that in the instructions as well. I think it was $100 or so from the stealer....I mean dealer.


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I just used an off the shelf brake controller wiring kit, along with an adapter to go from the factory 4 pin to the 7 pin connector. Probably all for under $30. Here are some wiring pics. The big red wire and black tube for the rear window washer are seen passing through the firewall. (Look for the big glob of RTV the installer put there for waterproof ness).

 

For highway speeds, wind resistance becomes a big factor. I have towed my trailer empty at 3500 pounds and full at 5000 pounds and it feel no different at all on the highway. My trailer is worse case since it is like a big non-aero box. I get around 11mpg on highway. You will probably do much better with the lower drag of a pop-up.

 

I've pulled a 4000 lbs camper with my Wrangler with 4.10s and 37" tires. It managed it, but I wouldn't recommend it.