So now I have installed an OEM hitch and wiring harness but...

I have this other "complementary" wiring harness that the Mopar directions/info says is needed for the KJ's w/o the EVIC.

This extra wiring supposedly goes along the passenger side of the vehicle to the front.

Jeep dealership installed my hitch and said I don't need this...

What is it for then?

So,,,, do u have the evic?

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LOST KJ'S
Where are you going???
Current Jeep: 2004 Jeep Liberty
-Atlantic Blue
-Air Ride Rear Suspension ; OME/Rustys Lift ; Powertrax Locker ; Moog Lower Ball-Joints ; 245/70/16 Yokohama Geolander A/T-S's on MOABS ; Flowmaster 50 SUV
Lost #007082
http://www.cardomain.com/id/jeepjeepster

No I don't.

when i put my hitch on i picked up a wire harness from napa and all i had to do was run a power wire to the battery and it hooked into the rear tail light harness. it cost $65. a little pricey but didnt have to deal with the hassel of bilding my own.i don't remember the part number though.

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02 liberty soprt
silver
no lift
firestone Destination m/t 225/75/16
soon to have {hella 500 and yakama roof rack}

I apologize if I didn't clarify. I have on THE OEM wiring that sorta hooks up to the rear Driver side tail light.....

but I have the extra OEm "complementary" wiring that says is for thos KJ's that do not have an EVIC.

I don't have an EVIC. So I was wondering what is it for if Jeep service says I don't need it.

Thanks.

Check out this HowTo on jeepkj written by amarony. It's a few pages of information about hitches, harnesses, wiring, etc for the KJ, very informative:

http://jeepkj.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1691

The jist of the article says that if you are one of the "chosen few" who doesn't have an EVIC, that you will need to run power from the battery all the way back to the harness with that extra part you mentioned. It's not "required", per se, depending on the type of towing you will be doing, but if you want more than just taillights on the trailer (ie, power and brakes), you need to put that required adapter in.

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Jeff 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade
4x4, 6spd, Leather, Sunroof, trak-loc, skids/rails, hitch+shackle, hooks, Alpine/iPod, Thule, GPS, CB, Frankenlifted w/ 31" MTRs
Photos Cardomain

ok, lets see here, so u got the wiring harness that hooks up to the tail lights? right? So u only have the 4 pin connector, not the round 7 pin connector. I believe u only need the wiring harness that goes to the front if u have the 7pin connector. Im not sure what all that "extra" harness is for, but i know it includes the electric brake wire for brakes on a trailer. I hope this cleared some stuff up. So in other words, if u have the 4pin connector, i dont think u need the extra harness. I could be wrong though.

_________________
LOST KJ'S
Where are you going???
Current Jeep: 2004 Jeep Liberty
-Atlantic Blue
-Air Ride Rear Suspension ; OME/Rustys Lift ; Powertrax Locker ; Moog Lower Ball-Joints ; 245/70/16 Yokohama Geolander A/T-S's on MOABS ; Flowmaster 50 SUV
Lost #007082
http://www.cardomain.com/id/jeepjeepster

I will confirm this 4poin or 7pin controversy. Thanks.

If it's 4, then what is the max of safe stuff to tow?

I was thinking of saving the wear on my bro's XJ( The Chero-TAH) when we wheel by transporting it on one of those tows that rests the front wheels on it and drags the rears. Too much?

Otherwise it's going to be bike rack and ski stuff this year.

Edgar

I don't imagine you'll have a problem with that - I'm pretty sure that kind of towing doesn't support trailer brakes anyway. I think you really only need to get the 7pin and brake controller if you want to tow a horse trailer, some kind of huge double-axle trailer flatbed, or like a large camper or something.

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Jeff 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade
4x4, 6spd, Leather, Sunroof, trak-loc, skids/rails, hitch+shackle, hooks, Alpine/iPod, Thule, GPS, CB, Frankenlifted w/ 31" MTRs
Photos Cardomain

So if I wanted to tow a one car trailer( one or two axles?), would that be less stressful on the KJ tranny? Is it doable?

Se7en, I sent you a PM. Thanks for the jeepkj link. Everyone should read it.

My son built me a 6x10 trailer in shop class last year. I bought the 3500 lb axle with electric brakes, just because I could, if you have towed trailers before, you know how they can start dancing on the road depending on your load, braking, wind ect, anyways, the electric brakes help with the dancing and saves your KJ's brakes. If your going to tow another car on a trailer, I would perfer the electric brakes which needs a 7 pin harness, then you will need an brake controller $35 -125,

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Mango~Ridge
2003 Stone White KJ
Lifting soon!.....finally

Thanks for your thoughts, Mango.(Been a while, buddy!)

I would love to read more opinions. Especially for thoughts on best way to reduce engine/tranny stress. Wheeling is only a once or twice a month deal right now.

Well I looked afterwards and saw SEVEN pins( 6 flats around and center ones). Now judging from the previous write up in JeepKJ(fro all that have read it) and commentary on this thread.....should I assume that I don't have the capability to use brakes on a trailer or is it there?

Yes you have the capability. If you have the tow package or the harness which has the 7 pin plug, (6 around and 1 in the center) your set up for electric brakes. You will have to install an electric brake controller under the dash.

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Mango~Ridge
2003 Stone White KJ
Lifting soon!.....finally

Right, but what he's saying is that while he has the 7-pin connector, he's not so sure that all 7 pins are connected, since the dealer didn't install the extra wire dongle that is listed as required for those without the EVIC.

There were a few people posting there that said they were the exception to the rule, that they were able to find the elusive wire without needing to route all the way up to the battery. Since it's just a power wire you're looking for, you may be able to test for it with a multimeter and a pinout diagram. You should talk to the dealer and tell them that you plan to install a brake controller (even if you don't plan to right away) and want to make sure that the electric brake connection is there.

_________________
Jeff 2005 Jeep Liberty Renegade
4x4, 6spd, Leather, Sunroof, trak-loc, skids/rails, hitch+shackle, hooks, Alpine/iPod, Thule, GPS, CB, Frankenlifted w/ 31" MTRs
Photos Cardomain

Thanks everyone. I will get on that soon. Will test to see if I am one of the exceptions to the rule.

Later.