Trailer Hitch & ipod connector

[cajunlab]

First time poster :)

Request:
Will someone please post pic's of a trailer hitch installed.
I assume it will not be a receiver-type hitch if they are dropping the exhaust? :(

Also, there is supposedly a $175 ipod factory connector/harness for all 2006 models Dodge/Jeep/Chrysler.....later in spring...wonder if it applies to SRT-GC? (hope it's not the low-res fm tuner variety)

TIA

Blk loaded getting ordered tomorrow....can't wait!

[njmundyesq]

I would also love to see a pic of the trailer hitch too. I don't know about the ipod connector, but I can tell you this - if you get the back seat DVD entertainment package, it has standard RCA audio input jacks located right on the unit, which is integrated into the armrest console in between the two front seats. You can use it to plug in an ipod, etc. and access the audio directly through the main stereo system.

[Hows2nd]

I would also love to see a pic of the trailer hitch too. I don't know about the ipod connector, but I can tell you this - if you get the back seat DVD entertainment package, it has standard RCA audio input jacks located right on the unit, which is integrated into the armrest console in between the two front seats. You can use it to plug in an ipod, etc. and access the audio directly through the main stereo system.

Look at post #8 in this thread:Is a hitch package really available?

[Stealth]

I don't know why you guys are so concerned about the tow hitch. It can only tow like 3500lbs....then again I can tow my quad.

[MegaSRT-8]

I don't know why you guys are so concerned about the tow hitch. It can only tow like 3500lbs....then again I can tow my quad.
Or my two Sea Doo's

[Stealth]

Or my two Sea Doo's
that too....

[JVGotti]

I would also love to see a pic of the trailer hitch too. I don't know about the ipod connector, but I can tell you this - if you get the back seat DVD entertainment package, it has standard RCA audio input jacks located right on the unit, which is integrated into the armrest console in between the two front seats. You can use it to plug in an ipod, etc. and access the audio directly through the main stereo system.

It does? I got my 2 Headrest monitors hard wired into the factory dvd player but where are the armrest controls or am I reading this wrong? Does this mean my PS2 will plug right in also?

[cajunlab]

Bump.
Still no trailer hitch info or pics?

[Milous]

Bump.
Still no trailer hitch info or pics?
Nope. The trailer hitch is still under development & testing and has not been shipped to any dealers yet.

[1C5]

What about the Ipod connector thing Milous? Any info on that?

[Milous]

What about the Ipod connector thing Milous? Any info on that?
One has been released so far for RAZ, RBP, RBQ, RAH and RBK radios, another version is supposed to be out sometime in the near future for the REC nav radio.

http://www.wkjeeps.com/misc/iPod_mopar_01s.jpg

[Milous]

http://www.wkjeeps.com/srt8/2006_srt8_ex1.jpg

http://www.wkjeeps.com/srt8/2006_srt8_ex2.jpg

[MegaSRT-8]

I want to redirct the pipes to the sides (behind the rear tires) and have just the hitch coming out the center cut-out. The center exhaust is a nice touch, but I need to tow my Sea Doo's and the Mopar hitch set-up for the Jeep SRT is retarded. I can just see myself burning my hands on the pipes

[MNBob]

That has got to be a joke. I am just waiting on my purchase for this to be worked out.

I don't see why they can't offer a hitch package that puts the hitch where it is on the Limited and just route the exhaust down and out.

MegaSRT-8, let me know if you come up with anything.

[1C5]

One has been released so far for RAZ, RBP, RBQ, RAH and RBK radios, another version is supposed to be out sometime in the near future for the REC nav radio.

http://www.wkjeeps.com/misc/iPod_mopar_01s.jpg

What do all those abbrev. mean?

[SDMagnumRT]

YES....you can plug a PS2/XBOX/etc into the center console and play to your hearts content on the screen

[SDMagnumRT]

http://www.wkjeeps.com/srt8/2006_srt8_ex1.jpg

http://www.wkjeeps.com/srt8/2006_srt8_ex2.jpg

Now thats funny...just plug the hitch into the exhaust

[Milous]

What do all those abbrev. mean?
Those are the model codes that Chrysler uses for their radios. The link below has details on the different models used for the 2005-up Grand Cherokees:

http://www.wkjeeps.com/wk_radios.htm

[cajunlab]

Milous,
Any update on the hitch availability?
"It ain't rocket science" :)
TIA

[GforceI]

I shot a message to DC regarding my hopes for a manual tranny and a tow hitch and this is what I got.

Thanks for your message dated 2 April 2006. At DaimlerChrysler Corporation we are always pleased to receive product comments and feedback from our friends and customers.

As it turns out, the Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 was intentionally offered without a manual transmission or the engine multi-displacement system because our market research indicated there wasn't sufficient interest among consumers for these features in this vehicle. Performance and the desire to preserve towing capability also helped us to decide that we would offer the drivetrain that you see in the vehicle now.

However, when it comes to trailer towing, we have already been examining different types of trailer hitches for this vehicle. The outcome or this work has yet to be determined.

Thank you again for your message. We hope you will consider our products whenever you're in the market for a new vehicle. At DaimlerChrysler Corporation we're always doing our best to develop and deliver the exciting new products that satisfy our customer's wants and needs.


Best Regards,

Charles R. Cheney
Outside Suggestions Office
DaimlerChrysl;er Corporation

So Basically they didn't want to add a manual tranny because it would decrease their already low tow rating that currently has no bearing because there is no hitch and may not even be one:rolleyes:

I would think that a custom hitch shop could fabricate something. I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[mlrtym44]

Or my two Sea Doo's
BINGO! How awsome would that be to pull 2 skis and still rock someone off the light. :D :D ;)

[MNBob]

I am going to try and install the factory hitch from a GC Limited and drop the back end of the exhaust system as necessary.

Does anyone know why this would not work?

[fasjeep]

Look back in the posts.
Teda has a post of a custom hitch that looks great.
I did what you are planning and it works well but does require cutting the plastic fascia of the bumper. I got the 1.25 receiver so the opening is a little more subtle and the rig is only rated to tow 3500 anyway. There are a lot of racks etc that fit 2" receivers so some may want that size. Cabela's does sell a 1.25 to 2" adapter which would work well for a bike rack or one of those carriers if you already owned one.

[MNBob]

I read your other post.

I want to install a 2'' receiver. Is it possible to install the hitch below the facia? I do not care how low I have to drop the exhaust.

[pjvreede]

I want to redirct the pipes to the sides (behind the rear tires) and have just the hitch coming out the center cut-out. The center exhaust is a nice touch, but I need to tow my Sea Doo's and the Mopar hitch set-up for the Jeep SRT is retarded. I can just see myself burning my hands on the pipes

My thoughts as well, but I was hoping to redirect the pipes to the outside edges of SRT-8 specific lower bumper fascia (the black part). My hopes were that Zoomers would make that an option on their aftermarket cat-back.

Based on the prior post noted earlier, it looks like the cut out for the exhaust is lower than the cut out for the tow hitch on the non-SRT-8's. So using the current tow bars will require a bumper fascia cut-out. Who will be the first to design a tow bar (2" receiver) that is lower that fits in to the exhaust cut out is what I'd like to know, then the custom cat-back exhaust for the performance gains and getting the heat away from the tow receiver.

[MNBob]

I wonder if the 2" bracket could be modified to lower it slightly. Maybe the mounting holes could be elongated or redrilled to drop it so it would clear the SRT8 exhaust cut out.

I was at the dealer the other day and they had both an SRT8 and a limited with the 2" inch hitch. Unfortunately, I did not have a tape measure or I would have measured the difference. From the picture that "fasjeep" provided, it does not look like it would need to be dropped by much.

[MegaSRT-8]

My thoughts as well, but I was hoping to redirect the pipes to the outside edges of SRT-8 specific lower bumper fascia (the black part). My hopes were that Zoomers would make that an option on their aftermarket cat-back.

Based on the prior post noted earlier, it looks like the cut out for the exhaust is lower than the cut out for the tow hitch on the non-SRT-8's. So using the current tow bars will require a bumper fascia cut-out. Who will be the first to design a tow bar (2" receiver) that is lower that fits in to the exhaust cut out is what I'd like to know, then the custom cat-back exhaust for the performance gains and getting the heat away from the tow receiver.

When I did my exhaust, I was thinking to do the same, but the pipe work would show underneath for this set-up. It just looked tacky. So I kept it the same - new 4" tips out the middle. I've been traveling for almost three weeks (had it done 3 days prior to leaving), so I hardley remember what it looks /sounds like:(

[pjvreede]

I'm thinking based on the responses that I've seen that I was not very clear with my description. My hope is that the exhaust pipes would be in new cutouts of lower flat black fascia where it meets up with the painted bumper fascia behind the back wheels (along the sides of the bumper instead of the middle), and then leave the old centrally located exhaust cut out for the newly fabricated, but lowered 2 inch tow hitch. I'd much rather cut in to the flat black plastic than the painted bumper fascia, which should be easily and cheaply replaceable if needed. Any suggestions or alternatives?

[fasjeep]

The rear fascia is all one piece, so cutting into the black is really no different than the colored portion. Basically to do what you want is what I originally thought as well. You have to get a custom hitch which may or may not be available in your area and custom exhaust. I wanted to be able to use one of the well designed cat back systems from a major vendor so I kept the stock exhaust system and hangers so that will be a simple switch out.

I can tell you that you have to be careful with the trailer wiring. I melted one and now use a shock cord to carefully keep wires up. I am moving the connector and hiding it out in the black area so the wiring will be off to the side. Those twin tips are like a 425 hp heat gun.

[GforceI]

Would it even be possible to have a reciever below the stock exhaust? I know there would be heat isssues to deal with but I think I could get around those. Would it be too low to the ground at that point though?

[fasjeep]

See Teda's post, anything is possible with good custom work.
Just below the tips would be just about perfect for the usual small trailer. I use a 2" drop insert and it is still a little higher than I would like(trailer tilted up some). Problem is that with more drop you are dead center in the heat gun effect, not so nice.
I'm sure these are all the issues that Jeep is working on with their hitch. People who bought one planning to tow when the factory hitch comes out may be very upset when the hitch package costs over $750 because you need a new bumper fascia. The alternative is mod the exhaust so the other problem will be that no aftermarket exhaust will fit if you have a hitch.
Teda has the best solution in my opinion.......... I just couldn't get any hitch shops here to touch the project. Liability issues are very real for small businesses...hitch fails, falls off, boat kills someone....very bad news. I am very happy with the factory stock hitch and the not so pretty fascia mods, I pull my flats boat at my usual highway cruising speed with zero issues.

Bottom line don't sweat the hitch deal, you can make something work. The truck is incredible for the money, I almost bought a Turbo Cayenne but I'm happy to have 50k in my pocket. That is why people are so pumped about mods, they have some money left to do them. Me too, but I'm gonna go slow and let others break theirs first, mine is a daily driver.

[pjvreede]

See Teda's post, anything is possible with good custom work.
Just below the tips would be just about perfect for the usual small trailer. I use a 2" drop insert and it is still a little higher than I would like(trailer tilted up some). Problem is that with more drop you are dead center in the heat gun effect, not so nice.
I'm sure these are all the issues that Jeep is working on with their hitch. People who bought one planning to tow when the factory hitch comes out may be very upset when the hitch package costs over $750 because you need a new bumper fascia. The alternative is mod the exhaust so the other problem will be that no aftermarket exhaust will fit if you have a hitch.
Teda has the best solution in my opinion.......... I just couldn't get any hitch shops here to touch the project. Liability issues are very real for small businesses...hitch fails, falls off, boat kills someone....very bad news. I am very happy with the factory stock hitch and the not so pretty fascia mods, I pull my flats boat at my usual highway cruising speed with zero issues.

Bottom line don't sweat the hitch deal, you can make something work. The truck is incredible for the money, I almost bought a Turbo Cayenne but I'm happy to have 50k in my pocket. That is why people are so pumped about mods, they have some money left to do them. Me too, but I'm gonna go slow and let others break theirs first, mine is a daily driver.

I fully agree about the Jeep SRT-8. Having driven a BMW X5 4.4 and a BMW 330i with the performance package over the past 6 years, but I have enjoyed the Jeep the most. I just wished that the exhaust pipes were off to the side (like the Magnum), allowing for a tow hitch in the middle. My old X5 towed boat trailers like no other "every-day driver" vehicle I have ever had, and I have no doubt that the Jeep SRT-8 could do the same. It looks like I'll just have to wait for Mopar's "solution" to the problem.

[pjvreede]

The rear fascia is all one piece, so cutting into the black is really no different than the colored portion. Basically to do what you want is what I originally thought as well. You have to get a custom hitch which may or may not be available in your area and custom exhaust. I wanted to be able to use one of the well designed cat back systems from a major vendor so I kept the stock exhaust system and hangers so that will be a simple switch out.

I can tell you that you have to be careful with the trailer wiring. I melted one and now use a shock cord to carefully keep wires up. I am moving the connector and hiding it out in the black area so the wiring will be off to the side. Those twin tips are like a 425 hp heat gun.

Got on my back tonight and examined the bumper fascia of the SRT-8, and you are absolutely correct. It is a one piece bumper fascia. I too wanted a cat-back exhaust along with the trailer hitch. I think I'll have to wait for the Mopar hitch option promised, and then deal with the cat-back exhaust system. I really like this truck!. I'm just looking for the versatility that my old BMW X5 4.4i offered with it's tow hitch option along with the better performance that the Jeep SRT-8 that I now own has.

[cajunlab]

OK, it's now June.....WHERE'S MY TRAILER HITCH!?! ;).

[shooter_t1]

Reese makes a receiver that will fit in the exhaust cutout. It's actually the one made for the new Commander.
I have a 20' jetboat that I pull all the time.



http://www.srt8oc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1324&highlight=custom+hitch

[pjvreede]

OK, it's now June.....WHERE'S MY TRAILER HITCH!?! ;).

My thoughts exactly, so I made my own solution this past weekend (based on mods made by others on these SRT8 Jeep forums!) (no pics yet). I installed a 2" hitch (?Class III?) standard grand cherokee hitch, cut out a portion of the bumper above the exhaust to make room, and kept the stock exhaust below the hitch (using a modified exhaust hanger set-up-cheap, but very effective). I have a black SRT 8, and it hides the hitch and the mat black rubber cover over the hitch very well. I asked one of my co-workers, who really likes my truck, whether he noticed any difference, and he didn't until I pointed the hitch out to him. The hitch and wiring harness from your local Jeep dealer is less than $200, and I was quoted $500+ for a modified hitch without any additional costs for moving the exhaust tips. Just one person's solution to this problem with the help of others on these SRT8 forums. Thanks!

[Tainui]

The wiring harness is already there from the factory.

[pjvreede]

The wiring harness is already there from the factory.

The only trailer wiring harness for the WK Jeep Grand Cherokee that I could find involved running a separate power and ground cable to the battery up front, and making a separate connection to the driver side rear light pod. I saw a couple of "dead end" wiring harnesses on the back bumper, but couldn't find a package from the dealer that would connect to them. What am I missing?
The wiring harness I got also involved adding a separate electrical relay switch for the trailer hitch in the electrical relay box in the engine compartment (which had no electical relay installed). The install worked perfectly, but I don't know how your alternative could have accomplished the same goal without an adapter from the dealer, but I may have very missed something that would have made the $85. cable/relay cheaper and easier to install than what I had to do.

[teda]

The only trailer wiring harness for the WK Jeep Grand Cherokee that I could find involved running a separate power and ground cable to the battery up front, and making a separate connection to the driver side rear light pod. I saw a couple of "dead end" wiring harnesses on the back bumper, but couldn't find a package from the dealer that would connect to them. What am I missing?
The wiring harness I got also involved adding a separate electrical relay switch for the trailer hitch in the electrical relay box in the engine compartment (which had no electical relay installed). The install worked perfectly, but I don't know how your alternative could have accomplished the same goal without an adapter from the dealer, but I may have very missed something that would have made the $85. cable/relay cheaper and easier to install than what I had to do.

I'm a little confused here. Unless you are talking about also doing the electric brake set up. Whether you have a 4 pin connector on your trailer, or 7 pin, either one is usable directly with the connection supplied tucked up under the bumper. As shown in attached WK Jeep info, 10 pin supplied is plugged into back of any standard 7 to 10 pin receptacle which goes on car, and then is plugged into female 7 pin on trailer. Or you can just use the 4 pin supplied connector if this is what is used for the lighting set up on your trailer. Am I missing something?http://www.wkjeeps.com/trailer/trailer_pinout_wk_01.jpg

[shooter_t1]

I am also wondering what he's talking about. As teda pointed out, the Jeep comes stock with the trailer wiring harness already installed.

[Tainui]

Pictured below (from the Zoomers thread) is the bundle of wires abover the drivers side exhaust tube. That "clump" has two clips for trailer wires.

http://www.wkjeeps.com/srt8/exhaust/Exhaust_srt8_005m.jpg

[cajunlab]

Direct from the SRT Team:
http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1279&postcount=99

[pjvreede]

Direct from the SRT Team:
http://www.cherokeesrt8.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1279&postcount=99
Well........

I obviously stand corrected about the wiring. Poor dealer parts counter advice and lack of adequate info. on my part. Given the work I've already done, I now have two power sources for the trailer hookup. I guess this now gives me the opportunity to splice into one of these, and use them to power the bumper "Euro" lights! Thanks for the feedback.