Hi Shelby,
I read your contributions, appreciate your engagement for all of us who are in the same situation. The 2019/2020 Durango/Grand Cherokee users feel to be left alone in this.
As on the Durangos also on my 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee is non 4-pin brake controller plug installed, same issue here.
I want to tow a travel trailer as well, need a brake controller. My GC came without towing package, have to install it. Waiting at the time for the hitch receiver to arrive, but installed already the Morpar tow wire harness including a new fuse box with the additional needed 6 trailer tow fuses.
Just realized, there is no brake controller plug installed. Went to the dealer, they confirmed the fact. Now I have the a 30A fuses in the under-hood fuse box to feed the brake controller.but do not know, how to utilize it!
The least, what we should get from the engineers is a drawing and description where to find and best connect the ground and the signals: stop-light, fused brake controller feed, and brake controller output. We need that map now, I want to use my rig as urgent as you and many, many frustrated others.
Hope you can make them to commitment to give us those information in few days. Thank you,
Dexter

 

Hey Dexter, I am in the same boat. It is not possible! If it was why won't the dealership service dept make it happen. Looks good on a schematic, not in the real world. As far a Grand Cherokee's go I did look at a 2020 with Tow IV group does not have the integrated controller in the dash but IS equipped with the 4 pin plug to except a controller. This really sucks, I am now fitting my other older vehicle to tow and stop my camper. A 2015 Grand Cherokee, weird? We all need to stick together please see my last post about how to take legal action. Two weeks ago I rented a U haul truck to go camping followed by my new Durango with my family, pretty cool huh? Do not lay down!

 

IMO and I've said this before, towing package should be standard equipment on the Durango...or worse case towing ready where you or the dealer just have to add the hitch.

 

I agree with you Chase. ANY vehicle that has the option for a tow package should have the equipment ready for plug and play.

The bean counters at FCA really did it this time...

 

I am going to throw out a somewhat different opinion I guess. The vehicle comes with the options that it comes with from the factory, period. I needed to tow with my 18 R/T so I made sure it was on my must have list when working with my dealer, non-negotiable. Found out in my past GM SUV's that the dealers are usually full of it and I didn't get the equivalent tow rating with the dealer installed hitch vs factory. Dealers always want to sell you what they have in stock or can easily trade for instead of ordering. While building vehicles (used to work at GM), in most cases, the wiring harness is the same across the line with taps for the options even if the vehicle doesn't have that option. Just to error-proof the build process and make it smoother. I have not looked into this particular issue but I would be 'shocked' that there is a completely different vehicle harness if you get the trailer package (for 4 pins!). My guess is that there is yet another extension that isn't there leading to the 4 pin receptacle that we speak of but the tap is somewhere in the harness just not easy to get to, or location yet known like everyone is expecting.

Now coming to this wiring thing. I don't work anymore for any auto manufacturers but, I can't comprehend how it isn't possible to add a 4 pin OE brake controller to the vehicle without completely replacing the wiring harness. (Assuming there isn't an easy place to tap it into that we just haven't figured out yet by looking at the wiring harness schematic (Especially when 2 of the 4 wires are for power and ground). A new wire can be run all the way back to the hitch location (not insurmountable) and there has to be a place to pick up the sense on the brake pedal. A good custom shop (not Uhaul) should be able to do things like that, look at the custom sound builds on other threads.

It sucks that you are all in this situation, but I wholeheartedly blame the dealer, there can't be an assumption that the OE will always leave provisions in place for aftermarket. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. Example - There isn't line out jacks from UConnect to add your own amps as far as I know, would be awesome if you wanted to add in amps later.

 

I am going to throw out a somewhat different opinion I guess. The vehicle comes with the options that it comes with from the factory, period. I needed to tow with my 18 R/T so I made sure it was on my must have list when working with my dealer, non-negotiable. Found out in my past GM SUV's that the dealers are usually full of it and I didn't get the equivalent tow rating with the dealer installed hitch vs factory. Dealers always want to sell you what they have in stock or can easily trade for instead of ordering. While building vehicles (used to work at GM), in most cases, the wiring harness is the same across the line with taps for the options even if the vehicle doesn't have that option. Just to error-proof the build process and make it smoother. I have not looked into this particular issue but I would be 'shocked' that there is a completely different vehicle harness if you get the trailer package (for 4 pins!). My guess is that there is yet another extension that isn't there leading to the 4 pin receptacle that we speak of but the tap is somewhere in the harness just not easy to get to, or location yet known like everyone is expecting.

Now coming to this wiring thing. I don't work anymore for any auto manufacturers but, I can't comprehend how it isn't possible to add a 4 pin OE brake controller to the vehicle without completely replacing the wiring harness. (Assuming there isn't an easy place to tap it into that we just haven't figured out yet by looking at the wiring harness schematic (Especially when 2 of the 4 wires are for power and ground). A new wire can be run all the way back to the hitch location (not insurmountable) and there has to be a place to pick up the sense on the brake pedal. A good custom shop (not Uhaul) should be able to do things like that, look at the custom sound builds on other threads.

It sucks that you are all in this situation, but I wholeheartedly blame the dealer, there can't be an assumption that the OE will always leave provisions in place for aftermarket. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. Example - There isn't line out jacks from UConnect to add your own amps as far as I know, would be awesome if you wanted to add in amps later.

Okay fellow 2019-2020 Durango owners, I have an an update. During one of my 8 calls to FCA I some how has transferred to there Tech. support line by an error of the customer service people (that are worthless). So by luck the Tech. support trouble shooter (this dept. is for Dodge techs. to get further steps on issues) he was very cool and shed light on this. I did ask him if he was familiar with this issue and he WAS! I explained the dealer would not modify the wiring to hard wire what seems to be a simple modification. He explained to me the brake switch pedal is not a standard off/off type switch like most all vehicles. The brake switch measures travel that feeds, the A.B.S, the T.C.M. (trans,control mod.) and the B.C.M. (body control module) for signal data. He also stated NOT to alter these circuits It will cause resistance, back feed and transmission shifting and A.B.S activation malfunctions. This is the same information that the aftermarket trailer installer told me early on and refused to go any further, due to liability. Before I ended my conversation with the Dodge tech. support I asked so in this case what is the next step. He told me he would be out of the loop and the tech working on this issue is referred to the Mopar accessory division. Not sure wh

 

Has anyone checked this wire to see if its 12v+? Can you not just jump that wire to get your signal at the brake controller?

 

Guess, we all think that; it should be possible to splice the 4 wires, but where is the best spot to do so? I am going to get the original factory 4-pin male plug and splice the four wires to it, want the closest to the factory setup.
The ground, would be the easiest to find. The input for the brake controller should not just any spot to get 12 V, it should be coming from the therefor dedicated 30 A tow fuse. I had to replace the fuse box (Power Distribution Center) with the wire harness, there are 5 tow fuses, which I want to utilize. So, where is the wire from the fuse go?
The next is to connect the (blue) brake controller output to the 7-pin trailer connector. The new harness provided this wire, ending on the fuse box. What wonders me is, that wire looks like 14 or even 16 gauge, appears too thin for 30 A? I might rewire all the way 12 gauge to the 7-pin connector.
Then, the only signal left is the brake light. Where to find the factory spot to pick it up safely from the car wiring system?
A big question mark is also the new connector found in the driver's foot well, no idea for what it is and if any use can be made of of it in that regard. Questions, I wished Chrysler would answer with a drawing and not let us alone to figure out.

 

That dark green/white wire is the brake signal wire back to the BCM. If that wire has 12v when brakes applied, you can jump onto that wire for your brake controllers signal wire. It shouldn't be very many amps. All the brake controller is looking for is 12v so it knows to apply the trailer brakes.

 

I can make a suggestion to any one in this situation. If you have a 2019 -2020 Durango that does not have the factory tow package IV that includes the integrated brake controller built in the dash. And also have a camper/trailers equipped with electric brakes that weighs under 3500 LBS. Your vehicle can not be fitted with a controller, like mine. I have almost a month in research on this topic. If you read all my prior posts remember; I bought the truck from a Dodge dealer, there's a Mopar accessories listing to add the hitch, 7 pin tow harness and the the infamous controller that plugs into the non existing prevision 4 pin plug. Everything installed at the dealer ship with Mopar parts. The dealer had no idea nor did the service dept. this was possible. As a matter of fact I called other dealers after asking them if this could be accomplished using my Vin. and was told absolutely. The factory engineers did not disclose this and this is how to move foreword Step #1 call FCA (customer care) 1-844-521-8188 have your Vin number ready this step is by far the biggest waste of time. The goal is to get a case # assigned to your complaint. You must be very specified with the concern the people on the line are not that bright. So once that's you will be bounced around like a ping pong ball through FCA. After you don't get a follow up for the a resolution(make sure you write down or have the m email you case #) You will then find that the case was closed with out them following up with you. This has happened 3 times to me, the results were; This is a dealer issue, then it was a Mopar accessory dept. issue (with no contact info.) So this is the next step for anyone else You need to call NCDS(National Center for Dispute Resolution) 1-866-662-4639 this is a third party company that resolves complaints for FCA they are very helpful and the more of use that report this the better FCA with respond. These folks will arbitrate for the consumer and can start a class action suite if it comes down to it. One last word of advise don't put your family or your self in jeopardy by towing anything your vehicle is not been designed to stop due to an under site of an engineer. This whole thing sucks I love this truck and just want to be able to use it for what my intention was, to not only tow but stop my camper. I have done this with several vehicles prior (all Dodge/Jeep products) never was this an issue. Thanks Dodge!

 

I'm just throwing this out there..

You could always see if you can make a bracket to hold n aftermarket brake light switch to the brake pedal and use that. As long as there is somewhere to mount a bracket solidly and with enough space, under the dash. Just run fused 12v power to one side of the switch, then run the other wire back to the 7 pin connector...

Just a thought.

 

Possible?

https://www.etrailer.com/question-369670.html

https://www.etrailer.com/p-C51180.html

Seems to have raving reviews, Durango is listed as compatible.

 

Says it doesn't need the bluetooth connection to work, only to make adjustments. I don't have a trailer brake controller so I am not sure how often you tune it once you have it dialed in. Just looking for options so you guys can use your Durango's fully.

 

I think it depends on the trailer and the driver. I’ve pulled some that needed a few adjustments along the way, taking comfort in that I have the ability to mount a controller to my dash. It could be a viable option for those who don’t have any other option.

 

Hi Shelby,
I will do as you recommended, make a complaint in the hope FCA is doing something on our problem. But won't count on it. They might just ignore to do something officially. I won't wait for a return, need to use my truck for the purpose, I bought it. Found a good wire Trailer Tow Circuit plan. It's for a 2016 GC but if it is still that way, I am going to install a 4-pin brake controller connector as shown there. There might be a similar circuit plan for the Durango as well.

 

Hi Shelby,back
I will do as you recommended, make a complaint in the hope FCA is doing something on our problem. But won't count on it. They might just ignore to do something officially. I won't wait for a return, need to use my truck for the purpose, I bought it. Found a good wire Trailer Tow Circuit plan. It's for a 2016 GC but if it is still that way, I am going to install a 4-pin brake controller connector as shown there. There might be a similar circuit plan for the Durango as well.

Hey Dexter, from the research & I have done off my VIN due to the brake pedal switch that works off travel instead of an open/closed circuit that feeds it's data to all effected modules not a good idea.
So my truck with out tow group package is rated up to 3500 LBS. With tow package(includes integrated brake controller) jumps to 7500 LBS. How ever my camper weights 2900 LBS and is equipped with electric brakes. So the problem still is that the BLUE wire in the Mopar accessory add on hitch wiring does absolutely nothing to communicate to the truck. This is a misrepresentation to all of us Durango lovers. This very wrong! It has all the ingredients of a recall, a class action law suite or injury. I am not sure about you but where I go camping the back road country routes are steep mountains, buzzing down a hill at 55 MPH and that trailer starts rocking a touch on the brakes she evens out. With the assist of the trailer brakes with a big rig that blasts past you, it keeps stable. My last camper was 5500 LBS 32 foot long was tugged along with my 17 RAM 1500 4X4 after I added Mopar hitch and Mopar integrated controller, I also added a Reese Pro series anti-sway kit. Well the lease ended and it was only a 6 banger or I would have kept it. So along came the Durango R/T such a shame. If no action is taken by us owners, no resolution will be offered. Like I said before we need to stick together, they are aware of this and are waiting to see how many us will except this. Not me!

 

I understand your spin on this but I will not let this go.... Years ago I bought a 2004 Gr. Cherokee Larado 4.7 with no tow package (trailer prep) no HD cooling. I added a Mopar hitch/wiring plug & play. Towed up/down the same routes, zero over heating at all. As far as the added cost the Durango tow IV package is an $1195.00 option. I am pretty sure if a trailer prep was standard on all trim levels with max of 3500 LBS. and tacked on an additional $200.00 to a $40-$50,000 truck no one would raise a brow. Again , why is a trailer hitch & wiring even available as an accessory to add/? Let see you can pull some jet skies? A small utility trailer? A small aluminum boat? Here a simple circuit to tap into, ready; the high mount stop lamp connector, with a relay & a diode to prevent back feed. There's the 12 volt + signal that the blue wire can get a signal from. what do you think??? I am just about ready to submit my complaint to the third party arbitration organization that I mentioned in prior posts. I am also going to file with the National Highway Safety Administration. I gave FCA & Mopar a chance to respond for a resolution. Yeah those people have little product knowledge, read from a script like robots and no follow up. I have nothing else to loose do you?

 

I bought my truck for the ability of higher towing capacity compared to other mid size SUVs, because I want to tow my travel trailer with an all purpose usable vehicle. What bothers me is, when I get told, you should have ordered the factory towing package. Well, not everyone wants or can spend $44,000+ to order a new truck, just to get a vehicle for towing. I bought a used MY 2019 as a good deal. There are not many used Durangos or Grand Cherokees out there for sale with factory towing package. Does FAC expect, that generations to come, who buy these MY 2018 1/2 + used, will accept the fact, not to be able to tow securely with this vehicles, because a brake controller cannot be added anymore on their own or as dealer option?

Shelby, I have already seen, on my truck, that all four wires, which originally should end on the 4-pin brake controller plug, exist in harnesses. In the next few days I will try to figure out, where they are going to now. There might be a factory preparation be made to utilize the new factory brake controller, which is part of the new towing package. It could be that there is a harness, factory installed, ending behind the radio.

 

@Real Dexter , you are absolutely correct on factory tow ‘rangos being hard to find. Took a few weeks to find ours, and it was the only one. Few and far between. You have my support on pioneering a solution for a brake controller!

 

Hey Woody, with the factory tow IV group on your truck, in addition to the integrated brake controller.How does the rear load leveling suspension work out for you?

 

Hey Dexter, after you pull the head unit out to take a peek, keep us posted personally have not done so. However I have removed the triangular trim piece under the push start button, the steering column collar and lower kick panel. I had a pretty good view, early on, no luck. Be careful very sharp brackets. I have spoke with 2 service managers that researched this also spoke with a Dodge tech. support agent at tech. line he pulled up the schematic to confirm at least on my truck it does not exist. He is the one that suggested to tap in at the high mount brake lamp circuit adding in a diode to prevent back feed along with a relay to send 12V+power signal to the blue lead on the trailer harness. I believe that I solve my issue. I found a 2019 R/T with Tow IV package and I am trading out. You bet I am going to pursue my battle with FCA .

 

You bet I am going to pursue my battle with FCA

What do you expect to gain?

 

Best of luck on your new find Shelby.

Still curious though, what is the expected outcome from FCA on this? Is there something in the owners manual or advertising that says the vehicle is upgradable by the dealer to the factory brake controller at any time? I haven't seen that anywhere? I can definitely see a dealer saying it is, without having any sort of clue.

 

Hi All - First off fantastic and very informative discussion. I am brand new to this forum. I was super excited this past week to install an after market hitch etc, to prepare the truck that I bought specifically for towing a 5500lb Travel Trailer. In fact I traded in my Dodge Charger and Toyota Sequoia so I could have the best of both worlds (insert the emoji hand hitting forehead). I was stoked to hear via the sales team at the dealership that I purchased the Durango from that the 2019's COULD BE EQUIPPED with the IDENTICAL tow package that came on the Durango's with that option. I was even quoted $450 (as if they new what they were talking about). So, at this point, I was like, yeah where do I sign. So I bought my black on black RT without a tow package (I love that things) BUT - UGH! Today, I now sit trying to figure out what to do. I have nearly tore the entire electrical system apart trying to figure out if this vehicle can be be rigged to have a Trailer Brake Module installed. I even tested the dealership's service team by calling and asking if the 2019 can be wired to have the module installed - they were perplexed. Ultimately, I just want to share that I am here with you. After paying nearly $50,000 for a truck to specifically pull my camper, and was told by a sales team that seemed to have all the answers (duh) that the vehicle could be retrofitted - I honestly feel as if someone handed me can of BS just to buy the truck. For the time being, I guess I am going to try the Bluetooth option. Shelby, I am willing to file the same complaint so that other consumers, and perhaps a recall can be ruled mandatory and disclosed to future buyers.
What needs to change IMO
1. Sales teams need to disclose and have the knowledge that if you do not select this option, it is near impossible to have added or
2. Add the option back to all RT models
3. Ensure the owners manual is ACCURATE in its descriptions of towing capacities.
4. Class action that ends in a recall that modifies the existing 2019 models to be "tow ready"

 

Hi All - First off fantastic and very informative discussion. I am brand new to this forum. I was super excited this past week to install an after market hitch etc, to prepare the truck that I bought specifically for towing a 5500lb Travel Trailer. In fact I traded in my Dodge Charger and Toyota Sequoia so I could have the best of both worlds (insert the emoji hand hitting forehead). I was stoked to hear via the sales team at the dealership that I purchased the Durango from that the 2019's COULD BE EQUIPPED with the IDENTICAL tow package that came on the Durango's with that option. I was even quoted $450 (as if they new what they were talking about). So, at this point, I was like, yeah where do I sign. So I bought my black on black RT without a tow package (I love that things) BUT - UGH! Today, I now sit trying to figure out what to do. I have nearly tore the entire electrical system apart trying to figure out if this vehicle can be be rigged to have a Trailer Brake Module installed. I even tested the dealership's service team by calling and asking if the 2019 can be wired to have the module installed - they were perplexed. Ultimately, I just want to share that I am here with you. After paying nearly $50,000 for a truck to specifically pull my camper, and was told by a sales team that seemed to have all the answers (duh) that the vehicle could be retrofitted - I honestly feel as if someone handed me can of BS just to buy the truck. For the time being, I guess I am going to try the Bluetooth option. Shelby, I am willing to file the same complaint so that other consumers, and perhaps a recall can be ruled mandatory and disclosed to future buyers.
What needs to change IMO
1. Sales teams need to disclose and have the knowledge that if you do not select this option, it is near impossible to have added or
2. Add the option back to all RT models
3. Ensure the owners manual is ACCURATE in its descriptions of towing capacities.
4. Class action that ends in a recall that modifies the existing 2019 models to be "tow ready"

Hey Dee, I kinda thought that this was going to turn into a shit show for others as well. At first I thought it was just my truck and have done lots of research. I have also educated my dealership and FCA no one would believe me. As far as the Curt blue tooth device I looked through application for fit and was not clear in the filament guide. Also not crazy about bluetooth signal reliability. As far as legal action is owners DO have a valid complaint. We need to take action. I believe the dealers had no clue but that's not on us. This absolutely needed to be disclosed to us prior to sale. When I found the brake controller jumper harness in my glove box that is supposed to plug into the truck it really lit me up. Read my prior posts for instructions to take action. My dealership is working with me to trade out. I am not going to get boned on this. There are ways to take action. Sorry to hear that your in the same situation it's extremely stressful. If you call FCA make sure you get a case number names and write down dates and time. That's the first step. Please keep me posted. Thanks

 

So I searched for used Durango’s with the factory (from what I could tell) tow package. 150 mile distance, certified used, R/T-Citadel trims, $35k max price. There were less than 10 of em and NOT A SINGLE ONE had the tow package hump in the rear bumper!! Then I changed my price to 40 max, it only a couple more...again not a single one!! Dang these are hard to find!!

EDIT: Found one! Literally only 1...after changing my search distance to 250 miles...

 

No idea why the dealers are ordering them like that without Tow IV.

 

I can pretty much tell you where all the factory equipped tow IV Durango R/T are in the North East area there about 5 in a 300 mile radius a white, black and silver. I found one by luck that just arrived about 5 miles from me, by chance. It was ment to be same year, color and had 200 miles more than mine. I loose my Shelby stripes but gained the Blacktop pkg. Quad. Seats, and most importantly Trailer Tow Package 👍 I traded out for the difference of the option cost. About $1800. Total after fees. I am most definitely still following up with my complaints. I WILL get restitution for all the $ I put into my first truck to equip to tow. I would also like to add the U haul bill I rented 2 weeks ago to tow and stop my camper. Followed by the Durango. I will be camping all summer good luck guys. If you have any questions hit me up

 

@Shelby Durango R/T - when you trade in your Durango, do the next driver a favor and put a sticker on the inside of the hitch cover “this didn’t come from the factory...”

 

Your right! I told the sales person to disclose it but that's a great idea

 

So when I did my research prior to purchase the R/T I was about 400 LBS. under the rating. It doesn't change the fact that a trailer brake controller is required. How come a 2019 Dodge Caravan is rated for 3600 LBS. Weird....

 

 

What a mess, there’s so much information, conflicting numbers, and all of it is worded “just right”. Makes me sick realizing how hard companies try to save a buck and not look out for the consumer (people giving them said buck). Honestly how much does that port save them by not having it available.

 

Back to the question of the missing 4-pole brake controller plug on the mid-2018 + models, and if the factory could have wisely installed a different harness, to be ready to add on later the new factory brake controller?
I did some Investigations on my 2019 GC, looked behind the radio, traced wires, etc. I was looking for a harness with the four wires: (1) 12 V (coming from fuse F11, 30 A), feeding the brake controller, (2) the output of the brake controller (both (1) and (2) should least be in 12 AWG), and (3) the brake light signal and last (4) the ground (both probably in 14 AWG).
Unfortunately there wasn't any harness.

Even the fuse F11 (which is in fuse box, output on Plug C6, Pin 1) was not even connected with a wire. That to know alone concludes, there is no harness for the brake controller factory installed, even though fuse (F11) was physically provided as part of the trailer tow wire harness which comes with the new fuse box. The new fuse box is only different to the old one, because the extra 6 trailer tow fuses, which were away rationalized with the harness on the mid 2018 + models.
My truck is a 3.6L 2019 Grand Cherokee Limited, not a Durango, but same issue, guess, we can safely assume you won't have a brake controller harness either.

 

Back to the question of the missing 4-pole brake controller plug on the mid-2018 + models, and if the factory could have wisely installed a different harness, to be ready to add on later the new factory brake controller?
I did some Investigations on my 2019 GC, looked behind the radio, traced wires, etc. I was looking for a harness with the four wires: (1) 12 V (coming from fuse F11, 30 A), feeding the brake controller, (2) the output of the brake controller (both (1) and (2) should least be in 12 AWG), and (3) the brake light signal and last (4) the ground (both probably in 14 AWG).
Unfortunately there wasn't any harness.

Even the fuse F11 (which is in fuse box, output on Plug C6, Pin 1) was not even connected with a wire. That to know alone concludes, there is no harness for the brake controller factory installed, even though fuse (F11) was physically provided as part of the trailer tow wire harness which comes with the new fuse box. The new fuse box is only different to the old one, because the extra 6 trailer tow fuses, which were away rationalized with the harness on the mid 2018 + models.
My truck is a 3.6L 2019 Grand Cherokee Limited, not a Durango, but same issue, guess, we can safely assume you won't have a brake controller harness either.
One would think the manufacturer would come up with a TSB for this F**k up. I did submit to NCDS and started the arbitration process. I am asking for reimbursement of what I have invested in towing accessories on my truck I just traded in for the new R/T with tow group. The more Jeep and Dodge owners that filed the better resolution. It was pretty easy and I have nothing to lose. Well... I just want what I paid for! Hang in there guys this whole thing really sucks. I will be camping next week with the

new truck with factory tow group let's see how it goes.

 

Looks like in a different thread some of the members have figured out how to make the Brake Controller work while missing the 4 Pin connector. Not nearly as easy as just plugging it in, but seems like able to be done by a competent shop

2019 Durango R/T non tow package issues

So, I just recently purchased a '19 Durango R/T to tow my camper. It did not come equipped with a factory tow package. In hopes of installing my own i purchased the factory receiver and wiring harness. Its currently at the dealership to activate the computer per instructions. Everything was...

www.dodgedurango.net