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**Lt Dan** · 02-25-2015, 10:27 AM

I was iced in yesterday and decided to tackle the Mopar Tow Harness installation on my 2012 Wrangler Sport. Having read all of the posts on the installation and reading about some issues, I decided to document what I found.

First off, being energy conservative I look for the easiest ways to do things. I discovered an easier access to the upper harness plugs. By carefully prying off the end cap on the passenger side of the dash, I could remove the speaker assembly. There were three screws holding it in place (Photos 1-4) and removing it gave a clear view of the dreaded upper plug assembly through the glove compartment. (Photo 5)

Installing the new plug assembly was still not easy, but access to the locking mechanism on the upper plug and being able to reach both top and bottom helped.

Second, I also discovered the large wiring harness bracket on the firewall inside the engine compartment that other posts had mentioned exactly where the instructions show the hole to be drilled. The bracket is raised somewhat, so I figured I could drill the hole slightly under and behind the bracket. The outboard nut was removed and the bracket was just pulled out slightly but was not removed completely. Photos 7-9 show where the hole was located and Photo 10 shows the completed installation behind the bracket. The center of the hole is 1" above the body seam in the firewall which allows room for the rubber grommet.

A note about the rubber grommet through the firewall. The installation instructions say 1-1/8" hole, which is WRONG. Others have documented that it needs to be a 1-3/8" which is what I drilled. I had measured the groove in the rubber grommet and found it to be 1-1/2" in diameter, but went ahead and drilled 1-3/8" anyway. Getting that grommet in place was like stuffing 10 pounds of potatoes into a 5 pound sack. A 1-1/2" hole might have been much better.

Anyway, I hope this helps out anyone who is getting ready to undertake this task. All in all it was not a bad job once the fender and inner liner are removed and took a total of about 2 hours start to finish. What I found may not apply to all Jeep models and years. These may be unique to this year and model only. The installation was tested and worked perfectly.

Old Car Nut · 02-25-2015, 10:36 AM

Nice documentation. Well played

walkerkb2 · 03-28-2015, 08:29 AM

Great job Dan. I sure this will help a lot of people. I am currently looking for a Jeep Wrangler for a TOAD, so I will keep your posting in mind when it comes time for wiring.

Kevin & Donna
2014 Tiffin Allegro 36LA
Calgary, Alberta
Good Sam Life Member

grtharris · 03-28-2015, 12:12 PM

Great job Dan!!

Ornduff · 08-29-2017, 01:33 PM

Do you have a part number for the mopar harness?

tankcj · 08-29-2017, 06:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ornduff

do you have a part number for the mopar harness?

82211156ab

Ornduff · 08-29-2017, 07:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tankcj

82211156ab

Thank you much

Ornduff · 08-29-2017, 08:03 PM

One additional question. Are you running any supplemental braking? Does this setup create any kind of conflict with the backfeed of the brake lights of the jeep to the rv connection?

dp7 · 08-29-2017, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ornduff

One additional question. Are you running any supplemental braking? Does this setup create any kind of conflict with the backfeed of the brake lights of the jeep to the rv connection?

I installed this harness with an AF1 brake system on a 2017 wrangler. The harness powers the right & left hand lights. The jeep powers the center light when the AF1 actuates the brake pedal. All seems to work fine with no conflict noted.

**Lt Dan** · 08-30-2017, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ornduff

One additional question. Are you running any supplemental braking? Does this setup create any kind of conflict with the backfeed of the brake lights of the jeep to the rv connection?

I'm using a RVI2 braking system and there is no conflict with the brake lights. The only thing that I've noticed is the brake lights will override the turn signal if you are turning and braking hard enough to activate the braking system. It's a common problem with a lot of lighting setups, even those with separate bulbs installed in the taillights.

Ornduff · 09-21-2017, 09:05 PM

I installed my harness this evening and highly recommend it to anyone. Took less than 3 hours to install. No cutting of oem wiring. Works beautifully. I did the same as the OP and cut the 5 wires and resoldered them together so I could put a smaller hole through the firewall. Also changed my cabin filter while I had the glove box out.