What about wiring for the lights and all of this?
What am I getting myself into?
2007-02-02 07:33:51 · 7 answers · asked by Kripster 1 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
You say you bought it at Advance, but there are several parts to a trailer hitch setup depending on the type of hitch you bought. If it is a "receiver hitch" you have the hitch receiver that mounts to the vehicle, the hitch that goes into the receiver, the ball that installs on the hitch, and the pin and associated clip that holds the hitch in the receiver. If it is a "bumper hitch", there is the hitch that mounts to your bumper, and a little 'tongue' that sticks out and has a hole in it for the ball. This does not include the wiring which is a whole other story in itself.
I installed a receiver style trailer hitch on my 87 Mustang last December, and it took about a half a day to do, and that was including driving back up to the local Checker Auto to get a different part. The hitch should come with basic instructions to mount it to your vehicle. Typically this is by a few bolts into the bumper or the frame of the vehicle. You may need to drill some holes and trim the bumper depending on application. After the hitch is installed mechanically to your car, you can work on the electrical side.
There are some considerations for the wiring. For most newer towing vehicles, Advance Auto should have appropriate adapters for the wiring to plug into your vehicles existing harness near the rear of the vehicle.
If you have an oddity like my Mustang, you may need extra electrical parts to get the taillights on the trailer to function properly. If your vehicle has separate lights for the brake lights and the turn signals, like my Mustang, you will need a trailer taillight signal converter. This can be crimped into your existing taillight wiring harness. Advance again should be able to get you what you need to do that. Be advised you may have to trace the colors back from the lightbulb itself to make sure it is correct. That is what I had to do, and required me to remove the rear interior panels in my car. I would rate my car as being at the high end of difficulty as far as these installations go, but overall, not too bad for someone with a basic understanding of mechanics and vehicle wiring.
Good luck, and be safe!
2007-02-02 07:55:09 · answer #1 · answered by Doug K 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Advance Auto Trailer Hitch
2016-10-30 07:08:48 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
Just bought a whole trailer hitch from Advance Auto Parts..... How hard is it to install myself? What do I do?
What about wiring for the lights and all of this?
What am I getting myself into?
2015-08-06 17:43:04 · answer #3 · answered by Hermina 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My son said it should take no more than an hour. If you don't know what to do, based on the instructions that should be included, go to the the store and be firm about the 1 hour labor cost (if any). He also suggests that you go to Auto Zone. Auto Zone installs for you. Not sure about the costs, if any. The installation is pretty simple though. Read your instructions and try it.
2007-02-02 07:45:12 · answer #4 · answered by JazzyJ 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not all that hard, though a second pair of hands can make it alot easier for hefting the parts into place,particularly if your using a class 3 hitch. the wiring has been simplified thanks to a plug in module that they sell at that store also,follow the instructions for installation,it should take between 5-10 mins. id recommend using a torque wrench where its called for,because without the proper torque,the trailer can rip your hitch off your vehicle
2007-02-03 07:32:54 · answer #5 · answered by yankeegray_99 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Its not hard Ive put one on before, all you really have to do is bolt it onto the frame and hook up the wiring, other than that there is nothing to it.
ohh but make sure you bolt it on securely because if you don't then you can rip your whole tow package off and your bumper...believe me Ive done it. we were out mudd bogging and we had a Toyoda 4runner stuck in a hole and we tried to get it out with one of our jeep Cherokees but it didn't work, lol we ripped his whole tow package off, but it turned out that it was only bolted on in like 3 places, so make sure you do it right
2007-02-02 07:42:14 · answer #6 · answered by *~Squeekimz~* 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on your vehicle and the part # of the hitch. Let us know the year/ make/ model of the vehicle and the make/ part #'s of the hitch and wiring kit you purchased.
2007-02-04 05:25:22 · answer #7 · answered by extremehitch@verizon.net 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That's funny........
That's like saying. "I just jumped into the deep end of the pool, but I don't know how to swim."
"Can someone teach me?"
2007-02-02 07:38:25 · answer #8 · answered by Mr. KnowItAll 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋