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towing (hitch related)

Old Apr 24, 2007 | 10:46 PM
  #11  
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Default RE: towing (hitch related)

Yes, it literally is a few bolts, the cross bar is actually part of the frame. I guess its just designed to have the receiver bolt right to it. If the trailer has electric brakes (not surge brakes) then you will need an adaptor to a round 7 pin and an electric brake controller wired in under the dash. The biggest trailer uhaul has, flatbed or box is a 6'x12'. These are both equipped with surge brakes, which means you won't need the 7 pin. Surge brakes are hydraulically activated as the tow vehicle slows down, the tongue part that attaches to your vehicle slides up inside another piece attached to the rest of the trailer. This is basically a piston with hydraulic (brake) fluid behind it. As you slow, the momentum of the trailer causes it to surge on the tongue, sending fluid to the brakes, thereby slowing the trailer down with you. Very popular on boat trailers.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2007 | 01:01 AM
  #12  
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Default RE: towing (hitch related)

ORIGINAL: HemiLonestar

Yes, it literally is a few bolts, the cross bar is actually part of the frame. I guess its just designed to have the receiver bolt right to it. If the trailer has electric brakes (not surge brakes) then you will need an adaptor to a round 7 pin and an electric brake controller wired in under the dash. The biggest trailer uhaul has, flatbed or box is a 6'x12'. These are both equipped with surge brakes, which means you won't need the 7 pin. Surge brakes are hydraulically activated as the tow vehicle slows down, the tongue part that attaches to your vehicle slides up inside another piece attached to the rest of the trailer. This is basically a piston with hydraulic (brake) fluid behind it. As you slow, the momentum of the trailer causes it to surge on the tongue, sending fluid to the brakes, thereby slowing the trailer down with you. Very popular on boat trailers.
good to know ... so basically all i need to buy is the receiver (square) part ... and it bolts in underneath the bumper?

something like this:

https://www.dodgeparts.com/product_i...4ebcbc8a07c148

now i notice that my electrical connection is kinda high up underneath ... i'm assuming that the connector for the uhaul is probably not going to reach ... is there some sort of extension kit for this?? also ... i noticed a black plastic square next to my plate and removed it to see a round hole for mounting something ... i'm assuming that is incase i use the 7pin round adapter i can mount it there??? is there a way to mount the 4 blade connector there instead?
 
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Old Apr 25, 2007 | 01:44 AM
  #13  
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Default RE: towing (hitch related)

Interesting question. I have one of my own. My truck came equipped (Tow Package) and if i'm not mistaken, i think i saw the wiring harness underneath. Now to my question. How much can i tow with the tow package with came with the truck?
 
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Old Apr 25, 2007 | 09:48 AM
  #14  
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Default RE: towing (hitch related)

You'll fork out like $125 but U-Haul sells/installs hitches
 
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Old Apr 25, 2007 | 11:49 AM
  #15  
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Default RE: towing (hitch related)

I added the receiver a year ago. It's about a 20-30 minute job. It comes with 2 fish wires that you use to pull 2 of the bolts down through the frame cross member tube. Just be careful not to let the bolt drop into the tube when attaching the nut. Two days ago I added the 7 pin connector - got it from O'Reillys for about $30 It plugs into the 4 pin under the bumper for the tail/turn/break light connectors. I haven't connected up the other wires for the electric brakes yet until I get a controller. The 7 pin kit also has a 4 pin connector next to the 7 pin so you can connect there next to the license plate (closer to the trailer). If you need an 4 pin extension wire walmart sells them for a couple bucks.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2007 | 02:41 PM
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Default RE: towing (hitch related)

you kow, i think its better to get it insalled professionally. the hitch receiver that is. it needs to be bolted on there real well. i wouldnt trust myself to do it either without an airgun.
 
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Old Apr 25, 2007 | 03:09 PM
  #17  
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Default RE: towing (hitch related)

I got my hitch installed and wired up for about 200 bucks. I didn't think that was bad at all
 
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Old Apr 25, 2007 | 03:12 PM
  #18  
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Default RE: towing (hitch related)

that seems like a fair price. check the dealer first, then go from there, pricewise and stuff. but likie my mom said, and im gonna say it too, im onloy gonna trust the dealer from now on with my "mods" i get that they can do. so if anythuing goes wrong, i know all the paperwork is there and they ahve the funds and can fix it up and stuff like that. plus, our dealer is super, super nice. they ahve the greatest service i have evr seen! better than any service at like a hotel or restaurant or anything man! seriously. id def. recommend it to any family or friends in need of a dodge, pontiac or mazda.
 
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