Hitch Wiring

[Bill C]

A Accessory dealer that sells hitches says that the wiring that comes with his hitch just plugs into the plug at the back of the truck. His price installed is $300. Is he wrong? I don't need a brake connection. Bill C

[mayfielh]

He is partially correct. There is wiring that runs from the hitch to a pre-wired plug tucked up in the frame above the bumper. However, there is also a relay block that needs to be installed up under the steering column. Its not a tough install although being a contorionist would have made it easier. $300 seems steep but I have heard of Honda dealers doing it for $500.

I bought my Brother-in-law a beer and he and I installed it in about 2 working hours.

You can get the install instructions from H&A.

[lakedweller]

Yikes! Wait a minute...so it's not just as easy as hooking it in the rear plug?!? Oh boy! I tow twice a year and am starting to wonder if I should just keep using the minivan

[swampler]

I think you're talking about 2 different things. You can get a cheapo wiring harness for around $30 that taps into the rear taillights, or you can get the higher cost Honda Harness that uses a separate circuit for the lights.

I personally bought the $30 one and installed myself because I hardly ever tow and the 4 pin is enough for me. If you need the 7 pin connector, then you need the Honda harness.

[lakedweller]

Originally Posted by swampler

I think you're talking about 2 different things. You can get a cheapo wiring harness for around $30 that taps into the rear taillights, or you can get the higher cost Honda Harness that uses a separate circuit for the lights.

I personally bought the $30 one and installed myself because I hardly ever tow and the 4 pin is enough for me. If you need the 7 pin connector, then you need the Honda harness.

I was waxing and waning over that one, too...I went with the Honda on the advice of others here and UHaul. Right now I only need the 4-pin, but who knows...maybe the 7 at some point. If I am only using the 4-pin, do I need to mess with anything else other than the hookup in the rear? Anyone? Bueller?

[rtboy1961]

The factory harness is your best bet.Yes it has a relay that has to be installed under the dash.
Depending upon what you tow,you will also need an electric brake module..expl--prodigy. None of this is all that complicated but it is painful because your hands will not fit where they need to go.

[Webwader]

If I am only using the 4-pin, do I need to mess with anything else other than the hookup in the rear? Anyone? Bueller?

No, as the 4-pin has no power for electric brakes, no reverse light power, or a battery charging line. The 4-pin is for use with trailers having no brakes or surge drum brakes.

[Whaleya]

The OEM harness also gives some isolation from notoriously bad trailer wiring affecting the trucks' lights.

The install instructions are very good and you can review them online.

I agree that 2 hours is about right.

[lakedweller]

Originally Posted by Webwader

No, as the 4-pin has no power for electric brakes, no reverse light power, or a battery charging line. The 4-pin is for use with trailers having no brakes or surge drum brakes.

Thanks for that...I am electronically challenged with extra large hands and not a lot of spending money again, I trailer about twice a year to put the boat in the water, and take it out for storage - travel is light on back roads and only a few miles. I was just concerned that my truck would explode or something