Trailer Hitch Question

[AVDCAV]

Has anybody installed a hitch on a 2004 / 05 body style ?
ebay has tons of them and they are chump money.

VS the factory setup @ $1500.00 electric which I don't see why I would need .

Looking to pull at least 16ft camper trailer

[shipfaced]

Put one on an '05 S. Kind of a big job. You must remove the taillights, bumper cover and bumper then the hitch replaces the bumper. The big job is making the lower rear valance look right as it has to be modified (CUT) to fit around hitch. Cut a little, install, remove, cut a little, install, remove, etc. Three of us that are pretty handy spent most of a day installing the hitch and then a couple of more hours on the wiring (we did, however, install electric brake controller and wiring). Like I said, kind of a big job but, if you are handy and patient, not $1500 big. By the way, I would not pull anything any distance over 3000# or so without electric brakes . . they are worth it.

[AVDCAV]

Agreed I bought the oem all in package from sunset
I'm looking to buy a sweet camper
And it's gotta be safety first

So from what your saying don't make any plans
This weekend

[RNajarian]

Like an idiot I did not order the tow hitch option when I bought my '05 Cayenne.

Needless to say I need the versitality of the tow hitch so I thought I'd put one in.

My body guy suggested I buy an aftermarket unit which he would put in for me. I requires removal of the rear bumper and removal of the aluminum support brace from the bumper (which apparently gets replaced by a stronger steel one that came with my CURT type 3 tow hitch.)

In addition, as stated above the rear bumper cover needs to be cut, apparently the factory tow hitch is a true bolt on, the receiver dips down to avoid the rear portion of the bumper. My body guy says it is a minimal cut and would not be noticable. I'll post photos when I get it back to show the gang.

The benefit is that the CURT hitch cost $180 delivered. My body guy is installing (and modifying it for free - I guess I'm a good customer).

When I get the car back I'll post photos of my install and try to get details of what exactly was done.

Hope this helps

[SCOTITUDE]

i installed one on my 04S. I can send you a bunch of pics that will somewhat guide you thru the process. I had the luck of a factory tech helping me and it took us about 4 hrs.
Send me email address.

[RNajarian]

In addition to actually putting in the hitch. . . did you put in the wiring for the trailer? How did you do it? I have a copy of the TSB but I would like to hear what it is like to do in the real world?

Did you use the factory harness? or an aftermarket one?

[SCOTITUDE]

wiring harness comes with the factory hitch. it gets routed thru the body and plugged in in rear passenger side compartment.

[RNajarian]

As promised here are some photos of my aftermarket CURT tow hitch install. The hitch required cutting the lower portion of the bumper cover (as shown) but unless you are under the truck this modification is not noticable.

It cost me $183 Installed. (My body guy did the install for free- but after reading the TSB the weekend wrench could do this without fairly easily.)

NOW anyone have photos of the wiring harness install??

[stealthn]

I have all the factory stuff installed, am I to assume I just need a ball? We are looking for a trailer now, and I would like to hear some real world experiences on towing a camping trailer.

Bob

[fintstone]

Had to buy a connector with a hinged cap from the dealer. Had to remove a small cover (4 screws) on the left of the receiver, plug it in and use the 4 screws to attach it connector. Then needed an adapter to fit my trailer (standard flat plug). Dealer had the adapter as well. Bought my '04 used, but it had a factory hitch...so maybe your Cayenne came with these