DIY: Relocate Trailer Harness

I have seen a few ways do this, the most popular way is relocating into the rear bumper. Seen here and here.

I decided to relocate the harness up behind the tow hitch using homemade "L" brackets and utilizing the existing mount.

Going this route still puts it tucked out of the way and I still have use of both of my license plate lights. I don't often tow so having it up there shouldn't be an issue when it is needed.

Before:


After:



On to the write up...

I used a piece of 1" flat aluminum that is 1/8" thick. I decided to use aluminum because it is easy to work with, won't rust and I had it laying around the garage.


After measuring I cut (2) 4" pieces and drilled holes at each end. I was in a hurry so it's not that pretty but it worked. I used a dremel to round the edges.

I did center the holes after this picture using a round bastard file.


Before paint, mock up


Everything else it pretty self explantory based on the pictures. Line everything up, tighten down the bolts and hit it with black paint.






Tell me what you think...It was a quick DIY that I just decided to do with out any planning.

Anyone see any issues with it being there?

 

I like it. I might use this idea for myself.

 

good work man

 

that is a very good idea. I got way more into it and ended up cutting a hole in my bumper for the harness to stick through, but yours is simple and very effective. I wish I had seen this before.

heres mine:

 

^^^ I was going to do the same thing but was pressed for time. I am actually happy I went this route because I can always put it back to stock if needed.

 

you didn't happen to have a write up with some pics on how you did this did you? i think i'd rather integrate it next to the bumper if it's not too much extra effort

 

Looks good and no real issues there except it's not as protected as if it was higher up. Still better than stock though. Only issue I'd maybe be concerned with is what happens to the wire when you're towing, the wire might hang down a little low.

I was going to put mine beside the plate like that but there wasn't enough room because I put in a 4/7 pin combo like new Ford's & Dodge's have. I hinged the plate on top and put the plugin behind the plate.

 

thats a sweet setup. my only problem with the OP set up is when i put my 6 pin adapter to flat 4 pin it would sit kinda low...maybe

 

Great idea OP.
Ive been procrastinating too long to do this mod.
I just did it in twenty min. at my shop. Super easy

 

Thanks! Glad to see other's getting use from this idea!

 

how much $$ for you to make/paint/send me a pair, too lazy too go out and buy the materials, much easier typing in paypal

 

Come on man! It's easy! I would have to go buy the material because I'm out of the flat aluminum piece. I wouldn't want to charge you but I honestly don't have the time to do it right now. Maybe someone else can make them and sell them on here. I would maybe charge $15 shipped if I were to make them.

 

hmmm so you comin down to my house to install it too isnt ggunna happen

ill probably find the time, i havnt broken it off yet, so it doesnt bother me, but ill be pissed when it does break off

 

Nice mod and write up Gavin. Good job!

 

I might be able to produce these at $15 shipped, but ill have to look at material cost.
Galvin, are you running a 33" spare?
That's the only variable i see that can be different between setups.

I'll take pics of my work and also show how low the 6 pin adapter to flat 4 pin hangs at this position.

 

Here is my install



Here is how low the 6-to-4 pin adaptor hangs

 

This is a great mod... i have a bunch of stainless layin around, i might have to do this, or just grab some aluminum scrap from work... anyways... my $.02 is that if you use the plug itself 75% of the time, its great.. if you use 4 pin more than the regular plug, probably better to do it in the bumper.. OR... if you hate the idea of choppin your bumper up (as i do) and hate it hanging(as i do) you can do this mod, and if you need to use the adapter, just zip out the bolts quick and put it in the stock location...
I might make these up and go hook it up to my trailer and post a pic of how low it will hang.... (maybe)

 

There isn't much benefit to doing it this way. No harm either being a temporary mod but if you are going to bother, do it right.

If the spirit of the mod is to gain more clearance for off road, it isn't enough IMO. It is still too vulnerable down there. This mod would not have protected the bracket from the terrain that bent mine before I relocated the harness to the bumper. I didn't mind cutting my bumper because I know IT is too low and stands a good chance of getting mangled and replaced with a high clearance bumper some day.

If you never use the trailer harness then you would be better off simply removing the bracket from the stock location and zip-tie/mount the harness up behind the bumper or hitch. If you ever do need it, there it is.

If you DO use the harness, judging from these pictures with a cable plugged in it would hang even lower than stock.

The bottom of the trailer harness bracket in stock location is about even with the bottom of the trailer hitch.


It looks like there is even less clearance here with the cover open. There is no cable hanging out of there either (just adapter).

 

I agree with you bridaw that this relocate is not best if you offroad with a trailer.
But i do believe its a permanent solution since the plug is out of harms way and protected by the spare wheel and hitch. (when offroading without a trailer)

 

Correct... and if youre off roading with a trailer... and you hit something high enough to bother the plug in this position.. then id be more worried about my trailer.....