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putting a tow ball on rear bumper mount

Discussion in 'Towing' started by franzcars, Apr 25, 2011.

  1. Apr 25, 2011 at 3:37 PM
    #1
    franzcars

    franzcars [OP] I'm different, in a different way

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    ok, so i was thinking about getting one just to have. we dont really tow anything but it'd be nice to have just in case. i dont have the tow package and its a reg cab soooo..... also is it illegal to tow if the lights on the trailer wouldnt work cuz i dont have the harness? sorry if this has been asked.
     
  2. Apr 25, 2011 at 5:00 PM
    #2
    IDtrucks

    IDtrucks Unhinged and Fluid

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    it takes literaly 15 dollars and 15 minutes to wire in a 4pt connecting harness to the tail lights.

    The 4pt harness is used on lighter trailers, which is what you would tow with a bumper ball and a std cab 5 lugger. They dont provide trailer brakes, but they will light up the break light, turn signals, reverse lights on a trailer with a 4pt recieving, which is what you should get so you dont get a ticket, or get into an accident.

    [​IMG]
     
  3. Apr 25, 2011 at 5:29 PM
    #3
    skytower

    skytower Well-Known Member

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    Hitch and wiring, aux back-up light, rear strobe lights, radio and underseat sub.
    Towing with the bumper is a bad idea. It sits up too high to be useful and has a VERY limited capacity. Hitches are $100ish and can be done in 20min with two people, 45min by yourself with some cussing:)
     
  4. Apr 26, 2011 at 7:04 AM
    #4
    franzcars

    franzcars [OP] I'm different, in a different way

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    i wasnt really looking to spend much because i dont think im going to tow much. but i wanted to b ready in case.
     
  5. Apr 26, 2011 at 8:39 AM
    #5
    IDtrucks

    IDtrucks Unhinged and Fluid

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    The bumper ball is fine, your truck sits low enough plus with the added weight of a trailer it will most likley level out. And also along with the light harness u need a spot to put chains
     
  6. Apr 26, 2011 at 1:20 PM
    #6
    franzcars

    franzcars [OP] I'm different, in a different way

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    i think the 2 holes on the side of the mount is for chains. is this a good thing or should i just splice? 43355_e0f280c0801666d80e61d050026fc5b4327a1f1b.gif
     
  7. Apr 26, 2011 at 4:19 PM
    #7
    IDtrucks

    IDtrucks Unhinged and Fluid

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    oh god that thing is overly complicated. Just splice. The wires are easily accessible under the truck. You will just want to make sure you have the tail light wiring diagram for your truck so you know where what wires to connect to what.

    i used connectors that looked like this
    [​IMG]
    basicly idiot proof,
     
  8. Apr 26, 2011 at 4:21 PM
    #8
    franzcars

    franzcars [OP] I'm different, in a different way

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    i've used that b4. ill look at the wireing this weekend. thanks
     
  9. Apr 26, 2011 at 4:33 PM
    #9
    Pugga

    Pugga Pasti-Dip Free 1983 - 2015... It was a good run

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    These things are about as quick and easy as it gets! I've got one for my truck. All you have to do is pull the tail lights, T-in and you're set.
     
  10. Apr 26, 2011 at 5:46 PM
    #10
    franzcars

    franzcars [OP] I'm different, in a different way

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    i looked under my bumper and couldnt find the plug. ill prolly go up to advanced auto and get some stuff
     
  11. Apr 26, 2011 at 5:55 PM
    #11
    larryde09

    larryde09 Well-Known Member

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    Possibly for chains, but I've also read that the other 2 holes are actually for off-centered towing. This is for large farm equipment that wouldn't fit inside the lane of a road, so you can offset the load so that it partially hangs off the side of the road to ensure it clears the oncoming lane.
     
  12. Apr 26, 2011 at 6:49 PM
    #12
    franzcars

    franzcars [OP] I'm different, in a different way

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    oh. i read somewhere on the fourm to but i hooks or something like those and bolt the chain down. that good?
     
  13. Apr 26, 2011 at 7:01 PM
    #13
    genxer36

    genxer36 Lord of Tomfoolery

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    Buy that one it installs in 10-15 minutes, very easy. Don't do the splicing, a pain in the ass. I have installed several of those over the years. You will be glad you git that instead of splicing.
     
  14. Apr 26, 2011 at 7:05 PM
    #14
    genxer36

    genxer36 Lord of Tomfoolery

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    YES! You will get a ticket & possible worse if towing without a harness. If you are ever pulled over because the trailer lights aren't working. Act suprised & get out to check, then appoligize & say you will take care of it immediately. Most of the time this keeps you from getting a ticket.
     
  15. Apr 27, 2011 at 6:25 AM
    #15
    franzcars

    franzcars [OP] I'm different, in a different way

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    ill do the good old splice job and if i get more serious towing, ill get a biiger taco with tow pkg :p

    is this the wireing diagram?

    tacotowing_7aa315deacb26dc5bda93b5b8a55bc844c63536f.jpg
     
  16. Apr 27, 2011 at 2:43 PM
    #16
    larryde09

    larryde09 Well-Known Member

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    I think that diagram is for the pre-existing harness provided with the stock towing package option...I assume you don't have the wiring harness already since you're thinking of splicing, so you'll have to splice off the tail light wires because the harness in your diagram does not exist on your vehicle.
     
  17. Apr 27, 2011 at 3:55 PM
    #17
    genxer36

    genxer36 Lord of Tomfoolery

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    If the same cop pulls you over a 2nd time. A ticket you will get. Best not to fake it. At least try & get it to work.

    The OEM harness isn't any better than the aftermarket one. I would buy the aftermarket one around $50. Then replace the lightbulbs in the trailer. A cheap fix & that may be all the trailer needs. Trailer bulbs $1.50.

    Splicing can have issues later on. I'm not a fan of splicing if you don't have too.
     
  18. Apr 27, 2011 at 6:20 PM
    #18
    franzcars

    franzcars [OP] I'm different, in a different way

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    how would i know what to splice off? should i pull my tail lights off and look?
     
  19. Apr 27, 2011 at 9:12 PM
    #19
    Jerry Bear

    Jerry Bear Well-Known Member

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  20. Apr 28, 2011 at 4:19 AM
    #20
    franzcars

    franzcars [OP] I'm different, in a different way

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    thanks for the info. ill take a look and c what i hav.
     

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