Installing a Hitch... Got ???s

[Fishtanked]

Ok, I have a '99 ZR2. I just bought a hitch for it off ebay. The round tube style that goes up under the bumper and looks clean (basically aftermarket OE). Firstly, any tips/tricks to putting this on? I'm told they're pretty easy to put on, but are there torque specs. for any of the bolts or anything? Secondly, the wiring. My buddy from school said I should get a 7-point connector, because they are more common than a 4-point connector, so, does anyone know how to wire one of those up, and where can I get one?

Any help would be appreciated.

[BlazerBoyLT98]

Honestly I have seen more 4 point connectors then anything so far while I have been towing, boats, sleds, a camper, utility trailer. As far as the wiring goes I have never done it myself but I would go to an autozone and buy the haynes book which I believe tells you how and buy the harness too. Or you can go the easy route and have a uhaul or a trailer place install the wiring harness. The install of the hitch should bolt right in to predrilled holes in your body of the truck. I would grease up the holes to prevent rust and just torque them down as tight as possibe. There probably is a certain amount of torque needed but you would have to do a search or by the manual. Good luck!

ps one little tip: Buy the little plastic box to stow your harness in so it doesn't corrode or rust or anything and never gets damaged when not in use

[Fishtanked]

Well, my buddy used to install hitches at a uhaul or something like it. He said the most common connector was the 7-point one. He also said there's an adaptor to convert a 4-point trailer wire to fit a 7-point hitch wire. But if I decide to go 4-point, I'll definately get that little plastic box.

[BlazerBoyLT98]

You are correct there is an adapter. I have seen the 7 point adapter on big boat trailers, what are you going to be towing?

[muzzy1maniac]

Can't your buddy help with some of the work? He sounds like a pro. As for the wiring I believe the kit plugs into your rear light harness and then runs down to the receiver.

[Fishtanked]

I don't exactly know what I'll be towing yet. Hopefully a Jet ski in the spring. But every time I have to move back and forth to school (every 3 months) I use my step-dad's trailer.

I would have my buddy help me out, but he doesn't live close to me. I only see him up at school.

So what you're saying is that it's pretty self explainatory once you get the bumper off (as far as wiring goes)? I've been told that once you take the cover off, there's 4 wires that look just like any other set of trailer wires. So I'm picturing in my head that they can be spliced right into the back of the 7-point connecter and that's that. Am I wrong.

I also saw another thread about wire colors and what they mean. There were like 6 or 7 different colors listed, not 4..................?

[vikman78]

i put a hitch on my 98 2dr that came off of a 99 4dr and it was fairly simple. As for wiring your harness i have also seen more 4 point connectors than 7 and i pull a boat with a 4 point harness. the wires are located behind the rear bumper up near the center of the spare tire. you can buy the harness at any parts store and they come with wiring directions . easy task and if you want a 7 point connector the wires are all in the same bundle.

[Fractured1]

Find out who makes your hitch and go to thier web sight, there you should be able to contact them for the torque specs, as for the wiring I bought a 4/7 wire connector at Autozone, it has both the 4 wire plug and 7 wire plug (I tow a boat trailor and a pop up with electric brakes) the connector came with great directions, had to run a new wire though for the electric brakes, thats another story but if you need the wiring diagram drop me a note.,other than that make sure you soldier your connections and I'm a strong believer in shrink tubing to waterproof the bare wires..do it right the first time...good luck