Where can one buy a factory hitch to install ones self? The only one I found didn't seem to have the electronics with it which seems to be rather crucial to operation.

 

mine cost about 300 total...

 

Thanks for the replies. I am still debating what to do. The factory hitch retails for $430. A local hitch place said they will install it (including cutting the bumper) for $225. That's a grand total of $655 --- seems kind of pricey. Another hitch place said they'd make a custom one for 345 but then they want 100 to put in some eletrical modulator thing for the wiring so that "the truck doesn't have any electrical problems". Anyone have any thoughts on this?

 

That is way pricey on both options. I don't know your level of skill or I'd say do it yourself and save some dough. I'd look around a bit more if you choose to buy. There has to be something cheaper out there.

 

You do not need to add a 5 to 4 wire "modulator" to connect to a trailer. Even without the factory package, there is a trailer harness already installed in your truck. Look up under the center of the rear bumper at the top. You can usually see it when you open the rear hatch and look between the body and the bumper too. It's in a slotted, corregated black sheath and you'll see back, white, green, and brown lead ends inside it. This is where you will attach your trailer connector.

An aftermarket hitch installs in less than 20 minutes because there is no drilling and the bolts are already in the frame at the attachment points. Since the truck is already quite high, an aftermarket hitch will not really limit departure angle too much and my even save your rear licence plate from being ripped off because the hitch may hit first when off roading.

On the other hand, the factory installation looks and is really clean. If you have your bumper cut, don't forget to have them paint the edge with rust resistant primer and touch up the area with trim paint. This will solve the rust issue.

 

If I did this myself (except for cutting the bumper) how difficult would it be to install the factory hitch? Is there any way to get instructions?

Thanks guys.

 

While you got the blue wrench out cut off the huge hemmroid back there.

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