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John P.
Dodge Dakota
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5/30/2007
00:15:07
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 Subject: Trailer Hitch Wiring
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Message:
Hi there... just wondering if anyone can shed some light on this:
I just purchased an '05 Dakota QC 4.7L 4x4. I picked up the Mopar class 3 hitch and the outrageously expensive wiring package for it. I'm wondering without opening the package ('cause then I can't return it) what, exactly, this package gives you in terms of wiring. There was a small plug in harness that came with the truck that apparently plugs in somewhere in the back and breaks out the wiring for the hitch plug to bare ends so you can wire the plug from there. Obviously this kit gives you all that in a convenient plug-in type package but is there any other benefit to using it other than convenience? Do you get trailer brake wiring & charge wire wiring in it?
If anyone can shed some light on the benefit of this wiring kit I'd appreciate it.
Thanks in advance.
John Phillips
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Dan M
Dodge Dakota
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5/30/2007
05:55:59
| RE: Trailer Hitch Wiring
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Message:
Why not buy an after market wiring kit? You can get them from wal-mart, auto parts stores, tsc, etc. Less than $20 if I remember right.
I'm not exactly sure what you are referring to when you say the small plug-in harness that came with the truck.
I know after market wiring kits connect in-line with your tail/brake lights and provide a connection to plug in the trailer. On my 02, it has the factory wiring and provided a covered port to plug in. This port is RV type and I bought an adapter to convert to 4 wire (to use with uhaul trailers, etc). My friends F150 came with a factory covered port that has both RV and 4 pin connctions.
Perhaps the one that came with the truck is to break it out so you can put in a covered port?
- Dan M
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mccamp
Dodge Dakota
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5/30/2007
09:36:12
| RE: Trailer Hitch Wiring
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Message:
I went to uhaul, had them put on a class III/IV hitch and wiring kit, the whole thing with labor was about $200. Then they are responsible for drilling the holes for the bolts and mounting it. I have used it for 3 years now without a problem.
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Stick Shift
Dodge Dakota
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6/10/2007
06:51:43
|  RE: Trailer Hitch Wiring
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Message:
Read your owner's manual. The little pigtail or the cheapie $20 kit from the Autoparts stores are probably good for "one tail light per side". The '03's warn about overheating the light switch on the dash if you run more. You're probably OK for a small utility trailer or boat with the cheapie. If you are going to pull a Travel Trailer, use the expensive factory harness or spend lots of time making your own with a "Modulite". If the factory harness has a 7 pin receptical, there should be the connection for brake and 12v for a TT. The factory harness should have some kind of little square box with red, green, yellow, and black wires going in and out of it. This contains either relays or power transisters that use the tail and turn as signals but are powered off a separate battery line to prevent extra load on the light switch. There should be something to wire in the cab as well with the factory harness to give you a plug for a brake controller. I don't know about the '05's but on my '03, if you take the tape off the bundle of wires thru the fire wall, you can poke more wires through the grommet. You will have to do this with a blue wire for the brake controller.
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