Has anyone put on a trailer hitch ?

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Has anyone put on a trailer hitch ?

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Mazda >> Mazda Vehicles >> Mazda Tribute >> Has anyone put on a trailer hitch ?

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Has anyone put on a trailer hitch ? - 4/30/2008 7:56:03 AM

browntown3

Posts: 15
Joined: 1/19/2008
Status: offline

have an 04 tribute LX and want to put an aftermarket trailer hitch on it. It didnt come with one and was wondering how hard it is to put a new one on. If anybody has put one on and could give me some tips or explainations of what i will have to do please let me know.........Thanks!!

Post #: 1

RE: Has anyone put on a trailer hitch ? - 5/11/2008 6:29:17 PM

kingtoki

Posts: 2
Joined: 5/11/2008
Status: offline

I put a tubular Class II from hidden hitch on. They sent a free wiring harness and the price was right. The only catch was that the lights still wouldnt work. Took it to Mazda dealer where they charge $80 to tell me it did not have a towing module (whatever that is) and then another $150 to put one in. Have no idea if this was appropriate or if they just soldered 2 wires together but thought you should know this may be an added expense if yours was not originally equipped.

T

(in reply to browntown3)

Post #: 2

RE: Has anyone put on a trailer hitch ? - 5/12/2008 6:45:18 AM

browntown3

Posts: 15
Joined: 1/19/2008
Status: offline

Thanks King, was your hitch pretty much a bolt on type? (where you didnt have to modify the car any) ? I keep looking and it looks like i would have to cut or saw the little tow? hook off underneath the back?

(in reply to kingtoki)

Post #: 3

RE: Has anyone put on a trailer hitch ? - 5/12/2008 3:12:57 PM

04tributelxowner

Posts: 50
Joined: 3/17/2007
Status: online

Had a Class III hitch put on and the wiring done for $230 at Brad's Trailer Service in Rochester, NY. Can't tell you if it was easy or not to put it on, but it only took them about 1 hour to do everything at the shop.

Advice: Remove the trim pieces around the tailgate, and splice into the wires from the top. This way, you can leave the wiring and harness inside the vehicle, avoiding exposure to weather. This is especially important if you live in an area with lots of snow and road salt (like I do).

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2004 Mazda Tribute AWD V6, 40K miles

(in reply to browntown3)

Post #: 4

RE: Has anyone put on a trailer hitch ? - 5/12/2008 4:24:08 PM

virgin1

Posts: 4197
Joined: 3/15/2007
Status: online

I believe a towing module is an electronic converter so that turn signals and running lights might be separated or combined electronically.
I have a Draw-Tite class II on my 3HB (professionally installed,) and there is a module box mounted in the rear that also draws power for the trailer lights directly from the battery (power lead running back to front) so that those lights don't draw from and possibly over-tax to factory wiring.

To answer your question, I believe the physical mounting of the hitch would probably be a breeze, but the electrical might be confusing... especially if you are not that well versed w/electricity in the first place.

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