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Anyone install a trailer hitch?

7K views 14 replies 3 participants last post by  Creepy Cruiser 
#1 ·
I have a 2005 Xterra and just ordered a Reese 7500 pound hitch. It fits existing holes and from the diagram, it looks like the holes are on top of the frame on each side. Anyone know what size bolt it takes? I believe there are 2 bolts on each side.

In addition, I will be putting in the electrical wires. I plan to tow a small utility trailer for the most part and ordered a 4 flat connection. Any advice on that? Never done it before.
 
#4 · (Edited)
Here is a How-To write up on the installation of the whole deal. http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/showthread.php?t=8854&highlight=tail+light

The '05 comes already pre-wired front to back for the trailer lights, but you need to add the relays to the system. You'll want to pick up the Nissan OEM Plug-N-Play harness for it. The whole thing is super easy to do. The reason you need it, is the lights all run through the computer, and if you don't use the relays, you can damage the computer, and that would be bad, lol. Here's a link to what you'll need. You can order it here or get it from your local dealer. http://www.courtesyparts.com/receiv...t-pin-2005-2010-xterra-p-9605.html?cPath=533&

The hitch should take about 15 minutes to install, and the harness about the same. The only thing you have to figure out, is how you want to mount the plug itself.

BTW, where did you find a 7500 lbs hitch? (the X is only rated @ 5000 lbs.)
 
#6 ·
Wow, I've never even seen a square tube hitch on an Xterra, lol.

BTW, he was reading you the wrong number specs.

These are the actual ones:
3500 Lbs. Gross Trailer Weight
5500 Lbs. Weight Distribution
350 Lbs. Tongue Weight
550 Lbs. Weight Distribution

Just a heads up: If it's actually made like the pic shows, it might be a PITA to install since it goes on top of the frame, instead of just bolting up to the sides of the frame to the original bumper mounts, like all the others.

I'm thinking maybe it's the wrong pic on the site.

This is the one most people buy, (not necessarily from this place). And it's actually rated for more weight than the reese. It's also cheaper. http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/details/QQNissanQQXterraQQCurtQQHitchQQ20052012QQCUR13514.html

Let us know how it goes.
 
#7 ·
Thanks again Creepy

You are the best! The pics you took are excellent and pretty easy to understand.

After reading your info, I am going to buy the same products you got and yes it is cheaper. I like the idea of bolting from the side more than the top. Did your hitch come with the bolts? Are they threaded or does it come with lock nuts? Understand what you mean on having a washer in between the hitch and the frame. The other posts I read had the opposite problem...They needed a rubber hammer to pound them in.

Concerning the wires. I have seen the You tube installing the wire and relays on the passenger side kick plate, but what about the other ende?" Did I miss something? I saw where you custom installed your outlet by cutting a hole underneath the bumper (nice, real nice) and it looked great. But all I need is the 4 flat....I think.

Thoughts?

Where should I buy the hitch and wiring?

THANKS AGAIN! Will have to buy you a gl. of gas. lol 3.35 here in Prescott, AZ. lol:auslachen-big:
 
#9 ·
Guess who?? lol

Ok, now I am totally confused. Would never believe I went to college. lol Take a look at the below link. The top pic shows the hitch with a design that rests on top of the chassis and the bottom pick shows it mounting from the inside (like you explained). Yet they appera to be the same model (287046).

???????????????????


http://www.jcwhitney.com/class-iii-...y-curt/p2011910.jcwx?filterid=d1705y2005g26j1
 
#10 ·
Lol, no worries.

Actually that write up was done by another member here (not me), after I did my install. I gave him a bunch of advice and he then posted that "How-To", because no one else had posted one yet.

I actually bought my hitch from here: http://www.etrailer.com/hitch-2005_Nissan_Xterra.htm (and so have many others on here as well). Best price, super fast free shipping, and great customer service.

Nissan factory wiring: You can order it from here, or get it from your local dealer. http://www.courtesyparts.com/receiv...t-pin-2005-2010-xterra-p-9605.html?cPath=533& You can then just get a 7 pin to 4 pin adapter (that's what I did), so I can tow any trailer (with or without electric brakes)

Etrailer 4 Pin harness: http://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-.../Xterra/2005/118263.html?vehicleid=2005300532 This just plugs into the back under the car by the spare tire.

Etrailer also offers this complete kit: http://www.etrailer.com/Custom-Fit-.../Xterra/2005/118525.html?vehicleid=2005300532 I don't know the quality of the relays over the OEM ones. They are probably fine.
 
#11 ·
Thanks again!

I DO want to be able to tow both 7 pin and 4 pin and like the idea of getting the entire kit from E Trailer with the 4 flat connector. 2 questions.

If I buy the kit that includes the relays and 4 flat connector I can still hook up into a 7 pin connector. All I would need is a 7 to 4 adapter. Correct?

2. If I buy just the wiring with the 4 flat connector I do not need the relays or any wiring in the front passenger side. Correct?
 
#12 · (Edited)
You must have the relays no matter what. If you want the system to work correctly and be safe, and have no risk of damaging the computer, you need them. (Also if you just plug the flat 4 connector in, you will not have any tail lights on the trailer, because the relays control all that.)

If you are going to ever want to tow a trailer with electric brakes, (big boat, car trailer, camper, etc...), buy the factory Nissan one with the 7 pin. The X is pre-wired for an electric brake controller, and it all plugs directly into the 7 pin connector from Nissan. (I strongly recommend going this route). The reason for the 7 pin, is it has the extra contacts for the brakes on the trailer, and the heavy gauge wires for it. It will save you time, money, and hassle to just do the OEM Nissan one with the 7 pin right off the bat.

Then just get on of these 7-4 pin adapters and your done: (they're only about $8-$10)


With this set up, you're ready to go with just about any type trailer, and it's all plug n play.

The other really nice thing about going with the 7 pin mounted on the car side is: when you are not towing you remove the adapter, and the connector is covered with the little door so you don't get mud and crap in there, and there's nothing hanging down (like with most flat 4 plugs) to get caught on stuff.
 
#13 ·
Makes perfect sense CC. Will take your advice and get the OEM wire harness from Nissan and I am going to buy the Curt hitch (132.79 from Rock Auto
http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

Now all I need to do is figure out a way to mount it as nice and neat as you did. I have a roto zip that may work well. Love the way you made the template.

I am surprised the hitch doesn't have an area designed for it to snap into. I will go back and look closer at the pics, but the area you cut out was on the bottom of the left side of the bumper. Right? Or is it further underneath the vehicle?
 
#14 ·
Hey CC!!!

Here is a How-To write up on the installation of the whole deal. http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/showthread.php?t=8854&highlight=tail+light

The '05 comes already pre-wired front to back for the trailer lights, but you need to add the relays to the system. You'll want to pick up the Nissan OEM Plug-N-Play harness for it. The whole thing is super easy to do. The reason you need it, is the lights all run through the computer, and if you don't use the relays, you can damage the computer, and that would be bad, lol. Here's a link to what you'll need. You can order it here or get it from your local dealer. http://www.courtesyparts.com/receiv...t-pin-2005-2010-xterra-p-9605.html?cPath=533&

The hitch should take about 15 minutes to install, and the harness about the same. The only thing you have to figure out, is how you want to mount the plug itself.

BTW, where did you find a 7500 lbs hitch? (the X is only rated @ 5000 lbs.)

I installed the Curt trailer hitch today and know what you mean about the gap and needing a washer. Odd that I only had a gap on 1 side, but it is about 1/8 inch or better. I have left the bolt slightly loose and need to buy washers tomorrow.

All in all it looks good. Going to get the OEM harness and 7 pin connector with 4 flat adapter. I like what you did and may copy. I looked at the E-Trailer adapter bracket that is made to clamp to the hitch and house the connector assembly, but it looks "really Mickey Mouse," lol

Thanks again for your help!
 
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