Anyone install a trailer hitch?

[Farleyjc]

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.

[tmw5]

Measure the hole diameter and most auto parts stores will help you. Here is a site for trailer wiring. http://www.etrailer.com/faq-wiring.aspx

[Farleyjc]

Originally Posted by tmw5

Measure the hole diameter and most auto parts stores will help you. Here is a site for trailer wiring. http://www.etrailer.com/faq-wiring.aspx

The holes in the chassis are next to impossible to measure as they are in a difficult area to get to. Anyone ever install one?

PS. Thanks for the wiring diagram. That helped a lot!

[Creepy Cruiser]

Here is a How-To write up on the installation of the whole deal. http://www.clubxterra.org/forums/sho...ght=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/receive...tml?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.)

[Farleyjc]

That was a big help. It seems like wherever I go I get different instructions. As for the 7500, no clue. I thought that was awful high, but the kid at O'Rielys said it was what was recommended. ???

[Creepy Cruiser]

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/de...QCUR13514.html

Let us know how it goes.

[Farleyjc]

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

[Farleyjc]

PS. Just tried your link for JCW and it was no longer good, but I did come up with this. It looks like your is the 1st one. Right? Congrats, it looks like your hitch appreciated in value. lol

Maybe even fill the tank! lol

[Farleyjc]

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-r...1705y2005g26j1

[Creepy Cruiser]

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/receive...tml?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-V...eid=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-V...eid=2005300532 I don't know the quality of the relays over the OEM ones. They are probably fine.