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Crap. Don't have the tow package. What to do?

302K views 347 replies 105 participants last post by  R.ambo  
#1 · (Edited)
Edit: I've removed some misc stuff I had here. I will be adding information regarding adding the tow package to a 2014 Durango as I get ready to order the parts and ultimately do the install myself. I've been doing lots of MOPAR searches trying to make this as painless as possible on myself and be certain I'm getting everything needed to install the hitch in one shot.


I can confirm the following items that are listed in the tow package are included standard on a 2014 Durango with the 5.7L HEMI V8:
•220-Amp Alternator
•Full Size Spare Tire
•Heavy Duty Engine Cooling
•Steel Spare Wheel

I'm uncertain about the suspension, but believe it is:
•Rear Load Leveling Suspension

That leaves the only things that are definitely not included (unsurprisingly, the hitch and an accessory harness):
•7 and 4 Pin Wiring Harness
•Class IV Receiver Hitch


Need to add the tow hitch to your vehicle? Here are the parts necessary (may be incomplete - will update as needed):
The hitch (Part # 52124606AF, MSRP $209): http://www.mopar.com/part/52124606AF?s=363651&i=4538001

The wiring kit (Part # 68088278AB, MSRP $29.25): http://www.mopar.com/part/68088278AB?s=363656&i=4611932&b=dodge

The hitch cover (Part # 05113692AA, MSRP $58.70): http://www.mopar.com/part/05113692AA?s=363651&i=4606994&b=dodge

Optionally, the 7 to 4 pin wiring harness (Part # 56019823, MSRP $18.85): http://www.mopar.com/part/56019823?s=363651&i=274742&b=dodge
Note: You'll almost certainly need a 7 to 4 pin harness, but you can opt for a cheaper one from Harbor Freight or pretty much any auto accessory source.


My original post (thankfully I wasn't completely hosed): I could've swore I had the tow package when I bought this weekend, but popped off the cover and nothing. I'm sure I made a bad assumption after seeing the cover and assumed it was there. I'll need to check the sticker later. That said, assuming I made a big mistake, does anyone have a list of everything included in the tow package? Curious if it would be possible to order the parts, but guessing I might be hosed. Really pissed I overlooked this...
 
#213 ·
OK! Ready to take the leap. I have a 2014 Limited with no tow package. I had the exact same reaction as the title of this thread when I removed the fascia / bezel / cover plate and found nothing. Oh well.

Here is what my Limited looks like right now:


and here is the fascia / bezel / cover plate with NO bump:


Based on everything I have read here, I have ordered and will have installed at the dealership:
part 82214135 "Receiver hitch"
part 82213986AB "Wiring harness"

The guys at the dealership were generally clueless - I was trying to verify that these parts will result in a 'like new' installation with the "bump-out" fascia / bezel / cover plate. They didn't think so, which made me nervous - they think it will be an exposed hitch with no cover. But after re-reading the threads here, I'm relatively sure I'm getting something that will look like this (NOT my pictures):




Any thoughts? Anyone confirm I'm going to get what I want?
 
#214 ·
OK! Ready to take the leap. I have a 2014 Limited with no tow package. I had the exact same reaction as the title of this thread when I removed the fascia / bezel / cover plate and found nothing. Oh well.


Any thoughts? Anyone confirm I'm going to get what I want?
Take a look at this thread: http://www.dodgedurango.net/forums/...9359-factory-hitch-install-video-tutorial-plus-wiring-install-instructions.html

Thumbs up to SuperPete for his excellent video. If you follow the directions, you should have no problem doing it yourself - no need to pay the dealer for the install. Good luck!
 
#218 ·
I installed mine yesterday... fits perfectly. The new bumper support does curve down to align properly. My only problem was that I don't have the part that fits in the rectangular hole to the left of the receiver. I have the round connector that was already attached up by the spare poking thru the hole but it doesn't look finished (obviously). Can someone tell me what that part is and maybe give me a part #? I assume the existing wire harness just plugs into the back of it?
 
#220 ·
Hi All,

I'm a DD owner of only 5 days now and these forums have been a big help already. I installed the OEM receiver the other day which was very easy. I didn't want the aftermarket wiring just dangling there so I picked up the OEM harness 82213986AB and installed that last night. No soldering was needed and pictorial instructions were simple to follow. The weird thing was that every wire I needed to plug into the pin connections under the hood already had the same color wires in place. And the instructions just said if factory wires were there to remove and tape back. I looked as best I could in the spare tire area to see if there was already an existing harness but nothing there. Just wondering what those existing wires were for?? After everything was in, no check engine light so I'm wondering if I need to go have the dealer flash it. I didn't get the chance to test power to the plug though.
 
#330 ·
Anyone know?



Wondering the same thing, does anyone know if this is normal to have all the wires already in place but cannot find any harness? I ran the cable the full length and stopped at hooking it up for now as I wasn't expecting to find all the wires already in place. Unsure if I should go ahead and pull them all or what they would be in there for? If I need to pull them does anyone know the best way to remove them?

Thanks in advance.
 
#221 ·
Ok, to close out my story. For my 2014 Limited without the factory tow package, the dealer came up with these two parts using my VIN number:
part 82214135 "Receiver hitch"
part 82213986AB "Wiring harness"

However, since my Limited already had the wiring harness under the spare tire, all I really needed was:
part 82214135 "Receiver hitch"
part 56055632AC "7/4 way plug connector"

I was able to convince the dealership that I was correct, and I saved about $40 since the plug connector is cheaper than the wiring harness. The only difference between those two parts is that the plug connector is just the plug connector, while the "wiring harness" has the plug connector AND the wiring needed if you don't have a factory wiring harness already installed.

As noted before, if you don't have the factory tow package, just look up under the rear bumper - if you have a Limited (or an R/T, I think) you should see a wiring bundle with a plug-in connector taped up near the spare tire and ready to connect to the "plug connector" that fits in the hole on the new hitch bumper.

Also, as noted in other places, there is no need to cut the bezel or make any modifications to the fascia / bumper when installing these parts on a 2014 Limited. The "Receiver Hitch" part listed above includes the new 'pregnant' fascia / cover plate thing that is needed to cover the new hitch installation.

Not to beat a dead horse, but here are the after pictures of my installation (scroll up for before pictures):



and here is the 'pregnant' fascia / cover plate thing that replaces your flat fascia / cover plate thing:


Regards

Dave
 
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#225 ·
As noted before, if you don't have the factory tow package, just look up under the rear bumper - if you have a Limited (or an R/T, I think) you should see a wiring bundle with a plug-in connector taped up near the spare tire and ready to connect to the "plug connector" that fits in the hole on the new hitch bumper.
I checked a couple of days ago - dropped the spare entirely, and didn't see any wiring.
 
#223 ·
Interesting... Based on the existing discussions here, the consensus was that only R/T came prewired from the factory. Limited was not included. I did check around the spare (nothing there) but not under it (never had to lower it for the install). I guess I'll do a quick check even though I'm already set up with aftermarket system from Curt.
 
#224 ·
For my 2011 R/T, I added an aftermarket class IV hitch ($160), and a factory wiring harness ($88). I also ordered an aftermarket bracket to mount the trailer connectors on the hitch (no bumper cut-outs/replacement valance panel with this arrangement). The vehicle has the towing package, and towing our 21' Yamaha jet boat is a breeze! Hill-Kelly Dodge in Pensacola did the activation for the wiring, and also programmed some needed software updates (steering, transmission shift points) which made a difference! FYI: H-K's service department was thorough, professional and courteous, and did the work in a timely manner--Kudos to them!
 
#226 ·
I have to say it again - to me selling a 5,000 lb. SUV with a 7,000 lb. towing capacity WITHOUT a hitch is just nuts. Each and every one of these should have a hitch factory installed, and only a special order deletion should allow one to be bought without one.

Sorry to rant, I just don't get it.
 
#230 ·
dbperry: Consider yourself the lucky one: my Limited (and I know I am not the only one) does NOT have the wiring harness. I just lowered the spare tire to be 100% certain (I knew there was nothing behind the rear bumper because I had at removed for an install).
Really odd. My Limited has an August 2014 build date. Wonder if that has anything to do with it. And just to clarify, my factory installed wiring harness was "under" the spare tire as in closer to the ground - you could probably actually feel it under the bumper just reaching your hand up from standing behind the vehicle. It was NOT hiding under anything at all.

Your stories explain why the parts computer told me to buy the full wiring harness part.
 
#232 ·
so just curious,, the factory prepped tow hitch setup durangos don't have a trailer brake system installed? if not,I'm giving a big thank you out to all the guys who have contributed to this as you've just solved one big problem for me- I thought all the RT Durangos came with the trailer setup so upon buying mine I get it home and my father in law takes a look under the rear bumper only to find out hmm- there's no hitch- when I called the stealership to inquire into this their response was- "but you didn't ask for a vehicle with the tow package"-,,,,thank guys
 
#234 ·
Just got word today that the dealership as all the parts to install my factory tow hitch as a 'we owe' for being a pain in the neck for the last 2 months. I have a 2015 R/T so it has the plug near the spare. They ordered the hitch receiver, wiring harness and a pregnant cover that they refuse to paint the color of my car. This is the last thing I'll deal with Larson Dodge with before I cut ties and go to their competitor for everything in the future.
 
#240 ·
Clintox,

Whatever happened with your harness? I bought the OEM harness and had the same issues. 3 of the wires already had wires in place. And i dont have a harness hidden anywhere underneath. I have a limited blacktop. So did everything work out and did you need the dealer to flash your computer to get the lights to work? I'm concerned about the wires even though the directions said to tape them back.

Thanks
 
#243 ·
I just read the whole 25 pages of this. I have a '14 Citadel V6 that of course I didn't get the towing package for and now I'm about to acquire a 20ft Boston Whaler and trailer. But it's in Boston and I'm in NY. I've read that towing capability of a Durango with trailer hitch added afterwards is only 3500 lbs and this combo I'm guessing is 4-5000. I assume they give you the lower limit because a v6 citadel does not have "heavy duty cooling". Is this just a tranny cooler? If so, those are pretty easily added, no?
 
#245 ·
FYI, I like others added the hitch myself and had to get the wiring harness turned on by the dealer.
Callled 2 local dealers, 1st quoted me $115 said an hour.
Second quoted me $65 also an hour.

So went with the $65 dealer...which actually ended up being $60.
Price seem so fair I also had them do the oil change for $27.95.
 
#246 ·
Edit: I've removed some misc stuff I had here. I will be adding information regarding adding the tow package to a 2014 Durango as I get ready to order the parts and ultimately do the install myself. I've been doing lots of MOPAR searches trying to make this as painless as possible on myself and be certain I'm getting everything needed to install the hitch in one shot.


I can confirm the following items that are listed in the tow package are included standard on a 2014 Durango with the 5.7L HEMI V8:
•220-Amp Alternator
•Full Size Spare Tire
•Heavy Duty Engine Cooling
•Steel Spare Wheel

I'm uncertain about the suspension, but believe it is:
•Rear Load Leveling Suspension

That leaves the only things that are definitely not included (unsurprisingly, the hitch and an accessory harness):
•7 and 4 Pin Wiring Harness
•Class IV Receiver Hitch


Need to add the tow hitch to your vehicle? Here are the parts necessary (may be incomplete - will update as needed):
The hitch (Part # 52124606AF, MSRP $209): Instrument Panel - COVER, Steering Column Opening - 52124606AF | Mopar

The wiring kit (Part # 68088278AB, MSRP $29.25): Seat, Front, Trim Code [R1] - COVER, Front Seat Cushion - 68088278AB | Mopar

The hitch cover (Part # 05113692AA, MSRP $58.70): Cowl And Sill - PANEL, Cowl - 05113692AA | Mopar

Optionally, the 7 to 4 pin wiring harness (Part # 56019823, MSRP $18.85): Trailer Tow Wiring Adapters & Brackets - 56019823 | Mopar
Note: You'll almost certainly need a 7 to 4 pin harness, but you can opt for a cheaper one from Harbor Freight or pretty much any auto accessory source.


My original post (thankfully I wasn't completely hosed): I could've swore I had the tow package when I bought this weekend, but popped off the cover and nothing. I'm sure I made a bad assumption after seeing the cover and assumed it was there. I'll need to check the sticker later. That said, assuming I made a big mistake, does anyone have a list of everything included in the tow package? Curious if it would be possible to order the parts, but guessing I might be hosed. Really pissed I overlooked this...

I have a 2015 R/T with no tow hitch, but I'm wondering if I have the other items as suggested. Never dealt with towing so I'm not really sure what I need to be looking. I need to add a hitch for my business, so I will have to put my D on a lift and check this out.
 
#250 ·
2015 do not come with 220 amp alternators any more I read.
 
#252 ·
Edit: I've removed some misc stuff I had here. I will be adding information regarding adding the tow package to a 2014 Durango as I get ready to order the parts and ultimately do the install myself. I've been doing lots of MOPAR searches trying to make this as painless as possible on myself and be certain I'm getting everything needed to install the hitch in one shot.


I can confirm the following items that are listed in the tow package are included standard on a 2014 Durango with the 5.7L HEMI V8:
•220-Amp Alternator
•Full Size Spare Tire
•Heavy Duty Engine Cooling
•Steel Spare Wheel

I'm uncertain about the suspension, but believe it is:
•Rear Load Leveling Suspension

That leaves the only things that are definitely not included (unsurprisingly, the hitch and an accessory harness):
•7 and 4 Pin Wiring Harness
•Class IV Receiver Hitch


Need to add the tow hitch to your vehicle? Here are the parts necessary (may be incomplete - will update as needed):
The hitch (Part # 52124606AF, MSRP $209): Instrument Panel - COVER, Steering Column Opening - 52124606AF | Mopar

The wiring kit (Part # 68088278AB, MSRP $29.25): Seat, Front, Trim Code [R1] - COVER, Front Seat Cushion - 68088278AB | Mopar

The hitch cover (Part # 05113692AA, MSRP $58.70): Cowl And Sill - PANEL, Cowl - 05113692AA | Mopar

Optionally, the 7 to 4 pin wiring harness (Part # 56019823, MSRP $18.85): Trailer Tow Wiring Adapters & Brackets - 56019823 | Mopar
Note: You'll almost certainly need a 7 to 4 pin harness, but you can opt for a cheaper one from Harbor Freight or pretty much any auto accessory source.


My original post (thankfully I wasn't completely hosed): I could've swore I had the tow package when I bought this weekend, but popped off the cover and nothing. I'm sure I made a bad assumption after seeing the cover and assumed it was there. I'll need to check the sticker later. That said, assuming I made a big mistake, does anyone have a list of everything included in the tow package? Curious if it would be possible to order the parts, but guessing I might be hosed. Really pissed I overlooked this...
The parts are not coming up correctly. This is what comes up from your first link..... Instrument Panel - COVER, Steering Column Opening