[RiverRacerX]

Did I miss it? Where would the wiring harness connect. I understand the hardware part of the install, but where am I looking for the end of the loom to plug in the new harness?

2015 Limited

 

[miket]

Has anyone installed the OE hitch themselves?

 

[Chase300]

Has anyone installed the OE hitch themselves?

I will be once it warms up in the Spring.
I thought there was pictures somewhere around showing the install.
You just need hitch a couple of bolts and plug if you have Citadel or R/T. Other models you also need the harness.
With all you need the dealer to turn on the plug.
That's how I understand it.
Apparently the rear fascia just pulls off.

 

[miket]

Based on the diagram picture which is at the link in the first post of the forum, it looks like it slides into the two square channels on each side of the spare. In looking at my rt, the metal bumper is actually mounted in those two square channels.

 

[Moose135]

Based on the diagram picture which is at the link in the first post of the forum, it looks like it slides into the two square channels on each side of the spare. In looking at my rt, the metal bumper is actually mounted in those two square channels.

You remove the bumper bar that is installed, and replace it with the hitch bar.

 

[boomer775]

Has anyone installed the OE hitch themselves?

I did it, not too difficult. I will say that an extra set of hands is helpful when removing/installing the bumper cover so you don't scratch it. Also, get youself a trim removal kit such as this, if u don't have already

Amazon.com: 5 pc. No-Scratch Tools for Removing Fastener & Molding: Automotive

The install is pretty straightforward on the R/T & citadel, as u have the plug there already. If u don't, it needs to be spliced in. Remove the old bumper reinforcer and the hitch slides right in. U just need to buy 2 extra bolts and torque to spec.

 

[FSTDANGO3]

The wiring harness adapters are tucked up by the spare tire. You will need the adapter harness from Dodge to go from that plug to the hitch area
STEVE

 

[bcrystlazrt]

I did it, not too difficult. I will say that an extra set of hands is helpful when removing/installing the bumper cover so you don't scratch it. Also, get youself a trim removal kit such as this, if u don't have already

Amazon.com: 5 pc. No-Scratch Tools for Removing Fastener & Molding: Automotive

The install is pretty straightforward on the R/T & citadel, as u have the plug there already. If u don't, it needs to be spliced in. Remove the old bumper reinforcer and the hitch slides right in. U just need to buy 2 extra bolts and torque to spec.

What about the rivets? Don't you have to get a rivet gun and install new ones etc? I want to do this myself this year on my R/T. I am getting tire of throwing my mountain bike in the back.

 

[Moose135]

What about the rivets? Don't you have to get a rivet gun and install new ones etc? I want to do this myself this year on my R/T. I am getting tire of throwing my mountain bike in the back.

Yes you do. I got one of these...I found it in-store, on sale for about $10~

Hand Riveter with 40 Industrial Strength Poly Rivets

I have most of what I need, just waiting on warmer weather to install, mostly to add a bike rack as well.

 

[tacosauce]

What about the rivets? Don't you have to get a rivet gun and install new ones etc? I want to do this myself this year on my R/T. I am getting tire of throwing my mountain bike in the back.

No, just use the Christmas tree fasteners. Easier to use, faster, cheaper than buying a rivet gun, just as effective.

I did mine a few weeks before installing my mud flaps. Don't think I would have needed the trees if I had done them together.

 

[bcrystlazrt]

No, just use the Christmas tree fasteners. Easier to use, faster, cheaper than buying a rivet gun, just as effective.

I did mine a few weeks before installing my mud flaps. Don't think I would have needed the trees if I had done them together.

These?

 

[tacosauce]

These?

Looks like those.

 

[mjt023]

I purchased a 2014 Durango limited, no towing package - recently had a 3rd party hitch installed to the factory 7 -wire harness. nice set up.
-went with the Curt hitch. however i cannot believe I had to go to the dealership to have the factory wiring harness activated? Has anyone else had this problem? Dealership charged $100 for labor, talked them down to $50 - they wouldn't credit more.

I called dodge, filed a complaint, they would not refund it. It is honestly just the principal for me at this point. Any thoughts?

 

[Moose135]

Yes, that's standard. Price seems to be in line with what I've been seeing for the work.

 

[octagonphd]

I just completed the OEM hitch receiver and wiring harness install on a 2014 SXT Durango. The trailer lights don't work, but I haven't gone to the dealer to have them activated yet, so that is expected. However, I noticed that a strange noise is coming from underneath the Park/Reverse/Neutral/Drive knob when pressing the brake while the knob is in the park position. It consistently happens every time i press the brake. The noise only lasts for a second or so, then it's gone. I'm pretty sure that I've wired everything correctly, at least in accordance with the wiring instructions. Anyone experience something similar? It's very cold, I'm not sure if that could be related. Any ideas?

 

[Chase300]

I just completed the OEM hitch receiver and wiring harness install on a 2014 SXT Durango. The trailer lights don't work, but I haven't gone to the dealer to have them activated yet, so that is expected. However, I noticed that a strange noise is coming from underneath the Park/Reverse/Neutral/Drive knob when pressing the brake while the knob is in the park position. It consistently happens every time i press the brake. The noise only lasts for a second or so, then it's gone. I'm pretty sure that I've wired everything correctly, at least in accordance with the wiring instructions. Anyone experience something similar? It's very cold, I'm not sure if that could be related. Any ideas?

Sounds like the park release solenoid in operation.
Totally unrelated to the install...more the cold effecting it.

 

[octagonphd]

Sounds like the park release solenoid in operation.
Totally unrelated to the install...more the cold effecting it.

Thanks, i spent some more time with it and you are correct. The noise is the mechanism that prevents you from switching into R/N/D when the brake is not depressed and I sure hope it is not related to the install. However, the noise doesn't seem to be going away. It's very annoying. Going to see what the dealer has to say about it. I bought it new 3 weeks ago.

 

[Tony H]

Has anyone installed the OE hitch themselves?

WTH! Did you even look back at this thread? All the answers to all these questions, and more are in this thread. There's even pictures. This thread has outgrown itself.

 

[tacosauce]

I hear you. I installed my hitch and plug without issues except for getting the wiring activated. Dealers around me want $130-$160 for something that will take less than 10 minutes. Good thing I haven't needed the wiring yet, as I have only used hitch accessories so far. I'll need to get it activated soon though. Going to tow my Samurai.

Anyone have a starscan in Southern California? I'm sure there are a few of us who would get together for a scan party. I'll bring brewskis.

I purchased a 2014 Durango limited, no towing package - recently had a 3rd party hitch installed to the factory 7 -wire harness. nice set up.
-went with the Curt hitch. however i cannot believe I had to go to the dealership to have the factory wiring harness activated? Has anyone else had this problem? Dealership charged $100 for labor, talked them down to $50 - they wouldn't credit more.

I called dodge, filed a complaint, they would not refund it. It is honestly just the principal for me at this point. Any thoughts?

 

[Robfrmny21]

My rt has the wiring where the hitch would be but no hitch itself.
I wish I knew be4 the tow package had came with the external trans cooler I would have went that route in a heart beat.