[Dallas]

Yes he added the transmission cooler but he didn't mention the load leveling shocks. I'll shop around another dealer this weekend.

 

[4Bar2]

Yes, I got the dealer to activate the tow hitch.

Is there a way to activate without going through a dealer? Mine wants $108 to activate the harness. That sounds a little high to me to just hook the car up to a computer and type in a code.

 

[tomk]

I don't believe you can retrofit the HD fan that comes with the tow package to a non-tow-package vehicle.. the wiring and controls are different.

see also the discussions over in http://www.dodgedurango.net/forums/durango-towing/17954-2014-trailer-tow-iv-questions-comments.html

 

[wataboy]

Is there a way to activate without going through a dealer? Mine wants $108 to activate the harness. That sounds a little high to me to just hook the car up to a computer and type in a code.

Nope only way..:. but That price is correct, =1hr Labor. I just happen to neg. mines for free[emoji102][emoji1491][emoji1608]

 

[tomk]

Basically a dealer is gonna charge you an hour labor and some misc stuff to do this kind of thing.

Really sucks.

 

[BringTheRain]

Unicorn experience with dealer

FYI, Just picked up a 2016 Limited on Monday, it had the trailer wiring installed from the factory.

Called the dealer today (my sales guy) to schedule a time to get the harness activated, making the case we just dropped $40K on an SUV that has trailer wiring but the wiring doesn't work. He said he'd call me back.

About :15 minutes later, the sales guy calls me back and says "You're all set!". I was like ????.
He says that the service manager updated our VIN with the trailer wiring code, and that it will update over the air. Best of all, no charge (which I was going to fight on principle if they tried to).

Kewl and slightly scary that they have that much control OTA.

 

[Szy_szka]

FYI, Just picked up a 2016 Limited on Monday, it had the trailer wiring installed from the factory.

Called the dealer today (my sales guy) to schedule a time to get the harness activated, making the case we just dropped $40K on an SUV that has trailer wiring but the wiring doesn't work. He said he'd call me back.

About :15 minutes later, the sales guy calls me back and says "You're all set!". I was like ????.
He says that the service manager updated our VIN with the trailer wiring code, and that it will update over the air. Best of all, no charge (which I was going to fight on principle if they tried to).

Kewl and slightly scary that they have that much control OTA.

Be sure to test it before hooking up the trailer. Too many stories on the forum here with owners who were told the harness was activated only to find out on the actual tow day that lights do not work.

 

[tomk]

hm.

I don't think that can be done OTA, but maybe in a '16 it can..

Not sure how it managed to leave the factory with factory tow not enabled.. does your build sheet show tow?

...tom

 

[BringTheRain]

hm.

I don't think that can be done OTA, but maybe in a '16 it can..

Not sure how it managed to leave the factory with factory tow not enabled.. does your build sheet show tow?

...tom

Nope, no tow package on the build sheet.

I visually confirmed that the 7 pin connector is in the bumper, and the gray brake controller connector is present in the driver's side footwell.
Also checked the fuse box and confirmed that the fuses for the 7 pin connector are there (F28, 29 and 30)

Went out in the driveway to throw a multimeter on the connector, no dice. I have the 7/4 module showing up tomorrow, maybe that is required to make things happen.

 

[MJB8]

So does it have the entire tow package or just the harness? many came through with the harness but no hitch/ tow package

 

[BringTheRain]

So does it have the entire tow package or just the harness? many came through with the harness but no hitch/ tow package

Sorry, should have been more clear: tow package was not optioned on the truck, I will be adding the tow bar, but the wiring harness is already there. See my post above #309.

Not going for HD towing, bike rack and utility trailer for motorcycle transport.

 

[MJB8]

OK so you have a non tow package model but came with the tow harness, this is the norm in the R/T and higher optioned models. The harnesses are all not activated in this scenario. If they activated it foro free you saved $75-150.00. with the factory hitch you will need a new rear bumper insert for models with the hitch. you will be fine towing 3500 lbs and using it for accessories.

 

[BringTheRain]

OK, 7/4 plug showed up today. Threw a multimeter on it, was able to get 12V on the constant blade. Suspect that the 7/4 connector has resistors or some sort of load circuit internally.

Parking lights, turn signals and hazards remain untested because I think they require load to work.

Ordering a 7-blade tester to ensure the rest of the wiring is turned on. Stay tuned...

 

[RPAltman]

As a new Durango R/T owner and new member of the forum, I'd like to thank all the previous contributors for the invaluable information. I've had the Durango about two weeks and found this thread and the rest of the forum full of great info. My R/T did not come from the dealership with a tow hitch, which I need for a bike rack and to tow my track car on an open trailer. The dealer wanted ~$1000 for the parts and installation -- and the Service Manager suggested I could easily DIY or get a non-OEM hitch from UHaul for less than half that.

I know the R/T comes equipped with the larger alternator, heavy duty cooling, and load leveling shocks.. and I found the trailer wiring harness hanging under the spare tire.. so it's just a question of adding the hitch hardware. I've already obtained the following parts:

• Rear Bumper Hitch / Impact Bar - MOPAR Part No. 52124606AF
• Paintable Hitch Fascia Cover - MOPAR Part No. 1XV07TZZAB (I suppose the unpainted black finish matches the rest of my "Blackout" trim?)
• 7-Way Trailer Connector - MOPAR Part No. 56055632AC

I have a couple of questions that haven't been explicitly addressed:

• I know I need eight M14 x 2.0 x 45.0 bumper support bolts (Part No. 06508668AA) -- but there are six on the stock bumper support. I categorically reject the idea of paying $20 (incl shipping) for two bolts from the various online MOPAR retailers.. so I am still looking for a less expensive option. Has anyone had luck finding these bolts at local auto parts stores (PepBoys, Advance Auto Parts, Auto Zone)?
• I have an Tekonsha Voyager electronic trailer controller. For my previous vehicle (2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited w/tow package), I had to build a custom pig-tail to connect the controller to (i) the power (from the fuse box under in the footwell), (ii) ground, (iii) brake lamp switch output (jumped off the vehicle brake lamp switch at the pedal), and (iv) the trailer brake controller (a factory supplied green wire feed). From what I've read here, it seems I can buy a Tekonsha 3045-P harness and attach it to my old pigtail? Does the 3045-P plug & play into a socket in the driver's side footwell?
• I know I need to get the dealer to activate the trailer wiring. I'll deal with that later.
• Am I missing any other parts? I saw someone mention a few pop rivets?

Thanks in advance for all the assistance.

Rich

 

[MJB8]

Get the factory hitch, it will come with everything and will exit at the proper height and have the mounting hole for the 7/4 way socket. After market hitched exit below the rear bumper and everyone who get them is not happy.

Yes you have the 4 pin trailer brake connection up under the dash near the ebrake pivot point all wired.

 

[machausta]

Get the factory hitch, it will come with everything and will exit at the proper height and have the mounting hole for the 7/4 way socket. After market hitched exit below the rear bumper and everyone who get them is not happy.

Yes you have the 4 pin trailer brake connection up under the dash near the ebrake pivot point all wired.

I've gotta admit being a bit resentful, as my Crew came with a HEMI but not the wiring, nor the trailer brake connector. Going to attempt the hitch wiring install tonight. As for the aftermarket hitch height, its not terrible (I have the CURT hitch bar) -- biggest challenge is that we have a 5000 lbs camper, and I don't mind the hitch being where it is, but not having the factory wiring has meant I've had to borrow my uncle's truck whenever I want to take the camper on vacation. I'm looking forward to using my own vehicle.

 

[BringTheRain]

Rich-

Answers to your questions:
1) I ordered a kit through eBay that came with the bumper, replacement cover and (6) bolts and plastic rivets for $230 shipped. You may be able to find the paintable cover version from the same dealer.
Here's the listing: 14 16 Dodge Durango New Production Trailer Hitch Receiver Bezel Mopar New | eBay

2) I also have a Tekonsha and bought the 3045-P pigtail off Amazon for $17 - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004R36OV0

3) If you just bought the car, have them activate the wiring ASAP, and tell them you're not paying them to do it. It's outrageous that these "SUVs" ship without a trailer hitch installed, but to not have the wiring active is complete BS. My dealer was able to update my VIN, and because I have UConnect active, it turned on without a trip to the dealer.

4) See answer #1

For reference, I also bought the 7/4 blade socket off eBay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/321327264259
-BTR

I have a couple of questions that haven't been explicitly addressed:

• I know I need eight M14 x 2.0 x 45.0 bumper support bolts (Part No. 06508668AA) -- but there are six on the stock bumper support. I categorically reject the idea of paying $20 (incl shipping) for two bolts from the various online MOPAR retailers.. so I am still looking for a less expensive option. Has anyone had luck finding these bolts at local auto parts stores (PepBoys, Advance Auto Parts, Auto Zone)?
• I have an Tekonsha Voyager electronic trailer controller. For my previous vehicle (2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited w/tow package), I had to build a custom pig-tail to connect the controller to (i) the power (from the fuse box under in the footwell), (ii) ground, (iii) brake lamp switch output (jumped off the vehicle brake lamp switch at the pedal), and (iv) the trailer brake controller (a factory supplied green wire feed). From what I've read here, it seems I can buy a Tekonsha 3045-P harness and attach it to my old pigtail? Does the 3045-P plug & play into a socket in the driver's side footwell?
• I know I need to get the dealer to activate the trailer wiring. I'll deal with that later.
• Am I missing any other parts? I saw someone mention a few pop rivets?

Thanks in advance for all the assistance.

Rich

 

[usafvmi08]

So here's a question...with the factory installed tow package, does the wiring harness still need to be activated or should it have already been done?

 

[BringTheRain]

So here's a question...with the factory installed tow package, does the wiring harness still need to be activated or should it have already been done?

Should already be "ON" from the factory.

 

[MJB8]

Quote Originally Posted by usafvmi08 View Post
So here's a question...with the factory installed tow package, does the wiring harness still need to be activated or should it have already been done?


No but for all the R/T and Citadels that have no tow package but were built with the tow harness in the car , That does have to be activated. Once the harness is activated in a model with all the other options. the vin is updated to Factory Tow Package also. Mine was