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Trailer Hitch DIY

9297 Views 13 Replies 8 Participants Last post by  stingray16
Completed the trailer hitch installation today. Bought a Curt 13292 hitch: Hitch Lookup for 2016 Buick Envision
Note there's a link to download the instructions on that page.

This was an extremely simple install. Curt rates it as 20 minutes for a pro and 40 for an amateur. I took an hour, pausing to take pictures, fetch a soda, find a sweatband and gather a couple items I'd failed to look for in advance. The install can be done without raising the vehicle, although it might have been a bit easier if I'd gone to the trouble of getting it up on ramps. Or perhaps not. I left one end of the hitch on the ground while lifting the other end into place and getting the bumper bracket nut on a couple threads. On ramps or a lift I'd have needed the other end to be supported.

You'll want to do this with a cold exhaust system. And without the key fob in your pocket unless you want the tailgate opening and closing...

Pictures 1-2 are what you get, 3 is the driver side install location, showing the bumper bracket nut and the attachment and "fish" holes. Picture 4 is how the spacer and bolt are inserted, and 5 is ready to remove the fish wire. Note a narrow vice-grips is what I used to make sure I didn't accidentally pop the bolt back up into the frame.

Instructions call for periodic checking to make sure everything is tight. In a couple weeks, I plan to loosen each nut (one at a time), add Loctite and re-torque.

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I am not handy at all. Was removing the middle plastic portion in the rear bumper easy?
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I am not handy at all. Was removing the middle plastic portion in the rear bumper easy?
Almost trivial. At the bottom corners are a pair of screws that are easily removable with a Torx T15 screwdriver/bit. There are 3 plastic tabs along the top edge and one tab on each side. While the instructions show prying it open at the top with a screwdriver, all it took was a firm tug.

I don't have a current need for the hitch but just wanted it available if needed, so I put the center cover back in place.
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Not a job for everyone to do and maybe not something you want to take to the dealer, unless you know them really well, well enough to not charge you much for a job like this.

Anyone going to an independent shop instead of their dealer?
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That sounds relatively easy actually, a few screws and tabs before the whole bumper goes free. Its good to know in case I ever want to install a trailer hitch.
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FloridaMatt, thank you for sharing this useful info. Good to know that you can replace the center cover even with the hitch in place.

Another question: Did you install the wiring harness too? If so, can you comment on the skill level required, and also whether having the wiring harness installed disables the engine autostop system? There's been some speculation about that.

Thanks again.
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That sounds relatively easy actually, a few screws and tabs before the whole bumper goes free. Its good to know in case I ever want to install a trailer hitch.
While the DrawTite hitch does require removal of the bumper, the Curt hitch does not. This makes the Curt easier to install, but the DrawTite is rated for pulling heavier loads.
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The Curt install was a breeze. I've got wiring harness that plugs into the tail light harness behind the tailight but see a electrical module sitting on the lower bumper valance next to the removable towing close out panel. Would it be a leveling sensor?

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You may be looking at the sensors for tailgate hands-free operation.
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Yup, you're right. Now just have to figure out how to add a light to it so projects Buick tri-shield on the ground.
Like this? Ebay and search for Buick Envision Puddle Light, plug and play pair for ~$12. Have had mine for several months, and really like them.

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I put a pair in too! I wish it was like my Cadillac and could do the rear doors too!
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I have a 17 Essence, hate the start/stop, around town just run in L6. Have read that some vehicles (F150's) that if you plug a "trailer tester" into the wiring harness plug it will override the Start/Stop, (thinks there is a trailer behind the vehicle) just as the module under the hood fools the computer into thinking the hood is loose. I don't have a factory trailer hitch/harness on my car, I don't tow anything, but being "Cheap Chuck", I'm trying to get rid of the Start/Stop in a less expensive way. The trailer hitch harness and the trailer tester appear to be cheaper. Can a non factory car have a trailer hitch wiring harness installed? Is part of the harness already there? Has anybody tried this method of trying to override the Start/Stop? I know it's NOT a Ford, but you just never know. I've also been told that it isn't good to run around town in L6 all the time. If so, why shouldn't I and what does it hurt?
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