Can't get tow pkg. Trailer wiring?

mongrel · February 24, 2004

I can't order the tow package because I'm getting a standard.

I wonder how much the trailer wiring, with brake controller wiring, and the hitch would cost, from the dealer?

Thanks.

Shotgun · February 24, 2004

it's not worth paying the dealer believe me.There is only one wire you will need to run to the fuse box if you will be using electric brakes so really it's not that bad.Also if you need constant 12V on your trailer you will need to run that wire too.

03GMCSierra4.8L · February 24, 2004

For what its worth, my 03 1500 Sierra did not come equiped with the "Tow Pkg" option. In fact on the window sticker it said "6 wire harness". BUT it did still have the 8 wire harness installed back to the rear spare tire area. All I had to do is add a Reese Class III and buy an adapter from Wal-mart to plug into the factory plug and I had the Round 7 pin connector and Hitch. The stk harness on my truck was all wired with the 12V pos and the Brake feed. All that is missing at this point is the ATF cooler which I also plan on adding.

If I opt for a brake controller in the future, you can buy the OE harness that will plug directly into the connector under the dash and into the back of your controller.

Terry

03Bluerado · February 24, 2004

I can't order the tow package because I'm getting a standard.
I wonder how much the trailer wiring, with brake controller wiring, and the hitch would cost, from the dealer?

Thanks.

Mongrel, try and consolidate your questions in one or two posts so as not to start multiple threads.

Now to anwser your questions....since you are a real man and ordering a real truck with a real transmission you CAN NOT get the tow package and I also do not think you can get the snowplow package! The truck actually comes with the 7 way plug tucked under the back bumper (mine did, yes I have a 5 speed) I just bought a Drawtight reciever and a pollack mount for the wire harness, under $150, and its quality stuff. The brake contol harness can be had from GM parts direct for under $30 and it comes with a 7 to flat four adapter...kinda cool bonus. Now you will need to connect the red wire on one of the poles (forget which) under the elec. center on the left front wheel well to get power to the contoler. There is also another wire you will need to connect to provide the constant power to the rear wire harness...now I have dual batteries so this may not apply to you, GM said nothing about this and myself and dealer spent some time figuring this out! Basically there are two poles under that electrical center...check it out, you most likely have to both those wires on there! GM really does not want you to tow with that truck, the 5 speeds have a lower tow rating than the autos. By getting 4.10's you are getting another 1k of capacity, but still less than the auto trans truck...stupid...but you will learn that there is a reason...the clutch is the weak point in our drivelines! I tow with mine and I have 3.73's, kinda wish I would have got the 4.10's, and now I am thinking of selling it and getting a new Dmax/ZF.

Get the skid plates and the Z85....both are worth it, I think the Z85 is stouter leaf springs, not shocks.

Dont mess with the ABS, the brakes on the 03 and up trucks kick ass...they changed some stuff and the ABS is much more robust now.

Have fun getting used to the 5 speed and electronic throttle!

mongrel · February 24, 2004

the clutch is the weak point in our drivelines!

I am thinking of selling it and getting a new Dmax/ZF.

Have fun getting used to the 5 speed and electronic throttle!

Thanks for the info. Great.

Did your clutch fail? Does it slip? In order to protect the driveline, they might make it a slipper, intentionally.

Uh oh. What electronic throttle?

Regarding the truck purchase, I am in agony. I've done all of the research, and I'm still in agony. I've never bought a new vehicle, or anything else this expensive. Further, the configuration I want will have poor resale, so I'd rather get it right the first time.

fastdrvr23 · February 24, 2004

For what its worth, my 03 1500 Sierra did not come equiped with the "Tow Pkg" option. In fact on the window sticker it said "6 wire harness". BUT it did still have the 8 wire harness installed back to the rear spare tire area. All I had to do is add a Reese Class III and buy an adapter from Wal-mart to plug into the factory plug and I had the Round 7 pin connector and Hitch. The stk harness on my truck was all wired with the 12V pos and the Brake feed. All that is missing at this point is the ATF cooler which I also plan on adding.

If I opt for a brake controller in the future, you can buy the OE harness that will plug directly into the connector under the dash and into the back of your controller.

Terry

I did just like Terry did. I bought my truck as a used 03' model and didn't get the towing package from the factory.

I added a Hidden Hitch Class III, a Hoppy 7/4pin connector to the factory installed plug that was mentioned above, and an OEM GM tranny cooler. I bought the hitch from etrailer.com for $115, the connecter from walmart for $25, and the cooler from the dealer for $90.

Since you've got a Manual, you won't need the tranny cooler, but it would probably be a good idea to switch over to synthetic fluid when you start towing alot. (If it doesn't come with syn. already, I can't remember.)

Anyways, good luck on the new truck purchase!

Oh yeah, most of the new GM full size trucks have a "drive by wire" throttle linkage system. There's no actual cable running running to the throttle butterfly, it sends a signal to actuate the throttle. Hence the "electric throttle".