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2010 Equinox Trailer Harness

106 messages,  Last post on Jul 18, 2010 at 9:44 AM

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What is this discussion about? Chevrolet Equinox, SUV

Messages Page 7 of 11

#57 of 106 2010 Equinox trailer hitch fiasco by taubo

Oct 01, 2009 (10:39 am)

Well, I had a mess with getting a hitch installed on my 2010 LTX 4cyl too. Havng read the other entries and their problems, I went to my local chev dealer whom i did not buy the vehicle from because I found a unit out of state that I liked. I asked him to activate the harness programming, in addition to repairing the powered hatch that was delivered not auto closing and discovered when back home. 2 weeks later it is still at the dealer. Finally the new lift motor arrived 13 days later, but the hitch was bigger hassle. Couple days into waiting for hatch motor, they offered a 2" reciever complete for $375. Figured that was not too bad, considering all the hassles to locate a 2" hitch (for bike racks etc) so I went for it. Found out later that they farmed the hitch work out to a local hitch co and then proceeded to get all balled up. I ragged that I took to GM for proper support, not to farm out. Apparently the hitch is different than an 09, so that was the first issue and had to be returned for correct unit. Then the GM wiring ordered was not correct plug. They claimed no plug lead available for 4 cyl so I authorized to splice into the lead in back of vehicle. then they wanted to charge extra for programming. And want me to sign a release that teh 4 cyl is not supposed to be used for towing. So I will head to the dealer today and tell them I will not pay more for programming because I had a hard quote, or they can take the hitch off and I will just pay for programming, not the $500 total. I will not sign the release either because it was not part of the original agreement and the hitch was on vehicle already when the told me about it. Boils down to the dealer had no clue about the 2010 4 cyl equinox hitch requirements. Will let you know the resolve. Maybe they won't release vehicle. Need to find out who to complain to at GM, but don't know if that would help. Can always return vehicle in the 60 day return policy, but not my objective. Would get their attention tho. And maybe I will have to post the dealer name. Suspect that is not the publicity they would enjoy in efforts towards customer satisfaction. Other than this I am really excited about the vehicle, although only 400 miles on it in 3 weeks.

#58 of 106 Re: 2010 Equinox trailer hitch fiasco [taubo] by runox

Oct 01, 2009 (6:39 pm)

Replying to: taubo (Oct 01, 2009 10:39 am)
If the dealer farmed the hitch work out, then they sent it to a shop that had not installed one on an '10 before. The whole story is a bit surprising because it's a $250 dealer installed option including the programming. You paid $350 plus programming. I guess that kind of thing happens when you don't go to the dealer where you purchased.
 
Apparently the hitch is different than an 09, so that was the first issue and had to be returned for correct unit.
 
Incorrectamundo, the same hitch fits all Nox 2006-2010.
 
Then the GM wiring ordered was not correct plug. They claimed no plug lead available for 4 cyl
 
El shoppo probably didn't know the '10 takes a new style plug, probably tried the '09 style or something else that didn't fit, and ultimately found out the harness can only be bought from GM for $100+ which just shot their profit margin out their exhaust.
 
so I authorized to splice into the lead in back of vehicle. then they wanted to charge extra for programming.
 
The ol' spliceroni - shop saves profit installing gypsy brand after market product.
 
As for "no towing" with the 4cyl, try reading the towing section in your manual.

#59 of 106 Re: 2010 Trailer Wiring - Still More Problems [bjones6] by geohov

Oct 08, 2009 (6:09 pm)

Replying to: bjones6 (Aug 28, 2009 8:03 am)
Can I ask what hitch you bought and how did you install it? Did you just bolt it in or is there more to it than that? I don't need the wiring. I'm only going to use it for a bike rack.
Thanks

#60 of 106 Where I got mine by bjones6

Oct 08, 2009 (6:44 pm)

Replying to: geohov (Oct 08, 2009 6:09 pm)
I bought my hitch from the Hitch Store
http://www.thehitchstore.com/hitches-trailer-hitches-c-20_22.html
I fit perfectly. The bolts that come with it thread into nuts already welded into the body. It can be installed in half an hour, but you will need a big torque wrench to do it right.
I am still trying to get the wiring harness I need, but I did get the dealer to program the computer to power up the connector. They had it for two hours one day and all day a few days later. They had to download new software to their service computer in order to work on the 2010. The first time they sent me home with the trailer lights working, but my cruise control had been disabled. My guess is that they really struggled trying to figure it out.

#61 of 106 Re: 2010 Equinox trailer hitch fiasco [taubo] by smithpe

Oct 09, 2009 (4:50 am)

Replying to: taubo (Oct 01, 2009 10:39 am)
The manual for my 4cyl. 2010 LS says it can tow 1500lbs. with trailer brakes and 1000lbs. without trailer brakes. I don't know why the dealer wants a release unless your hitch is rated for more than 1500lbs. I've been towing a 1300 lb. boat without trailer brakes and it seems OK. I have a dealer installed hitch with a 1" receiver. Maybe the 2" receiver is rated for more than 1500 lbs.

#62 of 106 Re: Where I got mine [bjones6] by geohov

Oct 09, 2009 (3:00 pm)

Replying to: bjones6 (Oct 08, 2009 6:44 pm)
Wow, awesome sight for hitches. Great price too. Did you have to remove the bumper to attach it?

#63 of 106 Re: Where I got mine [geohov] by runox

Oct 09, 2009 (3:55 pm)

Replying to: geohov (Oct 09, 2009 3:00 pm)
The only piece you need to remove is little section of the bottom of the bumper cover. It's held in with two compression nibs that are part of the little door. You pinch the two of them and it pops right out. There's enough room on mine where I can replace the little door and completely hide the hitch.
 
The hitch fits right under the bumper and if you buy the right hitch, it will be hidden except for the receiver.
 
Curt MFG just came out with an after market harness that supposedly has the unique fitting to the wiring behind the driver taillight. Fits the Terrain also
 
P/N CT56094.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2010-Chevy-Equinox-Trailer-Tow-Hitch-Wiring-Light- - -Kit_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem27ac2b98c9QQitemZ170392262857QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5- - fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
 
There's one up on eBay for 19.00 and included both sections.
 

#64 of 106 Re: 2010 Equinox trailer hitch fiasco [smithpe] by runox

Oct 09, 2009 (4:06 pm)

Replying to: smithpe (Oct 09, 2009 4:50 am)
smithpe -
OK. I have a dealer installed hitch with a 1" receiver. Maybe the 2" receiver is rated for more than 1500 lbs.
 
It's not the size of the receiver that determines the load, it's the design and construction of the hitch. A Class 3 hitch will be rated for 3500-4500 lbs, far in excess of the Chevy suggested towing capacity. What Chevy is saying is that the vehicle tranny and brakes are not designed for loads over 1500, and 100lb without trailer brakes.
 
Just show the dealer the manual and tell him to forget the waiver.

#65 of 106 Re: Where I got mine [geohov] by runox

Oct 09, 2009 (6:09 pm)

Replying to: geohov (Oct 09, 2009 3:00 pm)
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2010-CHEVROLET-CHEVY-EQUINOX-TRAILER-HITCH-BRAND-- NEW_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem335644c7edQQitemZ220490- 680301QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

Messages Page 7 of 11

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