Hitch, Ball Mount and Wiring Harness Options for 2012 Buick Enclave Without Factory Tow Package

Question:

I have a 2012 Buick Enclave, no factory tow package. Im going to purchase a Draw Tite hitch, but I have a question about the wiring harness. Why would I need, or not need, a power converter harness, versus just the t-harness. Part numbers in question are: C56027 and HM11141615.

asked by: David M

Expert Reply:

For your 2012 Buick Enclave the Draw-Tite 2-inch Class III hitch # 75528 is a confirmed fit. Install instructions and a complete install video are linked for you. The hitch comes with all needed hardware. You will also need a ball mount, hitch ball and pin/clip. I suggest ball mount # 989892.

In terms of the wiring harness options you ask a very good question.

The available products, non-powered models # 118450 and # C56027 and the powered converter model # HM11141615, differ in one important way. Both of the non-powered harnesses use the car's own internal wiring to deliver the power for the trailer lights. The Hopkins powered harness # HM11141615 on the other hand uses that vehicle wiring only to provide "instructions" to the converter which then pulls the actual trailer light power directly from the car's battery instead of through its internal wiring.

The benefit of this powered wiring is that the harness isolates and protects your car's wiring against shorts and overloads from the trailer. In the event of a nasty short-circuit on the trailer the converter would fry instead of the car's (expensive-to-replace) internal wiring. I highly recommend using the Hopkins powered harness.