Trailer Hitch, Wiring, Ball Mount, Hitch Ball and Bracket Recommendation for a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
Question:
I have a 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited with factory wired trailer package. I do not want to pull apart any of my vehicle to hook up a wireing harness as the plugs are already on the outside now. Please advise the best hitch to use and wireing harness. Is the round hitch better or the square tubing best for my vehicle. I want it to look neat and less viseable. NO cutting of the bumper or heat shield. Am I correct in noticing one hitch #75684 has a bend in it for the muffler and the Draw-Tite #75684 doesnt? This why I am asking questions. Remembering no cutting of anything . Thanks
asked by: Kenneth R
Expert Reply:
My recommendation for trailer wiring for your 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe with factory trailer wiring package would be the Replacement OEM Tow Package Wiring Harness, # 118258. Keep in mind that this harness is a replacement harness and, if your vehicle did not have the factory connector installed when it was new, you will need to access the tow package connectors and check them with a circuit tester, like part # PTW2993, to be sure that the wiring is complete on your vehicle.
If you find that the stop/turn and taillight functions are not complete to those connections, you will need to use the T-One Wiring Harness, # 118415, which installs in line with the vehicle taillight wiring, see instructions link.
Both wiring harness installations mentioned above will require removal of interior trim panels for connection to the vehicle wiring. The wiring you see on the outside of your vehicle will need to be pushed back up inside the vehicle, see video link, for proper installation.
For wiring brackets to mount the 4-Way connector at the hitch, you can use the 4-Pole Flat Mounting Bracket, # 18144, and the No-Drill Mount Bracket, # 18140, for a no drill installation.
My recommendation for a hitch would be the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, # 75684, because this hitch does not require any trimming and is a direct bolt on application. Both the round and square tube designs perform well, but the square design, in the case of your vehicle, is rated for use with weight distribution, should you require it now or in the future. The round tube design, # C13073, from Curt Mfg. is not rated for use with weight distribution systems.
The Curt Mfg. hitch part # C13073, requires trimming of the heat shield and fascia for installation.
I attached a photo of the Draw-Tite and the Curt Hitch on the back of a 2011 Sorento for you to see which looks like the most hidden version. Many people prefer the round tube design, but in this case that option does require trimming.
For a ball mount you can use part # D-4, Hitch Pin and Clip, # PC3, and for a hitch ball you can use the 2-inch hitch ball, # 19247 or the 1-7/8-inch hitch ball, # 19260, depending on the size your trailer coupler requires.
Products Referenced in This Question
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Custom Fit Vehicle Wiring
- Trailer Hitch Wiring
- Converter
- Custom Fit
- 4 Flat
- Tekonsha
more information >
No-Drill Mount for Electrical Mounting Bracket - Short
- Accessories and Parts
- Trailer Wiring
- Mounting Hardware
- Brackets
- 4 Flat
- 5 Flat
- 4 Round
- 5 Round
- Tow Ready
more information >
1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 1-7/8 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 2000 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Draw-Tite
more information >
2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Trailer Hitch Ball
- Standard Ball
- Chrome-Plated Steel
- 2 Inch Diameter Ball
- 2-1/8 Inch Shank Length
- 1 Inch Diameter Shank
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- Tow Ready
more information >
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 10-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs
- Trailer Hitch Ball Mount
- Fixed Ball Mount
- No Ball
- 1 Inch Ball Hole Diameter
- Steel Shank - Gloss Black
- Drop - 2 Inch
- Rise - 1 Inch
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- 7500 lbs GTW
- Class III
- CURT
more information >
Pin and Clip for 2" and 2-1/2" Hitches - 5/8" Diameter x 3-1/4" Span
- Hitch Pins and Clips
- Standard Hitch Pin
- Fits 2 Inch Hitch
- Fits 2-1/2 Inch Hitch
- 5/8 Inch Diameter
- 4 Inch Span
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class IV
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- Draw-Tite
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: How to Choose the Right Trailer Hitch Class
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Towing a Trailer? Let's Talk About Brake Controllers
- Q&A: What is the Difference Between a Class II and a Class III Hitch?
- Q&A: Comparing Curt # 13195 and Draw-Tite # 75908 for 2017 Kia Sorento
- Q&A: Finding the Serial Number on a Roadmaster Sterling Tow Bar to Use Adapter for Blue Ox base Plates
- Q&A: How To Determine if a 2011 Kia Sorento has the Factory Towing Prep Package
- Article: Roadmaster Vehicle Specific Base Plates
- Q&A: How to Tell if 2020 Kia Sorento Has Factory Tow Package
- Q&A: Is Drilling Required to Install Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch on 2012 Hyundai Santa Fe
- Q&A: How to Determine if a 2013 Kia Sorento has a Factory Towing Prep Package
- Article: How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop
- Article: Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)
- Article: Trailer Hitch Receiver Sizes