OEM Versus Aftermarket Trailer Hitch and Trailer Wiring Harness for 2020 Chevy Traverse

Question:

What's the difference between the trailer hitch and wiring offered by GM and the aftermarket choices for a 2020 Chevy Traverse.

asked by: Jake D

Expert Reply:

Honestly speaking, the primary difference is the mark-up the car stealership charges you.

A few years back the OEM hitches did have an aesthetic advantage for many vehicles, such as the Traverse. The OEM hitches installed behind the bumper, and were partially or fully concealed. Many folks didn't like the appearance of a big hunk of metal (the hitch) hanging below the rear bumper, so they accepted the extra cost of the OEM offering and went on about their business.

These days it's a new ballgame. The aftermarket hitch manufacturers are competitive as far as their designs go. The quality is usually actually superior because the negative publicity or word of mouth regarding a rusty hitch would have much more of an effect on an aftermarket supplier than it would on an OEM. Aftermarket quality is better because it has to be. For your 2020 Traverse, I'd recommend the Curt Class III receiver hitch, part # CU29FR which mounts behind the bumper fascia door like the OEM hitch. When the hitch isn't being used, you can replace the fascia cover and the hitch will be invisible.

As far as the wiring options go, the aftermarket manufacturers get their vehicle and manufacturer-specific connectors from the same third-party sources. Quality? Equal. At a much better price. The trailer wiring harness you need would depend on the type of trailer you're planning on towing. Smaller utility-type trailers usually won't have brakes and if that's the case with what you're wanting to tow a simple 4-pole connector like # 118761 would work great. If you'll be towing something a little larger that has trailer brakes and uses a 7-way trailer connector, use # 118287. For a brake controller, I recommend the Tekonsha P3, part # 90195 and the brake controller installation kit, part # 5506.

I've linked you to some installation videos that you might find helpful.