[cybereclipse]

Hey guys,
So i'm moving some things about 30-40 miles or so and I was planning to haul a little 4' x 7' Utility Trailer from uhaul with around 300 lbs. of stuff inside.

Here's the catch
I don't have a hitch... :thatswck:

All I have installed is a tow ball in the rear bumper...
do you think it'd be ok to tow it that distance with just that? its not too much weight...

I also purchased one of these to plug into the trailer wiring thats preinstalled near the rear bumper:

after reading a couple posts (yes i searched) I'm guessing I need relays to use the exsisting wiring?

 

[Mathster]

no problem. the bumper is good to 3500 pounds

 

[paris1]

I towed a fully-loaded 5'x8' covered U-Haul 500 miles with my '07 XE (no hitch) and hardly knew it was there. Couple of things to keep in mind. One of the nice things about the Frontier's rear bumper is that the center vinyl step pad pops off to expose the tow ball mount so you don't have to worry about scarring up the plastic or cutting out the access hole. This is handy if you don't plan on towing very often as you can just remove the ball and pop the cover back in place when you're done. Second, it's worth it to invest in the Nissan wiring harness for $45 or so (online dealer price) if you think you might ever have to tow something again. It's easy to install and a foolproof way to get everything working first time every time. Lastly, keep in mind when you're loading the trailer that the tongue will sit high when you hook it to the bumper mount, so pay partilular attention to how you distribute the weight of the load. Follow the instructions posted on the trailer (something like 60% of the load in front of the axle) and add a little to the front because of the rearward tilt caused by the high mounting point. Otherwise, you'll end up with too much weight to the rear and the trailer will want to wander. Also remember the tongue weight on the bumper should not exceed 150#.

 

[Phlame217]

after reading a couple posts (yes i searched) I'm guessing I need relays to use the exsisting wiring?

Yes, you will need the relays and you definiitely need to get the OEM wire harness. I recommend the 7 pin and get a 7-4 pin converter. Makes life easier down the road.

Don't splice btw, you'll burn up some electronics.

 

[cybereclipse]

Yes, you will need the relays and you definiitely need to get the OEM wire harness. I recommend the 7 pin and get a 7-4 pin converter. Makes life easier down the road.

Don't splice btw, you'll burn up some electronics.

cant i just go buy some relays and use that plug thing i already bought? really dont feel like spending $60 for some wiring and on top of that i have to have it in like 2 days so onlines not an option :/

 

[jski701]

I just want to make a recommendation, because I've seen it before, check to be sure the bumper bolts are all tight. Might sound stupid, but not checking something that simple could really make for a bad trip.
Good luck with the move.

 

[paris1]

cant i just go buy some relays and use that plug thing i already bought? really dont feel like spending $60 for some wiring and on top of that i have to have it in like 2 days so onlines not an option :/

This kind of thing has been tried by many without success. For the short distance you're going (especially of it's during daylight hours) you're probably better off just skipping the light hookup (if U-haul will allow you to do that) and driving very carefully or just using the harness you've got to get some lighting ( I think I've read before that the taillights will work but that's about it-no brake or turn lights).

 

[Mathster]

is there not a T-harness for the gen 2s like the gen 1s have?

 

[dubie2003]

is there not a T-harness for the gen 2s like the gen 1s have?

Nope, all 2nd gens and most newer imports require the use of relays or else a splice job will fubar the electronics and burn stuff down.

You can probably do the bumper thing but I am not sure how much the trailer would be jacked up. I would try and stay off the interstate or major roads if possible.

Purchasing the relays separate is going to be hard to do. I don't think anyone has sourced who makes them for Nissan so finding the correct ones that just plug in will be hard. Maybe an electrical supply store near you will have the relays?

 

[02RedRunner]

Why don't you call U-Haul, tell them what your truck is, and maybe they have a temp. harness they can get you while you tow?

I would not try to go cheap here... one accident and you will be paying big time. Don't "improvise" when it comes to towing on the highway!

Another option (probably easier) why not just put whatever you are hauling in the bed? You said it's only about 300 lbs, that's like two teenagers.

 

[jski701]

Check out this page, the stuff you need is cheap and probably waiting for you at your local dealer.

2010 Nissan Frontier | Accessories | Nissan USA