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 Hidden Hitch #87574 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 # 3808, 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 inline 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 Hidden Hitch Trailer Hitch, # 87574, 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 Hidden Hitch 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.

The Hidden Hitch, # 87574, and the Draw-Tite hitch, # 75684, are essentially the same hitch and share the same installation instructions, see link. This means that both hitches have the same bend for clearance of the stock muffler on a 2012 Santa Fe.

For a ball mount you can use part # 2923, 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.

expert reply by: Bob G