Adding a Ball to the Bumper and Accessing Trailer Wiring on a 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500

Updated 01/26/2015 | Published 01/24/2015

Question:

Hello I just got a 2014 silverado, it has the light duty bumper hitch and I was wondering how to install a ball through the bumper, mostly how to remove the plastic circle. Also where do I plug the wires in theres a cover next to the license plate but I cant take it off but if I get on the ground theres wires going to it.

asked by: Rick

Expert Reply:

First, you will want to check the owners manual for the truck for the bumper towing capacity. Many bumpers are only rated for 3500 pounds but the owners manual should say. But don't confuse the truck's towing capacity with the bumper capacity.

You will need to also make sure that there is an opening that goes all the way through the bumper to install a ball. Most bumpers that have this feature will have a cap over the hole that you can pry out with a flat head screwdriver. If it's stuck you can try tapping it out from below. When the cover is off the hole you will need to measure the diameter of the opening to determine what size shank will fit.

If the bumper does not have the hole through the bumper for a ball then you will need a frame mounted trailer hitch. I have included a link to the options for your 2014 Chevy Silverado 1500.

The truck should have a 7-Way trailer connector that opens upward from the bottom. Some base models might have a dummy connector there but if yours has wires running to it then it should be a regular connector. Email me some pictures if you aren't sure.

expert reply by: Michael H