Wiring Harness and Towing Setup Recommendation for a 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe

Updated 08/10/2012 | Published 08/08/2012

Products Featured in This Question

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(139)

$60.64

T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(227)

$48.54

1-7/8" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 2,000 lbs

(2619)

$12.45

2" Hitch Ball - 1" Diameter x 2-1/8" Long Shank - Chrome - 7,500 lbs

(1358)

$12.80

Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(246)

$263.93

Curt Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 3/4" Rise, 2" Drop - 10-1/4" Long - 7,500 lbs

(3838)

$29.48

Question:

My 2008 santa fe has two female plugs under the passenger side on the frame next to the muffler. am I to assume these are for plug in wiring for trailers. I read that these may not be active unless I have the towing package and if so how do I make them active and then which wiring harness would fit them. Will be ordering hitch,ball mount, ball, pin and clip and the RECOMMENDED harness

asked by: Steve D

Expert Reply:

If you do not have a tow package on your 2008 Hyundai Santa Fe, then you would have to contact a local Hyundai dealer to inquire about activating the tow package. There may be additional fuses and relays that would need to be installed by the dealership to activate the tow package. The trailer wiring harness, # 118258, that you referenced was designed for vehicles that came with the factory tow package.

If the dealer is not able to activate your tow package, then you will want to use the T-One Wiring Harness, # 118415. This wiring harness was designed for vehicles without the factory tow package. The T-connectors on this wiring harness will attach to the connectors at the back of each tail light assembly, not at the connectors on your vehicle frame. I have attached the installation instructions as well as an installation video that shows how to install this wiring harness.

If you were still unsure about what products to choose for the rest of your towing set up, then I would start off by getting the Draw-Tite Class III Trailer Hitch, # 75471. This is our most economical hitch that has the same weight capacity and quality as our other trailer hitches for your vehicle. I have attached the installation instructions and an installation video for this hitch as well.

The rest of the items that you will need are ball mount, # D-4, Hitch Pin and Clip, # PC3, and either a 2 inch hitch ball, # 19247, or a 1-7/8 inch hitch ball, # 19260. I have attached links to each of these products for you to check out.