Parts Needed to Tow a Trailer with a 2013 GMC Acadia  

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To add a trailer hitch to your 2013 GMC Acadia I recommend using the etrailer # e98863 which will give you a nice 2" hitch that's perfect for towing. You could use the Draw-Tite # 75528, but we've found that our powder coating is a bit thicker than the Draw-Tite, which helps protect the hitch from rust and chips in the paint; this means a longer lasting hitch over time. For the wiring you can go two directions depending on whether or not you will be towing a trailer with brakes.

If you're towing a trailer without brakes you'll just need a 4 way connector so I recommend using the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector # 118270; this kit comes with the wiring harness, relays and fuses needed to activate the factory towing package- so it's perfect for vehicles that didn't come with it.

If you'll be towing a trailer with brakes, then you'll need a 7 way wiring harness. For that, I recommend using the T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 7-Way Trailer Connector # 118271 which will also add all of the components to activate the factory towing package on your Acadia. Tekonsha wiring is extremely reliable, so it's a great choice and usually what I recommend to anyone looking to add a wiring harness to their vehicle. With this you'll also need a brake controller, and one of our most easy to use is the Curt Echo Mobile # C51180, which works with an iOS 8.0 or newer/Android 4.4 or newer enabled smart phone. This is the easiest to install controller as well, which means you won't need to wire anything into the cabin of the vehicle.

To complete your towing package you'll also need a ball mount, hitch ball, hitch pin and clip. I recommend using the etrailer Ball Mount Kit # EBMK4, which gives you a ball mount with a 2-3/4" rise or 4" drop, both 1-7/8" and 2" hitch balls, a hitch pin, clip and carrying bag. This is a great solution that will give you some flexibility in the trailers you can tow, so if you don't already own a trailer and know what rise/drop or hitch ball size you might need it's a great choice.

I've linked some installation videos of the parts mentioned here, as well as our entire selection of ball mounts and hitch balls in case you're looking for something specific.

expert reply by: Erik B

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