Trailer Hitch and wiring on an 2016 Hyundai Tucson

Link to the pliers I use to remove the exhaust brackets: amzn.to/2gn23z7
I ended up replacing the hitch collar with a bracket to hold the 4-wire connector and a rubber plug. The collar magnets rusted out rather quickly and the collar was tight (yes it was "open") and made installing and removing the ball mount a pain.
The 4- wire plug bracket amzn.to/2x6X25a (affiliate link)
Curt rubber insert: amzn.to/2wjRXWm (affiliate link)
Both of the above I really like
Installation of a Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver (75836) and Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness 56277 (amzn.to/2vGLHFa [affiliate link]) on 2016 Hyundai Tucson.
The video would have been an hour long if I had filmed everything, so feel free to ask questions in the comments if there is anything you want more info on.

[@DavinDesborough]

I'll just throw this random comment in here for 2016 Tucson owners. If you have not yet had the most recent DCT software update installed (November 2016), get into the dealer and get it done (it's free). It will make your transmission perform much better at slow speeds. It removed all stuttering and hesitation in my testing so far.

[@PaulAdrianTeam]

Great job 💪👍Thanks for the video😍

[@GeorgeGardinier]

very good i will certainly keep this , i have a 2011 tuscan. what engine do you have. mine is a 4 cyd . i think i could do a trailer hitch and all you did but certainly limited. you say there is a transmission up grade programming only by hyundai

[@salembeeman370]

Very nice Job. You must be an Engineer. Did everything the way it should be done. Bravo Zulu.

[@DavinDesborough]

Thanks! I guess I am an engineer in some respects, but more the software variety. I do like working on cars and things too, so I try to do things right.

[@fergusap59]

Can you tell me what size of bolts were supplied with the tow-hitch, especially the bolts to the chassis.

[@user-qf7lq5ym4o]

Great video, thanks for making this! I'll do it myself rather than paying

[@DavinDesborough]

Thanks and good luck!

[@Nlaurence68]

Hello, Did you purchase a Draw-Tite trailer hitch to use in conjunction with the Draw-Tite QSP HITCH SILENCING SYSTEM? It seems the Curt trailer hitchs don't anything that is compatible? Does it really make a difference in the brand? My wife is going to be pulling a small camper. Thanks for posting your video it was very helpful.

[@DavinDesborough]

My apologies for missing your comment until now. Not sure how I managed that. I ultimately removed and threw away the Draw-tite hitch cover/silencer. The magnets that keep it closed corroded and fell out, plus it was never easy to get the hitch bar in and out. It did help keep things nice and quiet when locked on the bar, so the concept has merit, but that product did not hold up. Again, sorry for not seeing this sooner!

[@TheFrenchPug]

My sons Tuscon has a little round cap that pops off on the bumper to the right if the hitch where you plug in the trailer lights. Weird you dont have that.

[@DavinDesborough]

I guess his has a factory tow package, or at least the electrical part of it. Thanks for watching!

[@rwesterlage6315]

Probably a dumb question but why do you need a powered trailer connection. Why not just the old fashioned wiring harness that hooks to the correct wires? Other than that, thanks for the great video. By the way my 2017 tucson is in Mexico , made in chec republic. Did not have threaded bolt holes for bolts. Ended up tapping holes and using 5/16 bolts. Hopefully good enough.

[@DavinDesborough]

I went with that one for two reasons: 1. I did not want to cut into the harness and jeopardize the car warranty. 2. I had read that some cars with LED lighting are more sensitive to added power draws on the light circuits. At the time, my trailer had incandescent lights, so it would be a larger than "normal" load. Thanks for watching!

[@djrichsaracino2554]

Great job and have a 2017 model picked up the same hitch direct from Curt, whole kit was under 200$. Hitch and 4 pole adaptor, wiring kit, already had ball mount. I had it done in a hour and might I suggest to viewers that if you have a 12v cig plug in back like mine has you can tap right into that without all the hassle of running the wire up to battery. Everything was way quicker that way and fuse is mounted into that lead. Of couse I used shrink wrap on all connects as well as solder. If the fuse blows out all you have to do is remove back hatch light to access it. As for the DCT issues I called dealer and they say my VIN has no recall and I am experiencing a warning light (tran temp hot please stop and let cool down) and I am only pulling 600lbs?and thats only backing up 10 feet. Any links to this issue from Hyundai would be great, heading to get T2U recall done but I do not think this will fix issue.Thanks

[@djrichsaracino2554]

Quick update, there is a (service bulletin) not a recall for the ECU software update when you get the T2U recall done. Make sure your dealer does this because I talked to 3 before they said it was part of the job. I also confirmed this with Hyundai Corp.

[@DavinDesborough]

Dj Rich Saracino - Thanks! The power really was the hardest part, so your suggesting to tap the outlet is a good one. As for the DCT, I've had no issues towing moderate loads, so something really seems weird there. I 've got no suggestions for you unfortunately. Best of luck with it! If I see anything that might help I'll let you know.

[@djrichsaracino2554]

Thanks Davin for the great video, I did my install Saturday 4/21/18 and the idea came to me from a mechanic friend of mine, saved so much time and hassle. As for the DCT/ECU issue I put up a update in the comments and have a appointment Thursday to get it rectified. To be honest If not for your video I would have not known about the issue to begin with or until it was to late. Seems dealers are not all aware of this because it's not a recall but a service bulletin and should be done with the T2U recall. Anyway cheers and loving the Curt product, top quality for sure.

[@whitussery7889]

Got a question. Do you think it would pull a pop-up camper just fine?

[@DavinDesborough]

I have only used it for utility trailers, which it handles with no issues. The biggest thing I have towed was a 5x8 enclosed U-Haul trailer loaded moderately with my daughter's college possessions. If the pop-up is mostly just a fiberglass shell with netting, then it might be fine. I just don't know what the weight of a pop-up is. Sorry I can't be more helpful. Good luck!

[@juliekeith6364]

Is there a way to add a hitch lock to keep someone from stealing the hitch ball?

[@DavinDesborough]

You just need a locking hitch pin. Something like this: amzn.to/3s4IzzT If someone was really determined, they could unbolt the whole hitch, but a locking pin will stop the opportunistic thieves. If you are worried about someone literally stealing the ball from the hitch tongue, I have no suggestions. I have not seen a locking ball.

[@WIDERisBETTER]

My 2016 Tucson came with the OEM hitch installed but the insert is 1.25 inch vs 2.0 inch like this. Do you know what the Class would be or the towing capacity would be? I want to tow a dirt bike that is 220 pounds and the trailer is one of those sideways mounted ones that weighs about 50 pounds, so Id say 300 pounds max total. Can the OEM hitch even handle that?

[@DavinDesborough]

The tongue weight on the factory hitch is either 150 or 200 pounds from what I am seeing online. I would think your vehicle manual would say for sure. The class 3 hitch I installed has a 525 pound tongue weight rating, so it should be able to do what you need, but I wouldn't go near the 525 pound tongue weight Bear in mind that just because you install a big hitch, it doesn't mean you can suddenly tow more than what the vehicle is rated for. In other words, there is no way I can tow 3500 pounds, even thought the hitch itself will support it. Like wise, the frame will have to support the weight of your bike and carrier. It will probably be ok, but I would use a small trailer to be safe. I hope that helps.

[@carlcoburn7219]

How did you end up attaching the control box where it was hanging? Mine came with double sided tape, but how do you get to it there? I don't want it rattling around all the time!

[@DavinDesborough]

It isn't secured as I left it hanging. The wires seem to keep it steady with the wire loom and zip ties attached. At least I haven't noticed it making noise. Good luck on your install and thanks for watching!

[@carlcoburn7219]

That control module hangs right at the bottom of the inner panel and could easily be taped in place with the supplied double sided tape! Also I would like to add that if you are going to run the wires through looms, do it before you have to climb under the vehicle! much easier! One last thing about hooking the power wire up to the battery, Go for the fuse and relay box on the finder! There was actually an empty terminal and a slot along the front for the wire! Just need a smaller wire end and washer with nut! Also, mine was a 2017 and the dealer says they are the very same as the 2016!

[@DavinDesborough]

My wire length must be a bit different as the box is about mid-way down the fender in my case. Fully agree on applying the loom prior to running the wire. I wish I had looked in the fuse box, that would have been a great place to hook up!

[@melinsnorth5413]

Davin, this should be the same for the 2017, correct ? Hyundai Dealer wants 650 bucks to install THEIR hitch and THEIR wiring harness - this does not look like it's too bad of a job. Did you ever look into having the dealer do this and did you get the same song and dance that it "has to be the OEM hitch and wiring harness" ? - interested in your take.

[@DavinDesborough]

I have not been under a 2017, so I can't say for sure, but I would think it would be the same or very close. I did not check with the dealer as dealer accessories are always expensive. The two hardest parts were removing the taillights for the first time and running the power wire from the rear to the battery. Running the wire just took a while to tie it up nicely and route it safely. The lights really did not want to release from the clip the first time. Actually installing the hitch is relatively easy if you drop the exhaust down a bit like I did. You spend most of your time on the light controller. Good luck!

[@djrichsaracino2554]

Great job and have a 2017 model picked up the same hitch direct from Curt, whole kit was under 200$. Hitch and 4 pole adaptor, wiring kit, already had ball mount. I had it done in a hour and might suggest to viewers that if you have a 12v cig plus in back like mine has you can tap right into that without all the hassle of running the wire up to battery. Everything was way quicker that way and fuse is mounted into that lead. Of couse I used shrink wrap on all connects as well as solder. If the fuse blows out all you have to do is remove back hatch light to access it. As for the DCT issues I called dealer and they say my VIN has no recall and I am experiencing a warning light (tran temp hot please stop and let cool down) and I am only pulling 600lbs?and thats only backing up 10 feet. Any links to this issue from Hyundai would be great, heading to get T2U recall done but I do not think this will fix issue.Thanks

[@bettywhiti2025]

What are the name of the pliers

[@DavinDesborough]

Exhaust hanger pliers: amzn.to/2gn23z7. I have links to most of what I used in the video description. Good luck if you are going to be installing a hitch!

[@chadbosko8935]

I just installed a hitch on my 2014 tucson i didn,t remove any part of the vehicle, muffler or covers i don't know maybe the 2016 is different, just so people know you don't need to remove anything on the 2014 i thought they would be the same

[@DavinDesborough]

Depending on the exact hitch, you might be able to squeeze it in without dropping the exhaust, but it was much easier to just bite the bullet and drop it in my case. In any event, thanks for sharing!

[@domkan7669]

A bad solution, the hook should be inserted vertically from the BOTTOM.

[@DavinDesborough]

Could you elaborate? I am not sure what you are referring to.

[@smedhighfield49]

Am I smart enough to go this? Seriously. Tell me the truth.

[@DavinDesborough]

That is for you to judge. Feel free to ask questions if you have any.