Hello fello oil burners! Yet another problem I need help getting out of. I hitched my utility trailer loaded with my ATV's at night. Thinking everything was gravy I started on my way. The hitch pin was not in the right place and BAM!!!!!!! first time I came to a stop the trailer smashes into my truck.Censored Censored Luckilly I have a high enogh lift that it cleared the bumper and went crashing on my tow hitch. The damage I caused was minimal I thought. GM tow hitches come with a plack welded on to the hitch that holds the electrical plug in place ( 7 prong conn.) Well i bent that bad. After a trip to the GMC dealership I was told that this piece is part of the hitch and I have to buy a new one. For $200.00! I have seen other trucks with that same piece bolted on to the bumper. Can I cut that piece off and have a new plack installed? The hitch is fine. This has to be the dumbest thing I have ever seen, Aside from connecting a trailer in the dark of course:D Any help or ideas greatly appreciated.

I bent mine and cracked the socket while playing around off road back this winter. I plan on getting a replacement socket and bolting it into the bumper beside the license plate on the opposite side of the spare tire access hole. I'll cut the bracket off the hitch and paint it so it doesn't rust. Here's what I'm planning on using: http://pollak.stage.thomasnet.com/item/connectors/rv-oem-style-sockets-wiring-assemblies/11-893?&seo=110&plpver=1002

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-TEC~30300.htm

Sounds like you need this. There is also a mounting brakcet (tap two holes into hicth for mounting)

http://www.etrailer.com/pc-TEC~30300.htm

Sounds like you need this. There is also a mounting brakcet (tap two holes into hicth for mounting)

santelikk,

Mine is broken, also. Do you think this is just "plug and play" with an '06 GMC?

mtb

Yeah I know this is what I will need. My problem is How to get the damaged one off the hitch without causing damage to it. Have you guys done it? Ford bolts the conn. to the bumper. I can buy that piece at any PepBoys or Kragen auto parts. The thing is to cut it or grind it off. Thanks for the quick response guys.

How will you cut it off Josh? I do not want to damage the hitch. My ford F-150 had it screwed right on to the bumber. The easiest set up imaginable. This was pretty stupid by GM to do this.

santelikk,

Mine is broken, also. Do you think this is just "plug and play" with an '06 GMC?

mtb

I think the factory piece is sealed so you would need to splice the new one on.

Yeah I know this is what I will need. My problem is How to get the damaged one off the hitch without causing damage to it. Have you guys done it? Ford bolts the conn. to the bumper. I can buy that piece at any PepBoys or Kragen auto parts. The thing is to cut it or grind it off. Thanks for the quick response guys.

Use a sawzall and then grind smooth.

I think the factory piece is sealed so you would need to splice the new one on.

Thanks for the info and the link.

mtb

How will you cut it off Josh? I do not want to damage the hitch. My ford F-150 had it screwed right on to the bumber. The easiest set up imaginable. This was pretty stupid by GM to do this.I'd planned on just using a cutoff wheel and grinding it smooth then painting where I ground. Be careful not to grind too deep though.

I think the factory piece is sealed so you would need to splice the new one on.The one I posted the link to is plug and play.

If you don't have the tools just bring it to a local custom hitch shop. I broke the safety chain loops off the wifes Toyota before I had a grinder and welder. The local shop in Austin charged me $75 to weld on two new loops and paint it.

Thanks all for the info. As always very helpful