Where did you mount the 7pin recevier on your van? (urgent)

[rstanek]

I'm going to the hitch place on Monday to let them install my brake controller, and other key wiring. They told me they've done lots of Siennas, and the fact that the bumper is so low, they might have to find an alternative place to mount the receiver for the pigtail.

He mentioned cutting a hol in the bumper as one alternative (not on your life), or mounting it inside the van and leaving several feet of the cable and you hook it up and simply close the door on it (better, but not desirable). We have an XLE with the power door, and I wonder if this will cause issues.

Does anyone have any feedback to offer? Or pics of your installation?

[scubajoe]

I'm planning to use one of these when I upgrade from the class 2 to class 3 hitch, and replace the destroyed plug that's there now (from hanging too low).
http://www.etrailer.com/p-18159.htm

[JeffG]

I used the same mounting box and mounted it to the hitch.

[dave in wi]

I did the same as JeffG above, with a box intended to mount to a tubular hitch, mounted so it faces toward the back.

The shop that originally installed the wiring had it installed inside the cargo area so the wires had to go through the rear hatch. We also have a power line, and with all the wires I felt it was crimping the wires under the hatch.

[rstanek]

Super feedback, thanks a lot!

[LennyO]

Dave,

Where did you find that side mounting box? On our Uhaul hitch, the wiring plug is about 1-2 inches lower than the 2" receiver, so even with air bags, that may get forcibly removed.

[scubajoe]

See the link to etrailer.com posted above.

[robv10]

I dont want the wires going out the rear door either when in use....through what opening do the wires leave the van and to go to the mounting box?

[Zero260]

I also used the mounting box that JeffG did (see my reply in this topic: http://siennachat.com/forum/index.php/topic,16.15.html). For routing the wires, if you remove the big plastic panel at the rear of the seat well (just below the rear hatch), you can peel back the carpet a bit and see there are 3 (I think) round rubber plugs in the floor; I used the one that is just to the driver's side of the center since my box is mounted on the driver's side of the hitch. I cut an appropriate sized "X" in the center of the plug and fed the wires though the plug and the hole to keep things sealed - I'm planning on applying some clear silicone as well where the wires run through from underneath, but I just haven't gotten around to it yet.

[JeffG]

Here is a photo of the gromit I went through, The white goo is caulking to seal it up...

[Texastrooper]

I also used the outlet bracket for the hitch a few years ago. On the left side on the black molding beyond the bumper you see the valve for the Airlifts.

[jroden]

I ran mine into the little cubby on the left side rear interior and when I tow I connect to a 6 foot extension cable from e-trailer and just shot the door on it. I like that it's out of the way and find it very easy to manage.

I had to drill a small hole in the bottom of the cubby hole to run the wires through then I attached the 7 wire connector. I would not prefer using the extension cable, but the installer did not leave me enough wires (due perhaps to his being an idiot).