Community Forums

Letsgoagain · 04-07-2017, 10:09 AM

Hello,
I'm in the process of installing the base plates and the wiring for the break and turn signals on my 2016 Chevy Colorado.
I'm having a little trouble locating a good spot to mount the connector for the umbilical cord and wiring on the front end. I watched a couple of videos on etrailer but not to sure about drilling into the bumper as they did.
Would appreciate suggestions and location you installed your plug. Picture would be even better if not to much to ask.
Thanks.

Vato · 04-07-2017, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Letsgoagain

Hello,
I'm in the process of installing the base plates and the wiring for the break and turn signals on my 2016 Chevy Colorado.
I'm having a little trouble locating a good spot to mount the connector for the umbilical cord and wiring on the front end. I watched a couple of videos on etrailer but not to sure about drilling into the bumper as they did.
Would appreciate suggestions and location you installed your plug. Picture would be even better if not to much to ask.
Thanks.

I use a BlueOx Baseplate. I welded the plug bracket onto the cross bar of the baseplate. The plug is accessible b/t bumper and grill... Tight fit, hardly noticeable

The Roadmaster BP does not have a cross bar.

Mine is a Canyon, we use the same baseplates and I think the grill/bumper area is very similar, you'd have to compare

Took a few times removing and installing the fascia to get the proper fit and it was close!

Measure 3 times, weld once......

I use Ready Brake, so no brake hardware

Letsgoagain · 04-07-2017, 08:03 PM

Vato,
Thanks for the reply and the picture. I ended up making my own bracket and mounting it to the metal bumper. Had to drill after all but it wasn't to bad.
I installed the Roadmaster base plates because they fit right in the tow hook holes in the fascia and also because our pusher hitch lines up level with those holes.
It looks like by your picture that I mounted my umbilical socket in the same location as you did.
Have to finish working the wire through the frame rail tomorrow and then make the connections and reinstall the fascia.
Appreciate your help.

pjb · 04-07-2017, 10:41 PM

I have a new 2016 Colorado and purchased the Blue Ox baseplate through etrailer, and followed their video instructions. The baseplate came with two studs on it for screwing the receptacle to. I also purchased the diode setup for the wiring to the taillights rather than punching new holes in lens assembly.

Dutch Star Don · 04-08-2017, 03:42 PM

I have the 2016 Canyon and used the Roadmaster Base Plates. The Roadmaster's are better for DP's and the Blue Ox are better for gassers. The Blue Ox mount above the bumper and work better for the taller hitches on gassers (about 8" higher.

I mounted my connectors just above the bumper, behind the grille. Took a little designing, but very clean and unobtrusive.

You need to disconnect your battery to tow. Many used a negative cable that you manually operate. I installed a Roadmaster solenoid that disconnects the positive cable. I wired the switch to the inner edge of the glove box. When you open the glove box door, the switch is right there on left edge of the opening.

A lot to look at in the next photo, but I installed the Air Force One braking system box atop the fuse box and you can barely see the Roadmaster solenoid mounted just in front of the battery. Some of the other electrical is for Amp powered running boards and LED headlights.

Letsgoagain · 04-08-2017, 09:33 PM

pjb,
The etrailer video's are great. Don't know if I would have tackled the base plate and wiring install without watching them.
I went with the Roadmaster base plates because they protrude through the fascia where the factory tow bars are. Also already have a Roadmaster tow bar from previous Keep towed so it made sense all around.

Dutch Star Don,
I've been following your previous posts on your setup and used your information to help me on our Colorado. I made a bracket out of two different brackets joined together and attached to the steel bumper. Attached it to the right of center and it comes right up to edge of the grill as yours does. Took me a little while to figure that out.
Finished the brake and turn signal wiring with the diodes, ran the wiring through the drivers side frame railing from front to back.
No more walking out the back door to the motor home since we moved to Florida so I'll have to drive over to storage yard tomorrow to hook up the motor home and see if I wired the connector correctly.
Wanted to say thanks for the help and the other instructions you posted on how to go through the steps getting the truck transaxle in and out of neutral when towing. I know there have been issues with that. Mostly people hurrying I think and not letting the computer think as you said.
Thank You.
Keith