Trailer hitch / hands free tailgate adapter

I bought this hitch, watch the beginning of the video, the talk about the hands free. You may want to wait and see before installing the hands free adapter.

DanM said:

We just purchased a 2022 Passport Elite and need to install a trailer hitch and wiring harness. I purchased the the OEM hitch and harness online, but apparently the hands free power tailgate sensor adapter is on backorder everywhere. Is it a good idea to install the hitch and wiring harness now and then just replace the adapter later when it becomes available or should I wait and do everything at the same time? I understand that the hands free tailgate feature won't work in the meantime, but I'm not worried about that. Just wondering if it's more work to switch out the adapter later.

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The backordered sensor adapter is simply a set of shorter "rods" plus a full-size, same-as-Elite-OEM stock bracket (which you will need to cut to accommodate the OEM hitch).

Casillar52 posted here that he cut the original equipment longer sensor rods, and stated sensor still worked successfully after doing so, and Jayaimzzz posted similar success in cutting the stock long sensor rods. Lots of pics, too.
And P-A-N-D-A posted pics here on how/where to cut the stock bracket for fitment of the liftgate adapter rods.

Since the stock longer stock rods and bracket are normally thrown away after installing the hands free power tailgate sensor adapter, why wait ------ try modifying your stock ones!

The trailer harness has 2 connectors. Look at the end that plugs in to the Passport. Then pop the driver's rear most cubby out, use this LINK mirror and a flashlight to find the Passport's connector (you'll need to reach in and un-tape the Passport's connector), then connect the 2 connectors. Run the cable around and under the rear cargo/trunk/tray.

Thanks for the suggestions guys. I plan to tackle the job this week. I'll let you know how it goes.

This is great interaction as I will definitely need to install a hitch if I go this route. Good luck with the install DanM.

Quick question - Is the OEM hitch a different install vs etrailer? The latter is one of the simplest installs I have seen thus far to install a hitch (thx JPPELEC for the link.

home4sale2 said:

This is great interaction as I will definitely need to install a hitch if I go this route. Good luck with the install DanM.

Quick question - Is the OEM hitch a different install vs etrailer? The latter is one of the simplest installs I have seen thus far to install a hitch (thx JPPELEC for the link.

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Yes, the OEM is a different install than the aftermarket hitches. When they install the OEM hitch, they replace part of the bumper cover and the entire hitch, including the receiver, is directly behind the bumper cover. With the aftermarket hitches, the receiver is below the bumper and a few inches closer to the ground. (Definitely an easier install.) Because of this, the OEM gives you better ground clearance and lessens the likelihood of the receiver contacting the ground when going into or out of parking lots. The OEM hitch, including shipping, was only about $50-$60 more.