| xcel |
Hi All:
___E-Trailer has the 10% off coupon code available again for all their hitches and accessories. It couldn’t have come at a better time as I have been waiting for over 2 months to equip the 03 Ranger.
___Not only do they offer the tube styled Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch Class III’s for the 01-03 X at great price, ($140.52 and $127.53 respectively) add the 10% coupon code “x25y” and the low price shipping to make it an even better overall deal. It doesn’t match the $99.00 some of us paid early last year but the shipping is now even less expensive … If you are looking for a hitch for your X, this is a great overall value imho.
___Sorry to those with an 04 X as E-Trailer made mention of the new bumper fascia getting in the way of the hitches they currently offer :(
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net |
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| Warzau |
| hey xcel do you know which one would be best for a bike carrier or one of those deck like items. I doubt I would ever tow. |
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| xcel |
Hi Warzau:
___Both of these hitches (Draw-Tite and Hidden Hitch) are Class III rated as is the Acura OEM. In fact, I believe Draw-Tite supplied Acura with the OEM given the overall appearance. For bikes or a cargo carrier, either of these hitches will not only work fine, they will meet and exceed your expectations. I like the Draw-Tite’s overall looks but the Hidden Hitches price and looks from the rear is what made me purchase it instead. Both are a simple bolt on operation as well … Don’t forget that 10% Off coupon works for anything else you may want to order. I would check around other sources on the net for Cargo Carriers however because they are more a commodity item and may be found for an even cheaper price somewhere else.
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net |
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| asn |
| how much is shipping? |
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| phins2rt |
| Shipping was about $22 for me. I just ordered a hidden hitch. Thanks xcel! |
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| MDX4now |
| If I wanted to install a hitch to once and a while carry a small U-Haul cargo trailer or something similar, I'd have to probably go with the full Acura towing package, yes? I never plan on towing 3000 lb boats, but to take my son back from college, it would be nice to have some extra space to haul stuff now that we no longer have the Town & Country. |
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| asn |
| does anyone have pictures of both hitches installed. it would be nice to see the way they both look (from the back and the sides) |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by asn
does anyone have pictures of both hitches installed. it would be nice to see the way they both look (from the back and the sides)
asn,
Try doing a search on "hidden hitch" or draw-tite. I know there are some pics of the hidden hitch. I went with it since there is a consensus that the draw-tite does not fit with a full size spare. The draw-tite appears to be the same look as the Honda OEM hitch ( and may in fact be the same). |
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| asn |
quote:
Originally posted by phins2rt
asn,
Try doing a search on "hidden hitch" or draw-tite. I know there are some pics of the hidden hitch. I went with it since there is a consensus that the draw-tite does not fit with a full size spare. The draw-tite appears to be the same look as the Honda OEM hitch ( and may in fact be the same).
The draw-tite is probally the OEM hitch, but it doesn't work with a full size spare?? Doesn't make sense?
anyways, I have a full size spare, so it looks like I must go with a hidden hitch |
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| superdave |
| FYI, your prices are backwards. The hidden hitch one is actually cheaper (127.53) than the draw tight (140.52). Now where has everyone else gotten the coolers? Tim? Also how does the round tube receiver differ from the regular hitches? What's more common? |
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| Markedoc |
quote:
Originally posted by MDX4now
If I wanted to install a hitch to once and a while carry a small U-Haul cargo trailer or something similar, I'd have to probably go with the full Acura towing package, yes? I never plan on towing 3000 lb boats, but to take my son back from college, it would be nice to have some extra space to haul stuff now that we no longer have the Town & Country.
Lots of threads on this. IF I were using the hitch to tow, I would probably have gone with the full package. I am not using it to tow - only for a bike rack, and couldn't see throwing $800-$900 (or whatever the full package was installed) away. I installed my own as the others here did. If I have a warranty problem, God help them if they try to deny a claim because for a few months out of the year I had a bike rack on the back. |
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| xcel |
Hi Superdave:
___Yes, the cheaper one is the Hidden Hitch as mentioned above. I swapped the link descriptions as shown above …
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net |
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| kimsta |
| Besides the coolers, what's the difference between the hitches on etrailer and the "full package"? |
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| xcel |
Hi Kimsta:
___The OEM Wiring harness is also included in the outrageously overpriced OEM Package as well although you can order the OEM wiring harness separately from Tim for < $60.00. I thought it was even less expensive last year so you may want to consider one of the less expensive harnesses from E-Trailer.
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net |
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| Neicho |
Ok guys,
So what do you suggest, our 04 MDX is coming on Sat. Would like to get a hitch for bikes only. Hey Tim, I sold the 2002 on Autotrader.com and got good money. Took 3 days to sell, and I had 7 other calls after.
Maybe will just sell the bikes. LOL |
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| hondacuraworld |
quote:
Originally posted by Neicho
Ok guys,
So what do you suggest, our 04 MDX is coming on Sat. Would like to get a hitch for bikes only. Hey Tim, I sold the 2002 on Autotrader.com and got good money. Took 3 days to sell, and I had 7 other calls after.
Maybe will just sell the bikes. LOL
:29:
Almost makes you wish you'd have upped the price by a G, doesn't it? :D |
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| kimsta |
quote:
Originally posted by xcel
Hi Kimsta:
___The OEM Wiring harness is also included in the outrageously overpriced OEM Package as well although you can order the OEM wiring harness separately from Tim for < $60.00. I thought it was even less expensive last year so you may want to consider one of the less expensive harnesses from E-Trailer.
___Good Luck
___Wayne R. Gerdes
___Hunt Club Farms Landscaping Ltd.
___Waynegerdes@earthlink.net
Thanks. |
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| phins2rt |
| I received my hitch and harness yesterday. Everything shipped fine. No scratches or dents. Looks like I have a project for the weekend!:D |
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| Shpdriver |
Just finished installing the tow package myself, with the help of my friend. Thought it might be appropriate to let you know how it went.
1. Purchased a U-Haul Class III hitch for my 02 MDX. Note Draw Tite or Hidden Hitch mfg. the hitches for U-Haul....no problems installing...factory fit. Price approx $120.00 (no shipping).
2. Purchased wiring harness from Draw-Tite for approx. $17.00...fits perfectly into built in MDX wiring harness. Only modification is the pass through for the wires to route underneath truck. With some simple modifications, to the pass through plugs, looks factory installed...note...no need to cut wires...plug and play.
3. Installed transmission and power steering coolers. Purchased from Tim at Acuraworld. Great price $310.00 for both. Installation was simple with easy to follow instructions at Acuraworld website. One note of caution, the plastic snaps that hold the fender up have a tendency to break off when removing. Problem was especially worse underneath wheel wells...almost like they were dry rotted. Anyway, I was able to pick up 20 spare snaps from Acura....the rest was a piece of cake. Snaps cost about $1.20/each....might try Honda and see if Pilot snaps are the same...prices are bound to be cheaper. Lastly, my kit only came with one hose for the ATF cooler...this forced me to reuse one of the other hoses...however, no problem.
4. Total time 4 hours. Worth the time and save a ton of money! |
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| JeffK |
Dear Shpdriver :
You posted:
1. Purchased a U-Haul Class III hitch for my 02 MDX. Note Draw Tite or Hidden Hitch mfg. the hitches for U-Haul....no problems installing...factory fit. Price approx $120.00 (no shipping).
2. Purchased wiring harness from Draw-Tite for approx. $17.00...fits perfectly into built in MDX wiring harness. Only modification is the pass through for the wires to route underneath truck. With some simple modifications, to the pass through plugs, looks factory installed...note...no need to cut wires...plug and play
Couple of questions:
My UHaul dealer quoted me about $200 for the hitch and wiring harness, installed. This is about $63 more than you paid. The $63 is for labor.
How long did it take you to do 1 & 2, and honestly how handy are you - or in other words how much experience do you have working on cars.
I was thinking of doing it myself, just as you did, but for $63 maybe better to let UHaul do the entire job.
Many thanks in advance,
JeffK |
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| Shpdriver |
JeffK,
Correct...approx. $ 120 was for parts only. This is only for the hitch and not the receiver or ball.
I am an average handyman....but I like working on my truck. Do all the service myself...that I can.
That said, installing the hitch is a very easy thing to do. Remove the spare tire first. Remove Tow bracket....you will now see where all the bolts go. Follow instructions from tow bar mfg.
The hardest part of the job is lifting the tow hitch up in the air and holding it in position long enough for you to get the bolts in. I used one of those car jacks (the big ones) and balanced the hitch on it, jacked it up and then installed the bolts. But, then again I did this part all alone. If you have someone assist, should be no problems.
As far as the wiring harness...don't buy U-Haul harness...they splice into your wires (read as cut). You MDX already as a connector waiting to be used. I recommend going to E-Trailer and buying the correct T-harness for the 03 MDX. You simply plug it in.
To locate the plug, open you rear hatch. Lift up the compartment that stores your spare head rests. Remove head rests, look down and toward the rear....you will see two round plastic clips. Gently pry these away with a flat tip screw driver. Pull up and out on the panel...should just pop out. You should then see the connector where the T-harness plugs in.
The tricky part is if you want to "snake" the harness through to the bottom. Remove the second black plug from the driver side of the car. Locate the black plug on the bottom of the truck (driver side) by the rear tire. Remove that. You can then snake the wires through. Modify the black plugs...I made a slit in the plug so the wires could pass, reinstalled and put RTV around the cut. Volia...factory finish for a fraction of the cost.
Lastly, get a feel for the Uhaul guy if you want him to do it. Do you really trust him to work on your MDX? They will cut, splice, etc....but it may not be requried if you have the right parts.
I only went to Uhaul because they had the correct hitch available in my area....I'm a cheapskate...didn't want to pay for shipping.
For that matter, the entire tow package for ACURA is a gigantic rip off. If you decide to go that route, buy all your parts from TIM:) and save yourself the cost from you friendly ACURA Service Dept. |
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| JeffK |
Dear Shpdriver:
Thanks for all the info!
I have posted before on the UHaul hitch, which I agree seems to be the same as the Drawtite from Etrailer.com.
I am going to check with UHaul this afternoon. When I last was there, the wiring was a plug in - read no splice! If it is a splice, then I do not want it.
Also, from the many post I have read, there seems to be two issues:
One is the weight of the hitch - but your solution either a friend (I have a 25 year old son and 26 year old nephew so that is one solution) or jack is sound.
The second is the snaking of the wiring harness. This I might not leave to UHaul.
BTW, under a different thread, a poster (sorry can't remember his name) gave a site to a complete set of instructions for both the hitch and harness installation. I downloaded it and it confirms your instructions for the wiring installation.
One last question: how long from start to finish to install just the hitch?
I am inclined to do the harness myself - I like working with wiring but at my age, less inclined to do work under the body of my truck.
Finally, my MDX is leased, so I am less concerned with UHaul installing the hitch.
Many thanks,
JeffK |
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| JeffK |
Dear Shpdriver:
One last question - hope you do not mind:
If I have UHaul install just the hitch, will I have difficulty installing the harness with the hitch in place?
Or should I install the harness first and then bring my MDX to Uhaul to have them install the hitch? (My wife advises that my son my not be available to help with the hitch!)
My preference would be to have UHaul install the hitch and then I would install the harness.
What do you think/suggest?
JeffK |
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| phins2rt |
Jeffk,
I installed the Hidden Hitch first and then the harness. If I had to do it again, I would have installed the harness first. Not a big deal either way. It would just be a little easier with the harness installed first. Hope this helps. |
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| JeffK |
Dear phins2rt:
Appreciate your imput. Thanks.
Could you be more specific about any problems installing hitch then harness?
JeffK |
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| phins2rt |
Jeffk,
I think the issue I had was where the harness comes out of the grommet on the underside of the X. I had to use a pliers to retrieve the harness because my fingers didn't fit with the hitch in place. Again, no big deal. I think you could have Uhaul install the hitch and then you do the harness later. |
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| superdave |
| One thing you might want to consider (since you live in the Northeast) is how often you might need to use the wiring. If you plan on using the hitch mainly for a bike rack but rarely tow trailers that require the lighting, then I would consider not installing the harness and leaving it in the X untill you might need it. I installed the hitch and harness in about an hour (mainly because I had no one to hold it up for me and it was 32F outside) but I went with the Acura hitch from Tim. I installed the harness but I will prolly remove it since I don't plan on towing anything anytime soon and the salt/snow will have an effect on the harness. (decay of the wiring, potential rust etc). It took me about 2 minutes to install the wiring harness according to the instructions from Hondacuraworld, it is really easy if you get the ones that have the adapters already on it. |
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| bob_weather |
For those of you with 04' MDX looking for after market hitch, it seems the 04' hitch is different from the 01'-03' hitch models. I had checked with Hidden Hitch as well as the other brands that I could find and they do not make one yet for the 04'. The only one that I found was U-Haul for $99(hitch only). I specifically asked U-Haul to make sure that this one was different from the 03' version.
Please correct me if I'm wrong, the 04' hitch is different from the 01'-03' model to accomodate the spare tire cover and/or dual exhaust on the 04' model.
Bob |
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| JeffK |
Sorry cannot help, but I have just ordered the UHaul hitch for $99. They wanted $60 to install, but I have decided to try to do it myself.
Went to etrailer.com and ordered the "plug and play" harness, (part 33105) $24.95 + $4.99 shipping.
Will post how difficult it is to install.
JeffK |
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| phins2rt |
quote:
Originally posted by JeffK
Sorry cannot help, but I have just ordered the UHaul hitch for $99. They wanted $60 to install, but I have decided to try to do it myself.
Went to etrailer.com and ordered the "plug and play" harness, (part 33105) $24.95 + $4.99 shipping.
Will post how difficult it is to install.
JeffK
Jeffk,
It isn't too bad at all. Make sure and oil the bolts before screwing them in and a couple of jack stands helps out real nice when you install the hitch. Good luck. |
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| JeffK |
Have just finished installing the harness and hitch.
As previously posted got the harness from Etrailer.com. Worked perfectly. True plug and play.
The two grommets on my MDX are semi-rigid. I then made a small cut in each to allow for the wire to pass through. The grommet on the underside after re-installing, I put some electrical tape around to make 100% waterproof.
Hitch from UHaul. I decided to go with the Class II hitch. This unit comes with the 1 1/4 inch receiver as opposed to the 2 inch receiver on the Class III hitch.
The hitch is rated at 350 lbs tongue and trailer weight 3500 lbs. Since this is the maximum rating for the MDX, I saw no reason to go to the Class III hitch which was $189.
UHaul also had a more expensive Class II hitch, with a 2 inch receiver. However this hitch cost $139 and was rated the same as $99 hitch.
If you are using a bike carrier, or other attachment that requires a 2 inch receiver than I would recommend the $139 Hitch.
The $99 hitch is made for UHaul by VALLEY INDUSTRIES. You can go to their website for a picture.
The whole job took about 1 hour. I enjoyed doing it, but if I had to do it again, I would probably pay UHaul the $44 to install it.
First I removed the towing bracket. I needed a breaker bar to remove the rear most bolt. (I will tell you about the rear bolt latter). Saved the bracket and three bolts.
Then I removed the muffler from the hangers. This took maybe 3 to 5 minutes.
Then I lowered the spare. I recommend that you do this FIRST as it will give you plenty of room to work! Very easy, takes about 30 seconds.
I had two friends then hold the hitch in place and I then inserted the bolts.
Two bolts went right in, but two were very difficult to thread. In fact the rear bolt on the driver's side was easy to thread, but half way in became impossible to tighten. In fact the head of the bolt stripped.
I suspect there is a plate above the rear most bolt hole that the bolt was hitting.
In any event, I backed the bolt out and used one of the bolts that was hold the towing bracket. That bolt is about 1/2 shorter than the bolts that came with the hitch.
This bolt worked perfectly. Torque all bolts and raised tire. Finished.
When I looked at the bolts that were originally holding the towing bracket, there was corrosion on them. My MDX has about 17,000 miles and I do a lot of driving to Vermont in the winter for skiing, so there is a lot of salt damage.
I recommend that the hitch be installed as soon as you get your MDX to avoid any problems with corrosion.
I am sure that if I were to install a second one, with a helper, the job from start to finish could be done in less than 30 minutes.
I will be happy to post pictures, if someone tells me how to post a jpeg picture.
All in all, when finished, a very professional looking job (my wife did not even notice the hitch).
Additional cost was for the receiver, $19.95 at UHaul.
JeffK |
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| superdave |
| Had the same problem with the bolt holes rusting. My X went thru 2 winters and when I tried to install the Acura hitch, I could only insert 5 of 8 main bolts. It was enuff to keep the hitch in place untill I took the X in for service at the dealership (Oil Change). I asked the dealer to get the rest of the bolts in and they put them in no problem. I was told that some WD40 would help but getting the dealer to do it for free was even better :2: |
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| kimsta |
I am thinking about ordering a hitch so I can tow a motorcycle from NJ to VA. The bike weighs about 400lbs. Do you guys think that the transmission coolers are necessary for towing the trailer and the bike (probably less than 1000lbs).
Thanks. |
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| JeffK |
Just my opinion:
I have always gotten better gas mileage going south rather than north - I always think it is downhill!
I would not bother - no hills, mountains, or anything to strain the transmission.
Remember the MDX seats 7 + luggage, which @150 lbs. per person is 1050 lbs. + 150 lbs. luggage is over 1200 lbs.
Now no one is suggesting to put in either a transmission or oil cooler for this type of driving.
Remember there is also a safety factor built in, above and beyond this 1200 lbs.
However, I am sure others will disagree.
JeffK |
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