| 12BlueX |
I've searched and read almost 800 posts on hitches (gee whiz) so I did my homework before posting this.
I have 2004 MDX with Full Size Spare
Draw-tite specificallly states FSS won't fit (except mdx.org member andreeng claims it fits)
Hidden Hitch also claims FSS won't filt for 04+ (01 through 03 is OK)
OEM works with FSS but cheapest price I found from local dealer is $241+tax.
U-haul - can't seem to find stock, picture, or straight answer on the hitch. Cost is $150+tax.
Valley Hitch - SoCalJD highly recommends it but not sure about two bolts per side design (I'm sure it's okay but bit iffy for me)
Curt hitch - looks nice on 2003 MDX based on the picture I saw but did not see on 2004+. Not sure if it'll fit. Curt Manufacturing claims it fits for 04 MDX (notice the same part # for all years) and accomodates FSS. (http://www.etrailer.com/productdeta...arfrom=2004&h=e)
Can anyone confirm or better yet, have picture of Curt Hitch on 2004+ MDX?
Thanks in advance. |
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| JeffK |
Just a thought:
I have the Uhaul hitch for my '03 and it works fine.
Go to Uhaul and order the hitch. If you pick it up at Uhaul there is no shipping charge.
When you pick it up, if it does not fit, do not buy it! If it does, then you have gotten a good hitch at a very competitive price.
All the others you will pay shipping charges and if it does not fit, then return shipping charges.
JeffK |
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| andreseng |
quote:
Originally posted by 12BlueX
Draw-tite specificallly states FSS won't fit (except mdx.org member andreeng claims it fits)
I don't claim it. I know it! :trustme:
I installed the Draw-Tite under there myself and I have a FSS. It's strange that you see that stipulation when it isn't here.
While there take note of the code #75175 which clearly is visible along with the FSS in this crappy phone photo I just took of the underside of my MDX.
Good luck. |
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| 12BlueX |
Thanks JeffK. Only thing about Uhaul is I don't know what it looks like. I did read your post that you've got the smaller 1-1/4" hitch. Do you happen to have a picture?
Andreseng- thanks for proving Drawtite is wrong! I think most of us with FSS avoid Drawtite and HH because their instruction specifically states FSS will not fit (click on "instructions" here: http://www.etrailer.com/productdeta...arfrom=2004&h=e)
I wonder why they don't fix it = more sales?
I would still like to get any feedback on Curt Hitches.
Anyone? |
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| 12BlueX |
So I took JeffK's advice and went to Uhaul today.
They had one in stock (but already sold) part number 78213 so I went to take a look. This is definitely Valley Industries Hitch.
I'm not sure if Uhaul mishandled it but there were lot of paint coming off with some portion already rusting (some sections were still protected with packaging). I wasn't impressed and the cost is $150+tax.
They did not have the other #75175 as they've called this the old model. Description says square tube but the part number is exact with round tube Draw-tite. Coincidence?
Anyway, I'm now down to either Curt Hitch or OEM.
Drawtite is Okay bu the price of $180+ shipping gets too close to the OEM price. Curt still can be purchased for less than $150 shipped.
So any more advice? |
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| JeffK |
Sorry it did not work out.
JeffK |
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| andreseng |
| FYI- Draw-Tite is a little cheaper here but you still have shipping. |
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| 12BlueX |
I just wanted to close the loop on this thread.
After lot of contemplating, I've ended up purchasing OEM hitch for $231+tax. I know this is not necessary for bike rack but at least I know that if I buy a boat during my midlife crisis, my MDX only requires the coolers and wires.
Not sure how most of you installed the hitch in 30 minutes to 45 minutes time frame but Touche' to you. Took me few hours (one because I was stupid enough to forget to install the spacers after all the bolts were tightened and two, I did it all by myself, and three, I was getting over a cold).
I just wanted to thank the other members for your input. |
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| papahemi |
| Hey where did you find the oem for $231 + tax? Dealer? Thanks, I'm considering a hitch too. |
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| 12BlueX |
Kearny Mesa Acura in San Diego
I've negotiated with the part manager there, Larry Cooper.
If you mention my name (Taka), I'm sure he can give you the same deal. |
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| socalJD |
quote:
Originally posted by 12BlueX
I just wanted to close the loop on this thread.
After lot of contemplating, I've ended up purchasing OEM hitch for $231+tax. I know this is not necessary for bike rack but at least I know that if I buy a boat during my midlife crisis, my MDX only requires the coolers and wires...
Not sure how most of you installed the hitch in 30 minutes to 45 minutes time frame but Touche' to you. Took me few hours (one because I was stupid enough to forget to install the spacers after all the bolts were tightened and two, I did it all by myself, and three, I was getting over a cold).
Congratulations on your DIY mod for the X. Haven't been checking in as much nowadays, or else I would've campaigned harder for the Valley hitch. On my 1st X ('02), I went the OEM hitch-only route and it was a PITA to install - that one took about 1.5 hrs by myself (grrr). From that experience, when I got the '05 X, I knew the OEM was overkill (all 12 bolts, spacers, etc), and the Valley hitch was cheaper, less hardware, and as robust as OEM. You were spooked by the 2 bolts per side vs 4 for the OEM, but Valley was the only other hitch with bolts on the receiver side (also 2 vs OEM 4) - since I view the hitch as add'l protection from being rear-ended by some jack@$$. Like most, I don't plan on towing and the most action the hitch will see is a bike rack. If you do buy a boat during a 2nd childhood phase, I'd strongly recommend that you buy an appropriate body on frame truck/suv to tow it with . . . |
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| XStatic |
Wouldn't a FSS have to fit?
If you have a flat and swap out the tiny tire for the full size on the car you end up with a full size in the spare position! |
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| mjbrox |
I have a hitch from http://www.hitchsource.com/
It looks like it would not fit, so my my question is. Do you think it woudl fit with the tire partially deflated? I always have pump in my car anyway |
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