| mesalum |
For anybody that doesn't want to pay the $500+ for the Acura trailer hitch for our new 2007 MDX I have found that Draw-Tite makes one, part number 75520. It's currently on eBay for $149.
I only want it for using a bike carrier and not any trailer pulling. I don't want any roof rails that potentially could create wind noise. Been there on my 2001 MDX.
Just thought I would pass on what I found.
http://www.draw-tite.com/fitguides/...16&partno=75520 |
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| sigp228 |
| I know the VSA has a anti trailer sway program built into it but I do not know if that only will work with the Acura hitch or any hitch. Hopefully, Acura will come to its senses and lower the price since the Draw-Tite is only about 150 bucks. |
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| shootist |
quote:
Originally posted by sigp228
... Hopefully, Acura will come to its senses and lower the price since the Draw-Tite is only about 150 bucks.
I've been shopping: The Acura hitch kit includes a new bumper cover, cut out to clear the hitch. It also includes one heck of a wiring harness, with relays and 14 pin coneectors, and electric brake sub-connector.
The bumper cover must go for $200-$300 of the $595 price for the hitch kit. THe wiring harness has to be another $100. So the Acura hitch itself is probably the same price as the Draw tite once you add all the pieces. |
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| II Kings 9:20 |
I plan to get one for my 05 ODY from U Haul $170 installed. This sits below the bumper and does not require a cutout. I plan only to carry a cargo box no need for tranny cooler or PS cooler. Also a bit lower hitch may help by having the box lower so it will not block the rear camera as much.
That Acura hitch does not include coolers and runs $1200 installed if you plan to tow a trailer. Honda will not honor the drivetrain warranty if you have a hitch without coolers despite your claims that you never towed anything. |
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| gurneyeagle |
quote:
Originally posted by mesalum
For anybody that doesn't want to pay the $500+ for the Acura trailer hitch for our new 2007 MDX I have found that Draw-Tite makes one, part number 75520. It's currently on eBay for $149.
I only want it for using a bike carrier and not any trailer pulling. I don't want any roof rails that potentially could create wind noise. Been there on my 2001 MDX.
Just thought I would pass on what I found.
http://www.draw-tite.com/fitguides/...16&partno=75520
I'm looking to do the same, just hook up my bike rack. I understand U Haul now has a hitch for the '07. I'm curious if it, and your Draw-Tite require the rear bumper cover cut out.
If you find out, please let us know. |
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| hammermdx |
| I'm pretty sure on the 07's that the p/s and tranny coolers are std. |
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| sigp228 |
| There is definitely a cooler of some sort up front on the 07. I do not know if its a p/s or a tranny but its a long cylindrical unit with lots of fins. |
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| shootist |
quote:
Originally posted by sigp228
There is definitely a cooler of some sort up front on the 07. I do not know if its a p/s or a tranny but its a long cylindrical unit with lots of fins.
Acura already added all the coolers you need to tow up to 5,000 lbs on the 07. |
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| andreseng |
quote:
Originally posted by II Kings 9:20
Honda will not honor the drivetrain warranty if you have a hitch without coolers despite your claims that you never towed anything.
Says who? I totally disagree.
I have it noted (and I have a copy of it) in my service records by the service manager at my dealership. He was in complete agreement with me that it was ridiculous and frivolous to have the coolers installed for a bike rack.
The coolers are standard beginning with the 2007 model year. |
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| Shleets |
I will have my Draw Tite installed on Friday morning. It is tubular and does not include the wiring or ball. They had to order it from the factory as it is a newer product. Hitch Depot in Monrovia Ca is doing the work. They said the bumper did not need to be modified. The cost was $200 plus $50 for installation. With wiring and ball it was about $400. I only need it for a bike rack so I am not getting the wiring - yet.
I'll take pics when they are finished.
Mark |
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| mesalum |
| Woo hoo, thank you Shleets. I look forward to the pictures. |
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| Shleets |
| Hope the pic comes through. |
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| G. COLTON |
quote:
Originally posted by sigp228
I know the VSA has a anti trailer sway program built into it but I do not know if that only will work with the Acura hitch or any hitch. Hopefully, Acura will come to its senses and lower the price since the Draw-Tite is only about 150 bucks.
How is the VSA going to know the manufacturer of the trailer hitch?
G |
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| shootist |
| The trailer anti-sway feature doesn't have any connection to the hitch. It senses that the vehicle is oscillating back and forth, and applies the brakes or cuts the throttle. It gives the driver a few moments to take action before it takes over. |
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| mesalum |
Shleets: could you post some more pictures from other angles? It looks like I would be hitting my shins on the hitch.
Thanks |
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| Shleets |
| It doesn't stick out that far. You'd really have to "try" and bump the shin on this. I may cut off the wiring plate as I will probably never tow anything and only use it for a bike carrier. |
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| andreseng |
Three reasons I would leave the harness mounting bracket:
(1) It doesn't stick out past the bumper.
(2) You just never know. You may want to sell it one day and the next guy/gal might want to wire her up.
(3) If you ever get a hitch hauler and have a load that blocks your license plate you may have to mount and wire your license plate to the hauler (depending on state laws).
Just my humble opinion! :D
Hitch Haulers are great.............. |
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| SBrentnall |
I read through the Draw-Tite literature, and it says that this hitch is only rated at 3500lbs, or 5000 with weight-distribution bars. But the Acura manual says "A weight distributing hitch is not recommended for use with your vehicle, as an improperly adjusted weight distributing hitch may reduce handling, stability and braking performance."
I need the full 5000lbs to pull a horse trailer. Has anyone pulled anything substantial with the Draw-Tite hitch, or should I cough up the money for the Acura one? |
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| shootist |
If you're maxing out the tow capacity of the MDX, you would be well advised to get the OEM hitch. The price difference isn't all in the hitch itself: the 5,000 pound OEM hitch is about $350, the pre-cut gray plastic piece is $100, and the wiring harness is $150. The harness has both 7 pin and 4 pin correctors, and plugs right into the rear fuse panel. I think Tim sells the whole kit for $580 or so.
It looks a whole lot better than the Draw tite, too, since it tucks in higher under the bumper. (IMHO; YMMV) |
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| SBrentnall |
| Thanks for the advice, Shootist. I guess if I go with the OEM hitch and I spot my horses rolling down the highway on their own, I have someone to complain to. :eek: |
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| NewVMan |
Anyone installed a Hidden Hitch?
Hidden Hitch
I had one of these on my XC90 and it worked well for Bike Rack which is my ony real use. |
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| SKIP2IT |
Sheets/everyone else regardingthe pictured hitch..purchased and installed on tuesday by u-haul. total cost out door was 227.00$..
great clean work.caution..make sure heat shield are reinstalled about 1' to 1 1/4 away from exhaust pipe..no rubbing..minelooks same as Sheets. was in and out 35min...have a great ride...skip |
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| astrobooger |
| I want to get the hitch installed as well but my dilemma is aesthetically i want it to look factory but that $600 for the hitch and id have to install myself is a little daunting. Realistically I would probably never need to actually tow anything and only use it for a bike and snowboard hitch rack but it would be a nice option to have later on down the road I guess. How difficult is it to install the OEM hitch yourself? I've seen the schematics on Tim's website and I dont know if it just looks really hard but really isnt? I installed the side steps myself but that was just a couple of bolts here and there. Of course my other option is the drawtite which im hoping to get other's opinions whether there is a big difference aesthetically. What do you guys think? |
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