| jeme |
Good Morning - I know there has been tons of discussion on here about hitches and towing - but I wanted to seek clarification on a few things - perhaps from someone who has a hitch and tows. By the way I have a 2007 X
I called the dealership and they want $1400 for a hitch installed - they say that it requires several coolers which is what drives up the cost.
I have read here on this fourm that those coolers are already on the x? Can anyone clarify this?
If the coolers are there - all I need is the hitch and wiring harness and I am good to go correct?
It seems that this should be able to be done for a reasonable price?
I have seen the hitch that some was nice enough to post the self installation instructions - so with that and the harness I should be good to go?
If the car does not have the coolers are those necessary for just around town towing of a boat? I would assume that I would need the cooler if I was to perhaps take a trip to the keys? |
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| jeme |
| I forgot to say thanks to everyone and the fourm members that contribute on a regular basis. |
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| Randy B |
I debated on the factory setup for a while. I ended up going with the Valley Hitch ($99.00) and the factory wiring harness ($140.00?). The cost for the factory setup was around $485.00 for parts and the dealer wanted another $250.00 to install it.
The only downside to the Valley Hitch for me was finding out I cannot mount a full size spare in lieu of the temp spare. The Valley Hitch mounts about three inches lower then the factory hitch. This basically enables me not to use a drop hitch, which I would have needed on the Factory hitch.
The coolers that were required for the 2001-2006 are already on your 2007 and I assume a 2008 as well. So none needed. The labor if you are confident with a wrench and working on your back is not bad at all. Took me less than two hours, however I have air tools at the house and that certainly saved me time.
The Factory wiring harness is a must for me. The capability of being able to use either a large round plug or standard flat plug, and full plug and play install was well worth the expense to me. If you buy the factory hitch, everything mounts up exactly. If you buy the Valley hitch, you will want to weld a small piece of flat steel onto it so the wiring harness can mount up nicely.
If you buy the Valley hitch you do not need the new rear bumper insert. If you buy the Factory hitch, you will need it as well as have to remove the rear bumper to install the new insert. That will add about about another hour to your install and second person to assist would be nice as the bumper is rather bulky.
Hope this helps,
Randy B |
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| quyenph |
quote:
Originally posted by Randy B
The Factory wiring harness is a must for me. The capability of being able to use either a large round plug or standard flat plug, and full plug and play install was well worth the expense to me. If you buy the factory hitch, everything mounts up exactly. If you buy the Valley hitch, you will want to weld a small piece of flat steel onto it so the wiring harness can mount up nicely.
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Hope this helps,
Randy B
Randy, thanks for the info. What is the difference between factory wiring harness and the aftermarket one (found on etrailer.com)?
I happened to order the Valley hitch and wiring harness to take advance of free shipping (>$150) Does anyone have successfully installed the aftermarket one?
Thanks,
quyenph |
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| TMS0425 |
quote:
Originally posted by quyenph
Randy, thanks for the info. What is the difference between factory wiring harness and the aftermarket one (found on etrailer.com)?
I happened to order the Valley hitch and wiring harness to take advance of free shipping (>$150) Does anyone have successfully installed the aftermarket one?
Thanks,
quyenph
I have the Valley hitch and Draw-Tite wiring harness. Totally plug and play for me. $110 for hitch, about $30 for the harness, and my local hitch shop charged $50 to install the whole thing (about 1 hour labor). They put a small plate on the back to mount the a 5-pin connector and rubber cover for my boat trailer with electric surge brakes. Works like a champ. Tom |
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| jeme |
| TMS 0425 would it be possible to post a pic of your set up? THanks |
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| Randy B |
quote:
Originally posted by quyenph
Randy, thanks for the info. What is the difference between factory wiring harness and the after-market one (found on etrailer.com)?
I happened to order the Valley hitch and wiring harness to take advance of free shipping (>$150) Does anyone have successfully installed the after-market one?
Thanks,
quyenph
At the time, all the after-market wiring kits were splice ins, not a true plug and play. I have not seen one yet that is truly plug and play. The Acura one gives you all the fuses for the front and rear fuse panels, all the grommets, and all splice harnesses, and two types of trailer plugs mounted on the rear. I use a round plug on one trailer and a flat plug on the other, so having both permanently mounted was beneficial. This made it worth the money to me.
Randy B |
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