| bayou1312 |
| Can someone say if the 08 mdx comes standard with a transmission and power steering cooler or do i have to have it installed by the dealer as part of a towing package? Thanks. |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by bayou1312
Can someone say if the 08 mdx comes standard with a transmission and power steering cooler or do i have to have it installed by the dealer as part of a towing package? Thanks.
All you need to purchase is the hitch, receiver, ball, and harness: |
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| bayou1312 |
| JL_SS.....Thanks a bunch for the quick reply, picture and Towing Overview write up. |
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| asheesh88 |
Hmm, I am a bit confused about this hitch business.
I am actually about to finalize a 2008 Nimbus Gray Sport/Ent and was looking to get the hitch. I dont need to tow anything, its just for my bike rack.
Anyway, my dealer said installed it would be $1290 ($336 for labor, $953 for parts). To that seems absolutely ridiculous.
There is a tow hitch kit available through hondaacuraworld.com for $594, and I was told that it comes with the trim piece, harness as well as extra coolers. When I asked why the coolers are needed if the MDX already has them, they said that these are specifically towing coolers....
So:
1. Do I need extra trans coolers?
2. Is hondaacuraworld.com selling the same thing for $600 that my dealer is selling for almost $1000, or are there different versions of the hitch kit?
3. Is the hitch kit something that can be installed by myself, or should it be left to the dealer...I am pretty mechanically inclined.
4. Can I get the hitch without any of the electrical components, seeing as I only need it for a bike rack?
THanks for the help. I hope to learn a lot from this site and think its an excellent resource!
Asheesh |
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| JP422 |
I also plan to install a hitch kit on my '08... When towing it's usually a 19' boat or a pair of jetski's. I purchased the MDX w/o any dealer options, because I like to wrench, plus I get the parts cheaper too (Honda Associate). I finally got all the tow kit's parts together (hitch, wiring, bumper trim)... I just gotta get around to it someday =)
Here's what I found out so far.
-As noted above, there is no extra oem coolers etc for a tow kit.
I have gone through the parts and accessories lists many times, and no such part exists (at least oem... I'm sure you can add aftermarket coolers). The OEM hitch kit is very high quality, and the wiring is integrated into the car's fuse panel. If you are towing any trailer w/ lights or brakes, this is the best way to go. Drawbacks:
1) cost... pricey 2) install- requires bumper removal 3) sticks way out... looks funny, but hey, I guess it's the best way to tow toys.
-If you are ONLY planning on using tow hitch accessories (bike racks, storage mounts, etc), then an aftermarket hitch is way cheaper (easily under $200), plus you don't have to change the rear bumper trim piece, because the hitch hangs just under it. Plus it sits a bit deeper in, so it looks a bit better, and overall, it's easier to install. The only drawbacks I can think of... are that: 1) it's not OEM :D and 2) a full size spare won't fit.
**If you are towing heavy trailers, or tow in high heat.. or steep grades, then an aftermarket "upgraded" ATF cooler never hurts.
Otherwise, the MDX stock setup should be perfect for us!
:2: |
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| shootist |
The 01-06 needed accessory tranny and power steering coolers to tow. THe 07 and 08 already have the heavier-duty coolers, and there are no Acura accessory coolers for them.
(Consider that if you install aftermarket coolers, and the coolers can be blamed for a breakdown, you will get resistance to a warranty claim.)
The Acura hitch (metal bar only) is about $350 IIRC. You need to cut the plastic lower panel, or buy a $99 pre cut piece. The electric assembly is $150. Then there is the ball and receiver, for another $50 or so. If you want to compare apples to apples, (or metal bar to metal bar) use the $350 figure for the OEM.
The Valley is my choice for looks, but you can't fit a full size spare or tire with it. Hidden Hitch is not the prettiest of the bunch and may have lower tow capacity, but it's very functional.
And that's all I have to say on the subject. |
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| 24Blacker11 |
I installed the hitch on my 07MDX.... its quite and involved process.
In addition to the hitch kit you need to get the corresponding lower bumper cover.
The hitch install requires that you remove the ENTIRE rear bumper cover so you can replace the lower trim with the "new" one that has cut out for hitch.
I have heard the there are aftermarket hitches that do not require the removal of the bumper cover and replacement of the lower trim section.
Its a bit stressful pulling off the bumper cover but not an insurmountable task... which is why dealers charge so much for the install.
Good luck! |
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