Trailer Hitch Selection

[firefighter3666]

After reading through the numerous threads on installing a trailer hitch on my RL, I'm left with some lingering concerns.

To clarify my intentions - I plan on installing the hitch myself, with the help of a friend. I'm planning on purchasing and installing the OEM wiring harness. I realize there are easier (and cheaper) ways to get working lights on a trailer, but I like the idea of an isolated electrical setup and might one day need to add a controller for trailer brakes. I anticipate using the hitch to pull a small motorcycle trailer.

The pricing I've found suggests that I can get an aftermarket hitch for less money than the OEM. The pictures that I've seen on this forum suggest that an aftermarket hitch might have a cleaner look than the OEM. My research suggests that most of the aftermarket hitches are produced by the same manufacturer, and they all provide the support the 5,000 lb towing capacity of my RL.

Is the only downfall of an aftermarket hitch the lack of a mounting plate for the electrical connection.

If I opt for an aftermarket hitch, what options to I have for a clean look for the electrical connections?

Is there an aftermarket kit that will mimick the mounting plate on the OEM hitch?

[5S Dude]

Originally Posted by firefighter3666

After reading through the numerous threads on installing a trailer hitch on my RL, I'm left with some lingering concerns.

To clarify my intentions - I plan on installing the hitch myself, with the help of a friend. I'm planning on purchasing and installing the OEM wiring harness. I realize there are easier (and cheaper) ways to get working lights on a trailer, but I like the idea of an isolated electrical setup and might one day need to add a controller for trailer brakes. I anticipate using the hitch to pull a small motorcycle trailer.

The pricing I've found suggests that I can get an aftermarket hitch for less money than the OEM. The pictures that I've seen on this forum suggest that an aftermarket hitch might have a cleaner look than the OEM. My research suggests that most of the aftermarket hitches are produced by the same manufacturer, and they all provide the support the 5,000 lb towing capacity of my RL.

Is the only downfall of an aftermarket hitch the lack of a mounting plate for the electrical connection.

If I opt for an aftermarket hitch, what options to I have for a clean look for the electrical connections?

Is there an aftermarket kit that will mimick the mounting plate on the OEM hitch?

Hi firefighter3666, After saving a ton of money and buying a CURT Hitch and OEM harness I can say I’m totally happy with an easy install and great looks.

However, with all of our other members receiving their CURT Hitches with bent mounting brackets I can not recommend this unit. You may be better off looking towards the U-Haul, Hidden-Hitch or other brands of aftermarket hitches. The Honda Harness is well worth the money in my opinion because it’s plug and play and works flawlessly on our Ridgeline. I’ve mounted the seven pin round and four pin flat sockets up behind the outside wall of the trunk and they are invisible from the rear of the truck. Happy Towing!

[VRidgeline]

Can you post some pics???

Originally Posted by 5S Dude

Hi firefighter3666, After saving a ton of money and buying a CURT Hitch and OEM harness I can say I’m totally happy with an easy install and great looks.

However, with all of our other members receiving their CURT Hitches with bent mounting brackets I can not recommend this unit. You may be better off looking towards the U-Haul, Hidden-Hitch or other brands of aftermarket hitches. The Honda Harness is well worth the money in my opinion because it’s plug and play and works flawlessly on our Ridgeline. I’ve mounted the seven pin round and four pin flat sockets up behind the outside wall of the trunk and they are invisible from the rear of the truck. Happy Towing!

[5S Dude]

Originally Posted by VRidgeline

Can you post some pics???

Sorry I just got back from riding so it's pretty nasty down there but here are the photos for you VRidgeline.

[VRidgeline]

Great, thanks so much will be installing my as soon as it warms up.

Originally Posted by 5S Dude

Sorry I just got back from riding so it's pretty nasty down there but here are the photos for you VRidgeline.

[deem0nessa]

Hey 5S Dude we also did the harness bracket tucked up under like you...I told my husband I dont really care how silly we look plugging it in...id rather have it that way than having it hit and also visible...and lucky too as we went off road since w/trailer and hit the bottom of hitch a few times...

[WildRidge]

I too installed the hitch myself (with the help of a car jack) and what I ended up doing is drilling and tapping 2 holes in the bottom of the hitch and mounting the OEM bracket to it. Definitely looks better than a pigtail of wires sticking out from the bottom of the tailgate. I don't have a close-up pic, but you'll get the picture...(no pun intended!!)

[TCFenton1]

I just installed a CURT hitch on my new '07 RL, and I must say that it looks really good. Installation was a breeze, even doing it alone, and it tucks up in really nice. I used a T-One connecter because I never intend to tow anything that needs electric brakes. My GMC diesel handles those chores

[Directman]

I installed a cuth hitch by my self it was easy and it looks great.

[squatritomj]

Hey 5S Dude what brand of Hitch Step do you have? I'll contend with the CURT Brand - I am one of those unlucky people that have a hitch with bad mounting brackets. I just got it the other day and the vendor won't take it back and I also spoke with CURT and they told me that they didn't see a problem with it either. They gave me the measurements for between the brackets and also the mounting holes and when I measured mine they were the exact measurement - I told them of this and the answer I got was that their Hitches were meant to be installed by a trained person so I'm left in the cold. The brackets really don't look bent I think the hitch is just made the wrong size. Any ideas on what to do? I'm thinking about enlarging the mounting holes on both sides by 1/4 inch.

Thanks