Which trailer hitch to buy?

[Smokin Ace]

Originally Posted by cdepuydt

I went with the OEM hitch/harness. Thing is, I didn't need it right away, so I just lurked on e-bay and a couple other websites until I found, what I considered, a reasonable price on the hitch. There was no friggin' way I was gonna pay the $340 my dealership was asking. Anyway, I found one for a good price, and called my dealership to see if they would match the price. After some nifty wheeling n' dealing, I was able to get the hitch for less than the one that I found on the web (including the $40 they wanted for shipping).

I did the same thing for the harness. I just kept looking around but ultimately took the advice of other ROC'ers and went out to the Majestic Honda website and bought it from there. It was $113 plus shipping.

Then, to save even more money (my stealership quoted me a price of $175 for the install) I installed it myself. I thought the install wasn't that hard... and I am not exactly a mechanically inclinded person. It took me about 4 hours from the time I opened the box to the time I put my last tool away. It would have taken a lot less time if I would have had a little help. Doing it by myself was a little difficult, especially trying to get the hitch in place to start the bolts, but other than that, it was pretty easy. Plus, having this place and all the valuable information here was...well, invaluable.

Anyway, with everything I think I ended up spending right around $360 for everything. I thought that was a good deal for the OEM set up. Not that there is anything wrong with the Hidden or Curt hitches....I just wanted the OEM hitch, because I like the looks of it the most....

What did you say to the dealer to get the price? I am looking to do the same thing in the next few months. I am like you not really in a hurry.

[shovelhd]

I did the same thing. Just bring them a printout of Majestic's price and see if they'll beat it. You'll pay sales tax but no shipping.

[Smokin Ace]

Does anyone ever put them on sale?

[shovelhd]

Maybe. Our local dealers send out 10% and 15% off coupons on accessories. You can beat that my using online pricing.

[cdepuydt]

Originally Posted by Smokin Ace

What did you say to the dealer to get the price? I am looking to do the same thing in the next few months. I am like you not really in a hurry.

Like shovelHD said, I just found a good price and asked them to match it. Initially, I got the ol', "...well, you know we can't offer prices like the big warehouse places...". When I told them it was a price from another dealership, they were a little more willing to work out a deal. I also told them, "...listen, I spent $30K on this truck at your dealership and I would think you would be a little more willing to work with me here...". I also said, if they didn't want to deal with me, I had no problem sending my business elsewhere, but I would just as soon keep my money local if I could. He came back with a number slightly under what I could have gotten the hitch from the other place plus shipping.

I'm not saying this will work with your dealership, but it's worth a shot...Oh, and I did all my negotiations via e-mail.

[lorunner1213]

Anybody have an Aftermarket hitch with the OEM harness?

Wondering how you mounted the harness. Thats the only thing im concerned about. If i really had teh motivation im sure i can fab up a bracket adn weld it to the hitch to hold the harness but im curious to see what others have done.

[Smokin Ace]

Originally Posted by lorunner1213

Anybody have an Aftermarket hitch with the OEM harness?

Wondering how you mounted the harness. Thats the only thing im concerned about. If i really had teh motivation im sure i can fab up a bracket adn weld it to the hitch to hold the harness but im curious to see what others have done.

If you search there have been a few post on this topic.

[SRQRIDGE]

Originally Posted by lorunner1213

Anybody have an Aftermarket hitch with the OEM harness?

Wondering how you mounted the harness. Thats the only thing im concerned about. If i really had teh motivation im sure i can fab up a bracket adn weld it to the hitch to hold the harness but im curious to see what others have done.

Who's done a hitch "mix-n-match"?

check this thread out

[SRQRIDGE]

Originally Posted by cdepuydt

Like shovelHD said, I just found a good price and asked them to match it. Initially, I got the ol', "...well, you know we can't offer prices like the big warehouse places...". When I told them it was a price from another dealership, they were a little more willing to work out a deal. I also told them, "...listen, I spent $30K on this truck at your dealership and I would think you would be a little more willing to work with me here...". I also said, if they didn't want to deal with me, I had no problem sending my business elsewhere, but I would just as soon keep my money local if I could. He came back with a number slightly under what I could have gotten the hitch from the other place plus shipping.

I'm not saying this will work with your dealership, but it's worth a shot...Oh, and I did all my negotiations via e-mail.

Originally Posted by shovelhd

Maybe. Our local dealers send out 10% and 15% off coupons on accessories. You can beat that my using online pricing.

Originally Posted by shovelhd

I did the same thing. Just bring them a printout of Majestic's price and see if they'll beat it. You'll pay sales tax but no shipping.

Originally Posted by Smokin Ace

What did you say to the dealer to get the price? I am looking to do the same thing in the next few months. I am like you not really in a hurry.

I tried this approach with both local dealers and they don't negotiate. It will vary from area to area. So all you can do is try. The prices to buy a truck are still high. Some of the deals are not hppening in Florida. Not on the west coast. I traveled to SE florida to buy my truck. Check out my post here #46 & 48. I got my off ebay used aftermarket. Be patient and look every day.

[xd9x19]

Originally Posted by xd9x19

I bit the bullet and bought the OEM trailer hitch package from 1stHondaParts.com (Honda of Fife, Washington). Got the trailer hitch today, but minus the ball, lock for the hitch pin and wiring harness. Gave them a call and talked to a guy and expect a call back tomorrow morning about the rest of the shipment.

Hopefully all will go smoothly and I'll be able to give a good report that they've shipped out the missing parts.

Got everything but the lock for the hitch pin. Installed the hitch and harness and will get around to installing the relay at some point in the near future.

My son helped me and it took about an hour to get the hitch and harness put on.