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

[xd9x19]

By that, I mean bought a non-OEM hitch and used the Honda wiring harness? Were you able to find a satisfactory way to mount the OEM harness to a non-OEM hitch?

The OEM hitch and harness combo is $500. Seems like most of the after-market hitches can be had, sometimes installed for less than $240. I don't have any regular towing needs, but would really prefer to have the OEM harness.

[franc944]

I got a UHAUL hitch from ebay $95 with shipping included.

I sanded it down and sprayed it with 2 cans (multiple coats) of Duplicolor bedliner spray because I hate rusty hitches.

I don't recall how much I paid for the Honda OEM wiring kit but I think it was around $80 on ebay.

I had a local garage install it for $80 cash.

Total cost INSTALLED $255 (not including $14 on bedliner paint).

They drilled and tapped into the bumper. to mount the oem mount.

They were not happy about breaking drill bits and taps on the bumper, but they did get the job done.

The only issue was they had to fabricate a 1/4" solid aluminum spacer to space the mount so the door on the plug cover would open all the way.

[shovelhd]

Originally Posted by franc944

They drilled and tapped into the bumper. to mount the oem mount.

They were not happy about breaking drill bits and taps on the bumper, but they did get the job done.

I can verify that as it was my experience as well. Not for mounting the hitch harness, mine is OEM, but when I installed the backup lights. The bumper is double rolled steel and that's tough on taps.

[MrAC1980]

Originally Posted by xd9x19

By that, I mean bought a non-OEM hitch and used the Honda wiring harness? Were you able to find a satisfactory way to mount the OEM harness to a non-OEM hitch?

The OEM hitch and harness combo is $500. Seems like most of the after-market hitches can be had, sometimes installed for less than $240. I don't have any regular towing needs, but would really prefer to have the OEM harness.

I have a Hidden Hitch that is round tubed. I used a 3in pipe clamp that I spray painted black to attach the OEM harness to the hitch. Has worked like a champ for two years. I'll see about pics later.

[SRQRIDGE]

Originally Posted by MrAC1980

I have a Hidden Hitch that is round tubed. I used a 3in pipe clamp that I spray painted black to attach the OEM harness to the hitch. Has worked like a champ for two years. I'll see about pics later.

Pictures of this install would be great. Great ideas on this site.

[franc944]

I considered mounting OEM connector bracket to tube hitch but that would reduce ground clearance.

I sometimes go off road and with my luck I'd snap it off.

[Lingered_I]

I too have the Hidden Hitch with the Honda OEM Harness.

We saw..we conquered..we broke. :(

[WildRidge]

Hey XD9X19, I installed a Reese hitch, then drilled and tapped 2 holes to mount the OEM harness. Have a look...works great so far!

[Stranger]

I recently installed 'most' of the OEM wiring harness alongside my Hidden Hitch, but I haven't attached the plugs yet. Has anyone found a way to mount the plugs without ground clearance issues that the pipe clamp method has? I've been doing a lot of digging around with search and not come up with much. I found a couple guys who mounted them behind the bumper, which is cool but I think might be a little inconvenient.

In a week or two I'm going to head over to my folks and work on this with my Dad. If we come up with something good I'll post pic's, but I'd really like some additional inspiration. I've given half a thought to ordering an OEM hitch but the best price I've seen for an OEM hitch without the harness is very close to the price of one with the harness.

[Schoenig]

I drilled and taped the Hidden Hitch. Them I screwed the OEM bracket to the hitch.