OEM hitch and harness vs. aftermarket

[bigred1]

I've spent an hour or so reading through the racks, hitches and towing and found somewhat of what i would like to know. Does anyone have a pic of the OEM hitch installed. I want to go OEM on the hitch and harness for warranty reasons since i plan on keeping this truck for awile. What did you guys (and girls) pay for your OEM and install? I'm just trying to get my #'s in order before i call my dealer(s). The main reason i want a pic of the OEM is that i want to see if it holds the plugs instead of having them dangle. Thanks for your info!!!

[bandit]

I paid $406 (*including* 7% RI sales tax) for the hitch and harness kit from Majestic Honda in Lincoln, RI. I'm sure you could find the hitch for less online, but you'll pay through the nose for shipping. I installed it myself - followed the directions to a T and took me about 4 hours including the brake controller I had.

[CUinaRidge]

i want to see if it holds the plugs instead of having them dangle.

The Honda Hitch comes with a bracket to hold the plugs on. They do not dangle. Sorry no pics...

Others have fashioned brackes for aftermarket hitches with U-bolts to hold them on.

[swampler]

Not sure what the hitch has to do with warranty, but yes, the OEM hitch does have brackets for the wiring harness/plugs.

[kootenayridge]

1 OEM hitch pic, as requested.

[bigred1]

I've checked H and A. I can get the hitch and harness for about $390 but with the shipping charges it's almost the same as going to the dealer.

Anyone have a install of the OEM hitch and harness price from the dealer?

[tlaudio]

Try this site for your hitch & harness:

www.hondaautomotiveparts.com

They had hitch & harness for $374.21 with shipping & handling = $394.03
(shipping seems VERY low!)

I got mine on Ebay and paid around $115 to have the local dealer install it....

[bigred1]

I just bit the bullet and had my dealership order the hitch at 325.00 and the harness at 169.00 for a total of 494.00. They're only charging me 86.00 for the install of both. So for 580.00 i have gotten rid of my headaches. Bad thing is i have to wait until the 17th of July for the parts to arrive and the install to be completed

[Redgrappler]

Originally Posted by kootenayridge

1 OEM hitch pic, as requested.

I have a Uhaul hitch with an OEM wire harness. The dealer hooked the harness to the bottom of the hitch. When I asked about it he stated that they that is how it is installed on all Ridgelines. I noticed yours was on the beside it. Did he take advantage of my ignorance?

[arteegee]

Originally Posted by Redgrappler

I have a Uhaul hitch with an OEM wire harness. The dealer hooked the harness to the bottom of the hitch. When I asked about it he stated that they that is how it is installed on all Ridgelines. I noticed yours was on the beside it. Did he take advantage of my ignorance?

Affirmative. Seems very vulnerable mounted underneath like yours. I paid $404i for the Honda hitch and harness including shipping across the US. That included ball and locking hitchpin.