Ok So I have read tons of posts about our hitch and trailer wiring issues. I am looking to slap one on that looks good but that doesnt break the bank. Right now the best deal I have found is as follows:
Hidden Hitch being sold on Ebay for $125 shipped & either OEM factory wiring harness from handaaccessories.com for $146 or the T-one wiring harness from etrialer.com for around $60. So I am either going to be paying $125 + $146 = $271 total for hitch and OEM wiring or $125 + $60 = $185 for hitch & T one connector.
1. can someone post how they have done their set up using Aftermarket hitch with OEM wiring harness and add some pics onhow they mounted it.
2. Can someone post how they have done their set up using aftermarket hitch and aftermarket wiring with pics?
3. I am only going to be towing a 17ft boat. It uses a flat four pin connector and I dont have to tow it very far. Is there a need to have all the added extras from the OEM factory wiring harness then like the fan contrller and changed shifting? (also keep in mind that I have leased this Ridgeline so i wont be increasing an investment)
Right now the Hidden hitch with the T one connectors looks to be my best and least expensive option. The t one connectors plug into both tail lights and I assume that the power cord would just drop down and not really be mounted.
I have installed a Hidden Hitch with the OEM harness. I used it because I wanted the most flexibility for towing plus I like the relays for powering the trailer lights. You can even charge a trailer battery!
I mounted the connectors with a universal connector mount from www.etrailer.com. It attaches with a D-clamp and seems pretty sound. I'm goint to try attaching photos. This my first time. So, be gentle.
Draw-tite Hitch $162
Honda Harness $135
Total $297
Savings = $163
If you are concerned about the installation labor, do it yourself. It is not that difficult. If you are mechanically challenged, pay someone else to do it. The dealer labor rates are around $75per hour. That is where the majority of the cost difference is.
Draw-tite/Hidden Hitch: Not hidden, no protection for damage to the 7-pin connector, the aftermarket hitch also does not meet OEM strength spec, departure angle Honda hitch 18.6 degrees, Hidden hitch departure angle 14.7 degrees, powder coated Honda hitch vs. painted after-market hitch.
Do your own analysis. Integrated engineering versus tack-on with no thought put into the incorporating a 7-pin connector.
The truck is engineered to tow. There is now concern on the vehicle side. Just be informed with the facts before you buy.
Quality only costs you once and is worth it at trade-in time.
I paid just over $400 for the OEM hitch parts from my Honda dealer, who sells online and would beat any online price at the parts counter. So the difference for me was just over $100.
I paid just over $400 for the OEM hitch parts from my Honda dealer, who sells online and would beat any online price at the parts counter. So the difference for me was just over $100.
That's a pretty good deal. I paid $205 for my Draw-Tite installed by local store. And I paid $150 shipped for my Honda Harness which I installed myself. For a$45 difference I would jumped on that myself.
I paid just over $400 for the OEM hitch parts from my Honda dealer, who sells online and would beat any online price at the parts counter. So the difference for me was just over $100.
Honstly, I don't remember, because I didn't order from them. I bought $1,000 worth of accessories over the counter. When I brought him prices from the Net, his prices were comparable, so frankly, if you're going to order online, support one of the site sponsors, or buy from the one closest to you. The whole point of my buying them over the counter was to avoid shipping charges and to support the dealer I purchased the truck from.
Draw-tite Hitch $162
Honda Harness $135
Total $297
Savings = $163
If you are concerned about the installation labor, do it yourself. It is not that difficult. If you are mechanically challenged, pay someone else to do it. The dealer labor rates are around $75per hour. That is where the majority of the cost difference is.
Draw-tite/Hidden Hitch: Not hidden, no protection for damage to the 7-pin connector, the aftermarket hitch also does not meet OEM strength spec, departure angle Honda hitch 18.6 degrees, Hidden hitch departure angle 14.7 degrees, powder coated Honda hitch vs. painted after-market hitch.
Do your own analysis. Integrated engineering versus tack-on with no thought put into the incorporating a 7-pin connector.
The truck is engineered to tow. There is now concern on the vehicle side. Just be informed with the facts before you buy.
Quality only costs you once and is worth it at trade-in time.
Agreed, always believed in OEM accesories myself. How does the Honda Hitch affect road clearance of the truck. Lesser clearance by how many inches?. Thanks.
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