| ReadyToGoBAJA76 |
Hello to all.
Great web site. Question; Just purchased a NEW 08 pilot. No towing package. I was wondering what the best after market class III hitch receiver is. I have been to jcwhitney.com, they have one for 139.00. Any thoughts/experiences?
Also, has anyone had any luck with HONDA installing the engine components that come with the towing package after the SUV is already bought?
Bought the SUV while on R&R, we had a baby and realized we needed a 3rd row. Left to IRAQ day after delivery(of the Honda) so i don't have any real experience driving it yet.
Thanks. |
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| jestmaty |
Depending on what you plan on towing, I'd give some serious thought to the OEM hitch.
I tow a 2400lb boat/trailer about 175 miles r/t twice a month to the lake and back. The OEM hitch has 12 bolts holding it to the frame. I've seen aftermarket hitches use as little as 6 bolts ( 3 down each side ) and some use 4 down each side.
I, personally don't feel this is an area to go cheap on as it is the MAIN attachment point for your towed cargo The OEM hitch uses 4 bolts down each side and 4 more in the middle, right in the center of the vehicle.
There is no doubt in my mind that the hitch will NEVER be a source of failure when I'm towing my boat or camper. Peace of mind...
IIRC, the hp.org site sponsor sells the 4 piece hitch kit for pretty reasonable prices. My '04 hitch, ps cooler, tranny cooler, and wiring was about $600 total.
Be safe overseas. |
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| jestmaty |
[QUOTE]Originally posted by ReadyToGoBAJA76
[B]Hello to all.
Also, has anyone had any luck with HONDA installing the engine components that come with the towing package after the SUV is already bought?
They'll certainly do it, for like a billion dollars or something :rolleyes:
If you are even moderately handy around a car ( doing maintanence or small repair ), you can install your own hitch package. Again, depending on what you're towing, you should give some real thought to the entire hitch package. P/S cooler, tranny cooler, hitch, and wiring harness.
I bought a hitch from www.etrailer.com a few years ago for my wife's Pontiac Vibe and it has worked well since installation. |
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| ReadyToGoBAJA76 |
Thanks for the response.
I mainly tow a lite utility trailer, helping people move, motorcycle to the trails, etc...
Occasionally I pull a boat or camper. I think it would be a good investment to just do it right and go for the package install. Being pretty handy i will be doing it myself, hope I don't run into any surprises.
Thanks again. :) |
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| jestmaty |
Wherever you buy your tow stuff from should provide you with detailed instructions on how to install each piece. It was truly a 'piece of cake' when I did mine a bit over 3 years ago.
I don't think too much changed from the '03-04's to the 08's. Don't hesistate to ask any questions on the forum or email/pm me personally if you need help.
I like the personal satisfaction of knowing it was done right AND I saved a ton of labor charges by doing it myself. |
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| dewijaro |
http://www.hondapilot.org/forums/sh...&threadid=22107
I posted some pictures of the Curt Mfg. hitch and wiring I installed myself one day in my uncle's shop in about an hour, on my '04. ($300) Then next summer I plan to take "Amelia" to the local trusted tranny shop and have them install the coolers (both PS and Tranny) for about $400. The local Honda dealer wanted $1500 to install it all. I can always use an extra $800 to play with. |
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| amburgs |
Just got a 2005 pilot EX-L. We have a pop up that we haul 2-3 times per year. Called around and most places (ie: Uhaul; local towing shops) wanted $400 for hitch and wiring parts with install.
So, I did a lot of research on this website and ended up getting a draw tite hitch from etrailer for $130. While I was at it, I order the 4pin connector and 4pin to 7pin adapter. Total price was $170 (shipping was free). Installed the hitch in <1hr. It was easy. Installed the wiring in <1 hr. It was easy too. My camper weighs about 2,000 lbs and the rear end only dropped about 1/2 in the wheel wells, so looks like a lift kit will not be required.
Next step is to get a trans cooler. Definitely going to do that. After market (Hayden) at Napa is $60. Honda is about $200. Not certain which way I am going on that one. Also not certain that I need a PS cooler for 2-3 trips per year.
Good luck - this forum is excellent so spend a couple days here and you will be glad you did! |
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| ReadyToGoBAJA76 |
Goodnews,
Decided to go with the etrailer.com valley model. a little more expensive but looks as if it fits better. bought the wiring harness for $24 as well and some caps to prevent corrosion. What was really cool was because I was shipping to APO I was offered the American Flag hitch cover for almost half price (you bet I bought it). Thanks for the support America.
amburgs...etrailer also carries the trans coolers. And yes, most replies on this site report you might not need the ps cooler. Although, when you are trying to put the boat IN the water, or pulling it out, it might be better to have it.
Thanks to all who replied to my original posting. Again, great web site, love the idea of people helping people. Its all about being a good Human Being. Oh, the good news.......counting the weeks until I am home with the FAMILY. |
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| dewijaro |
| Congrats on the hitch, but most of all Congrats on coming home! Thanks for your service! |
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| jestmaty |
Like a couple of others have said, "Thank you for your service!"
I saw the etrailer Valley model and I like it!! Never been a fan of the squared, boxy hitches. The valley and the Honda OEM flow very nicely under the rear bumper.
I also like the 2 rear-most attachment holes that effectively distribute the load over 3 points.
Good choice.... post pics when you get back and have something hooked up to the 'ole Pilot. Take care----- Jestmaty |
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| N_Jay |
After putting a hitch on my CRV, I am convinced that the center bolts are not just for a little extra support.
I think they are essential for a uni-body vehicle since the frame rails are not as strong as on a full frame vehicle. |
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