Aftermarket Hitch Question

bear1906 · 06-27-2011, 12:12 PM

Hey all,

Looking at an aftermarket hitch for my 07 X...I skimmed through some old posts on the topic, but cant find the complete answer.

I want to get a hitch installed from a local shop. What else would I need to make it work like the factory? Is the wiring harness already setup? What about the part the causes the trucks computer to detect a hitch is attached or that you are towing something?

Let me know thanks!

skw · 06-28-2011, 02:06 AM

I installed the hitch myself from etrailers, also got the wiring harness from them. Both were an easy install and they have videos online. I didn't know our trucks had any software that detected a trailer being towed. Are you referring to a brake controller?

jackaninny · 06-30-2011, 12:07 AM

Second the etrailers route - I got the Hidden Hitch brand

CNJ · 03-26-2012, 04:32 PM

can I see some pics of a Hidden or Curt hitch installed? I need one for light duty so no OEM.

riontegra · 03-26-2012, 09:17 PM

No programming is required. It will automatically recognize if something is being towed. Here is the online video, it is fairly simple if you can get someone to help you.

Trailer Hitch Installation - 2008 Acura MDX Video | etrailer.com

Here is the wiring harness install:

Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2007 Acura MDX Video | etrailer.com

Here is what the valley hitch looks like installed.

Rackster · 03-26-2012, 09:36 PM

Just some general information -

The best aftermarket hitch solutions I've found out there come from Draw-tite. The solutions have the best fit and are generally well thought out for installation. And the quality of the product (fit, finish, durability) is superior in my opinion.

CNJ · 03-26-2012, 11:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riontegra

No programming is required. It will automatically recognize if something is being towed. Here is the online video, it is fairly simple if you can get someone to help you.

Trailer Hitch Installation - 2008 Acura MDX Video | etrailer.com

Here is the wiring harness install:

Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2007 Acura MDX Video | etrailer.com

Here is what the valley hitch looks like installed.

That looks pretty neat! What about this one? Anybody got it installed with pics?

Amazon.com: Curt Manufacturing 13354 Class III Receiver: Automotive

My sister in law works for Amazon so we get extra discounts.

rick458 · 03-26-2012, 11:34 PM

I plan on getting a Hidden Hitch from hitches online next week, from hitches online.
from the directions there is no drilling as it uses exixting weld nuts.

CNJ · 03-27-2012, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rick458

I plan on getting a Hidden Hitch from hitches online next week, from hitches online.
from the directions there is no drilling as it uses exixting weld nuts.

This looks like the same as the Curt Hitch. I just checked on Etrailer. Are there basically one or two styles with different names on them? I want to get the Curt hitch from Amazon. I just would like to verify it by seeing some pics of it installed.

skw · 03-27-2012, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CNJ

can I see some pics of a Hidden or Curt hitch installed? I need one for light duty so no OEM.

Curt hitch installed

AutisMDXTypeS · 03-27-2012, 10:40 PM

FYI, the info I found about the difference between OEM and aftermarket (hidden hitch/ curt/ uhaul) is only OEM let's you have room for a full size spare. Otherwise same tow/ tongue weight usually. That's my understanding. Full size spare is important to me...

CNJ · 03-28-2012, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skw

Curt hitch installed

looks good! Thanks

CNJ · 04-23-2012, 12:18 AM

Got it from Etrailer. $163 w/wiring shipped to my door. So it took about 2 hours to install (taking my time) and I did need a little help from a neighbor when it came time to bolt it up. A tip to give yourself some more room underneath - get some 4x6 blocks under the rear wheels - these have helped me countless times on several vehicles. (I have a floor jack and stands but sometimes this is all you need if your not taking wheels off)

The exhaust only needs to go down 2-3 in to get to the heat shields

Your going to need a 7/8" combo wrench to do bolt #4. If you dont have one get it ahead of time so you dont need to get it mid job like I did -

All done!

It just pushes up on the plastic bumper slightly so no need to cut. I'm very happy with it. The trick is to get one bolt on each side started then you'll probably need to wrestle it a bit to get all the other holes to line up. It fits pretty tight up in there so you need another set of strong hands and put some attachment in the receiver to get more leverage to wrestle it around while trying to start the other bolts. Also the 7/8 wrench was the only way I could see to get that last bolt tightened. Not enough room to get a socket on it. Solid as a rock now and looks good

sanjaysdca · 04-23-2012, 10:53 AM

I have a Valley Hitch. Very easy to install...8 bolts and you are done.
Took about 1.5 hours.

Bought it from Amazon.

Turboara · 04-23-2012, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skw

Curt hitch installed

hey skw, thanks for the pics. Its hard to tell, but is the hitch pushing up on the bumper?
thanks, Nick

06-27-2011, 12:12 PM	#1 (permalink)
bear1906 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: New Jersey Posts: 629	Aftermarket Hitch Question Hey all, Looking at an aftermarket hitch for my 07 X...I skimmed through some old posts on the topic, but cant find the complete answer. I want to get a hitch installed from a local shop. What else would I need to make it work like the factory? Is the wiring harness already setup? What about the part the causes the trucks computer to detect a hitch is attached or that you are towing something? Let me know thanks! __________________ 07 MDX Sport/Entertainment - Formal Black Previous Acuras: ____________________________________________ 07 MDX Tech/Entertainment - Aberdeen Green 06 TL Tech/Navi Pkg - Black/Camel 02 MDX Touring - Granite Green

06-28-2011, 02:06 AM	#2 (permalink)
skw Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Boston area Posts: 241	I installed the hitch myself from etrailers, also got the wiring harness from them. Both were an easy install and they have videos online. I didn't know our trucks had any software that detected a trailer being towed. Are you referring to a brake controller? __________________ *'12 ML350 BlueTec* Black/black, P2, lane tracking, trailer hitch, wood/leather wheel, Zaino, Amsoil 5w-40 *'11 Honda Accord EX* Basque Red Pearl, Zaino, Amsoil 0w-20, 4cyl, 5spd manual *'08 Toyota Rav4* Black w/ ash int, 4wd, Zaino, Amsoil 0w-20 Retired: '10 MDX Tech, '08 Honda Accord LX, '06 Nissan Xterra S 4wd 6spd manual, '00 Nissan Xterra X 5spd manual, '98 BMW 528i, '95 Mazda Millenia

03-26-2012, 04:32 PM	#4 (permalink)
CNJ Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 27	can I see some pics of a Hidden or Curt hitch installed? I need one for light duty so no OEM. __________________ 2008 Gray MDX - wifes 2011 Tacoma DC TRD OR 4X4 - mine

03-26-2012, 09:36 PM	#6 (permalink)
Rackster Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Posts: 35	Aftermarket Hitch Just some general information - The best aftermarket hitch solutions I've found out there come from Draw-tite. The solutions have the best fit and are generally well thought out for installation. And the quality of the product (fit, finish, durability) is superior in my opinion. __________________ 2008 MDX w/Tech Pkg

03-26-2012, 11:34 PM	#8 (permalink)
rick458 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: LaPorte Texas Posts: 130	I plan on getting a Hidden Hitch from hitches online next week, from hitches online. from the directions there is no drilling as it uses exixting weld nuts. __________________ Semper Fi My Brothers 2002 Acura MDX Touring 2008 Honda Accord EX I-4

06-30-2011, 12:07 AM	#3 (permalink)
jackaninny Registered User Join Date: Jun 2011 Posts: 5	Second the etrailers route - I got the Hidden Hitch brand

03-26-2012, 09:17 PM	#5 (permalink)
riontegra Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Posts: 110	No programming is required. It will automatically recognize if something is being towed. Here is the online video, it is fairly simple if you can get someone to help you. Trailer Hitch Installation - 2008 Acura MDX Video \| etrailer.com Here is the wiring harness install: Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2007 Acura MDX Video \| etrailer.com Here is what the valley hitch looks like installed.

03-27-2012, 10:40 PM	#11 (permalink)
AutisMDXTypeS Registered User Join Date: May 2011 Location: Philadelphia Suburb Posts: 512	FYI, the info I found about the difference between OEM and aftermarket (hidden hitch/ curt/ uhaul) is only OEM let's you have room for a full size spare. Otherwise same tow/ tongue weight usually. That's my understanding. Full size spare is important to me... __________________ LIVE, Toast, Drink...Repeat *HAD: 84 Corvette(SC) Coupe, 1969 Mustang Boss 302 Coupe,1984 Datsun 280ZX(Turbo),(3x)03 Mazda MX-6 V6,05 Camaro SS,98 Jeep GC 5.9 Limited,99 Jeep Wrangler Sahara Edition,05 Subie WRX Limited HAVE:04 Acura MDX Touring w/ Nav-RES 00 Jeep Cherokee Limited (City Car) WANT*:2011 Caddy CTS-V Hennessey Edition 2015 Acura NSX Type S

04-23-2012, 12:18 AM	#13 (permalink)
CNJ Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Huntington Beach, CA Posts: 27	I just installed my Curt Hitch Got it from Etrailer. $163 w/wiring shipped to my door. So it took about 2 hours to install (taking my time) and I did need a little help from a neighbor when it came time to bolt it up. A tip to give yourself some more room underneath - get some 4x6 blocks under the rear wheels - these have helped me countless times on several vehicles. (I have a floor jack and stands but sometimes this is all you need if your not taking wheels off) The exhaust only needs to go down 2-3 in to get to the heat shields Your going to need a 7/8" combo wrench to do bolt #4. If you dont have one get it ahead of time so you dont need to get it mid job like I did - All done! It just pushes up on the plastic bumper slightly so no need to cut. I'm very happy with it. The trick is to get one bolt on each side started then you'll probably need to wrestle it a bit to get all the other holes to line up. It fits pretty tight up in there so you need another set of strong hands and put some attachment in the receiver to get more leverage to wrestle it around while trying to start the other bolts. Also the 7/8 wrench was the only way I could see to get that last bolt tightened. Not enough room to get a socket on it. Solid as a rock now and looks good __________________ 2008 Gray MDX - wifes 2011 Tacoma DC TRD OR 4X4 - mine

04-23-2012, 10:53 AM	#14 (permalink)
sanjaysdca Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: San Diego Posts: 145	I have a Valley Hitch. Very easy to install...8 bolts and you are done. Took about 1.5 hours. Bought it from Amazon. __________________ ------ 2008 MDX Tech + PTG Valley Hitch Sterling Grey with EbonyEbony -- 2011 Lexus ES350 Black with Parchment -- 2000 Infiniti I30 - Totalled by red light runner 1995 Infiniti G20 - Sold 1994 Nissan Sentra - Sold

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