OEM or Aftermarket??

[niner]

Is it better to stick with OEM or aftermarket products, specifically the tow package components? I tried to do a search and have been reading through this site for days on hitches, coolers, etc., etc., but I can't really find what I am looking for. I just bought a 2003 with 93k miles so the warranty is really not an issue any more.

To me it seems like a trucool LPD tranny cooler would be better than the OEM little tube with rings, and same for the PS cooler, but I wanted to get some other people's opinions.

Also aftermarket is MUCH cheaper, also what is a good brand of trailer hitch if I decide to go aftermarket? I've seen Draw-Tite, Valley, Hidden Hitch and Curt. Most of these use 6 bolts to the frame, but the Valley seems to use only 4 and I think if there are bolt holes there, why not use them and that brings me back to the Honda Hitch.

Thank you.

[jcantanixon]

I have a lot of faith in the Honda engineers, so I prefer OEM. I certainly didn't put in the R&D hours, so I'm not qualified to second guess them.

[sjlee]

The only aftermarket products that I consider using are mainly those that are not made by Honda (e.g. motor oil, air filter, oil filter, etc.).

With aftermarket hitches, you may have issues with getting a full-size tire to fit (even if you don't use a full-size spare, that is where you're supposed to put their tire when changing a flat).

I went with the OEM towing package because I didn't want to worry about having to get those things installed after purchasing the vehicle. In addition, it helped that the dealer already had one that had the towing package installed, and I was able to get a very good price on it.

[krygny]

I don't like hassles, so I'm in the OEM camp. OEM stuff is almost always hassle-free. If you don't mind hassles to save some money, go your own way. Plenty of folks here do.

[kjellam]

Hi there,
I went by our local U-Haul "mega" store, and scheduled an instalation of a class III hitch, all wiring, ball, and tranny cooler, plus labor for $375.

I was told that unless I planned to tow a tralier with max wight for the vehicle (I own a 04 Pilot) I would not need a power steering cooler. I am planning to tow a 2000lbs pop-up camper, on little weekend trips in the nearby states.

Any one have any more input in regards to this, anyone with experience with the U-Haul hitch, etc?

P.S.

The local Honda dealer wanted close to $1300 for the same job.

[dewijaro]

I went with a curt hitch. Install was easy (after I got the tow hook off, this sounds like it's a pretty common problem). I like the curt because it has 8 bolts (3 on each side and 2 above the receiver). Also, you only see the receiver and wiring from the back, there is no bars below the bumper to the sides. I don't have a full size spare, but it looks like one would fit. I'm doing very little towing of a small tent camper and only on 20 mile trip this summer so I didn't do any coolers this summer, but plan to add a tranny cooler next year.

[dewijaro]

Sorry about the grainy pictures. But we all know "This forum is useless without pictures" I think?

[dewijaro]

Another Picture

[KarenCaren]

Im going to go OEM. Since it is more easy to install because you bought it in the manufacturer.




______________
Must read: Autopartswarehouse.com

[krygny]

Originally posted by kjellam
...
I was told that unless I planned to tow a tralier with max wight for the vehicle (I own a 04 Pilot) I would not need a power steering cooler.
...

That may actually be true, but I wouldn't think that just because some nimrod at U-Haul said so. They're only slightly more knowledgeable than the mouth-breathers at Sears and the knuckle-draggers Jiffy Lube.

If you're towing a pop-up camper on a regular basis, you probably should get the PS cooler. Honda will tell you you need it, and I don't know who's qualified enough to tell you you don't.

[kjellam]

I see your point, and I will most likely have a PS cooler installed before long.

But I have to tell you that this particular U-Haul "super store," which is located in Johnson City, TN is not of the same caliber as the ones you see most of the times.

They where very professional, the bay area and the store was clean, and they appeared to be knowledgeable about what they where talking about, at least in general terms.

And certainly, their price was right too.

[macphanatic]

When you install the power steering cooler, you may want to consider installing a Magnefine filter on the transmission oil line. There's been some discussion on the forum about it's benefits.

http://www.emergingent.com/subpage1Magnefine.htm

[krygny]

I should add that my theory on the PS cooler is that you really don't need it at all for normal towing. I can't think of a reason why towing some additional weight would put any significant burden on the power steering. However, if you're backing the trailer into a tight spot, you might tend to make a lot of steering adjustments in a short time. Especially if you're inexperienced with a trailer. Constant steering back and forth while the vehicle is hardly moving can put quite a load on the PS pump quickly.

But that's just what I think. I don't recommend my own advice any more than U-Haul's.

[kjellam]

Many thanks for inputs.

I had U-Haul put on class III hitch this morning, all wiring, plus the tranny cooler, came to a "cool" $402.00 not bad.

I called my local Honda dealer, and they wanted close to the same to put on a PS cooler. I might order one myself, and have a local shop put it in.

[dragoncoach]

Originally posted by dewijaro
Another Picture

All you need is a full sized spare and you're good to go!