Hitch situation

[Arcticf7ext]

Here is my situation. I bought a used 06 EX Pilot. (I Love it) I wanted to get the tow package added. I priced out the parts and thought about doing the complete install myself. Two coolers, wiring, and hitch.

I priced it our at the local honda dealers. The dealer pice installed is around 1,330 to 1,350. I was going back and forth about if I do this myself or not. After a discussion with my wife aout tramission warranty we decided on just biting the bullet and have the dealer do it.

The place where I bought the vehicle was paying to have a second key cut and programmed and they wanted it done a certain dealership. I figure if I have to bring the car in I will have the tow package done at the same time, and they were a little high but in the price range. I dropped the car off and delt with the issue of the key being paid by the other company and the tow package by me.

I showed up at the dealership and my car was sittinger there with a curt Hitch installed......Nothing against curt but I had already made the decision to with the OEM hitch. And that is what I thoght I was paying for.

There was no discussion of honda using aftermarket parts.

I left the Pilot there and I'm waiting for the manager to call me. When I left last night to told them to get that hitch off the car. I can't believe they want 1,550 (with taxes) for the Curt Hitch!!

[Medic721]

You did the right thing. My friend had the same issue with an infiniti dealer had installed a less expensive aftermarket alternative and harness. the fit and finish was horrible and the harness was just zip tied to the receiver. Yes they charged him full price for the infiniti accessories. After some arguing they corrected the problem. Think of how much they make on people who don't know.

Complain to the manager and owner.

-Mike.

[Medic721]

also....

be careful if you choose to walk away, i have also helped another friend who did this and the shop broke most of the welds on the frame rail nuts making the installation more difficult for us.


-Mike.

[N_Jay]

I would not worry about the Curt Hitch as long as it picks up all the factory bolt locations. 4 on each side and 4 at the center.
(Probably would be happy with 3 on each side and 2 in the center)

Some might think it was even better (Curt is one of the quality hitch manufacturers.)

What I would expect is to see a discount equal to the difference between the Honda hitch price and the Curt hitch price. Curt $125 to $175, Honda $400 to $500

[dustino8]

I'm with N_Jay on this. The Curt hitch would be fine, but get a discount for it. If they're not willing to do this, then get the Honda hitch put on.

I'd be just as pissed as you are. Just another reason why they're referred to as "stealerships".

[Arcticf7ext]

I agree with you about the CURT. I have one installed on my wifes CR-V.

The one they instaled is 13328, which is 3 bolt on each side.


It just sucks, if I wanted a Curt I would have taken it to a local trailer shop and saved big bucks.

Still waiting, I'm interested to see what he is going to say.

I have called the other local dealers and they all said they only put on OEM parts.

[Arcticf7ext]

one phone call in and now I'm told Curt is supplier for Honda hitches, and I'm getting the same thing as OEM.

I still said, take it off. He his checking with parts.

At this point I'm still expecting my pilot back in 3 hours....

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by Arcticf7ext
one phone call in and now I'm told Curt is supplier for Honda hitches, and I'm getting the same thing as OEM.

I still said, take it off. He his checking with parts.

At this point I'm still expecting my pilot back in 3 hours....

I think you should have some fun with them.

The Honda hitch has 4 bolts on both sides and 4 in the middle.

The Curt I have seen (from the installation instructions on the web) has 3 on each side and two in the middle.

So even if Curt makes the Honda hitch, the one they sell under their own name is not the same.

I would ask lots of leading questions to see how many lies you can get out of them, and then when you have a good stack, start asking them questions like; "Can I get that in writing?", "Does Honda approve the use of this hitch?", etc

[Arcticf7ext]

Latest, the hitch will be removed. My bill shoudl be for the coolers and the install only. I sure hope I leave there today with my car. and the right size bill..

Your question suggestions are good, I'm not very good in thoses type situations and freeze up. But I'll try...

You can bet no matter what the outcome this will be my last visit to this dealer....

[N_Jay]

Originally posted by Arcticf7ext
Latest, the hitch will be removed. My bill shoudl be for the coolers and the install only. I sure hope I leave there today with my car. and the right size bill..

Your question suggestions are good, I'm not very good in thoses type situations and freeze up. But I'll try...

You can bet no matter what the outcome this will be my last visit to this dealer....

Make sure they did not bugger up the mounting holes for the hitch.
They have tack welded nuts that like to break off if not cleaned before use.

[Arcticf7ext]

I have my pilot, with coolers only, out the door for 1, 036$....

Now I'll order the hitch and wire harness from a US dealer and install myself.

I check the nuts and there are all good, I tried them all out with the bolts from the original tow hook.

I sort of feel better knowing I don't have to go back there ever again.

The guy asked if I'll be back for service...I almost asked him if he was kidding....

I'm sticking to DIY upgrades from now on.

[Litemike]

Originally posted by Arcticf7ext
I have my pilot, with coolers only, out the door for 1, 036$....

Now I'll order the hitch and wire harness from a US dealer and install myself.

I check the nuts and there are all good, I tried them all out with the bolts from the original tow hook.

I sort of feel better knowing I don't have to go back there ever again.

The guy asked if I'll be back for service...I almost asked him if he was kidding....

I'm sticking to DIY upgrades from now on.

Holy Balls dude - 1036$ to install 375$ worth of coolers - I would make one more trip back....

[Arcticf7ext]

actually 1036 isn't bad deal for a candian honda dealer. Most people on this site are used to american prices which are just crazy compared to here.
There was 125$ charge for labor...pretty crazy.....

I'm going to be ordering from the US for anything else....and my pilot is in MPH, from the US.......

It's becoming a joke to buy anything in Canada. Still a deal if you pay shipping and duty.