2004 Honda Pilot - Trailer Hitch -

[tsoedmond]

Hi All,

I just wanted to share that I purchased a trailer hitch and had it installed at U-Haul today.

Since the Honda Pilot is not recommended to use trunk racks for bicycle racks, the options recommended from Yakima, Thule and Saris was a Hitch Bicycle Rack. At first I thought, okay...Ill have to spend at least $300-$500.00 - especially after researching online.

I called around to inquire about prices for a Hitch + Installation. I called 5 local Honda Dealerships in Northern Virginia, the price for the hitch by itself was $283.00 - $330.00. I was going to swallow this expense, but after being transferred to the service department, I was told installation would take about 4-5 hours @ 100.00 + an hour!! The time was due to the possibility of needing to remove the rust from the existing holes where the hitch would be bolted on to. They quoted me about $900-$1000, and the Honda service guy said he would be willing to take off 10%... 800 - 900 dollars? Also, all 5 honda dealerships did not have the part, it would take about a week for the part to arrive. I rather cram the bikes in my car!(but my wife said no)... I also called a local car shop in mansasses and they quoted me $299.00 for the hitch and installed(this would come with a 1 yr warranty).

I called my father to ask about his opinion and he suggested that I call U-Haul to check.

I called the local Herndon U-haul, the guy who picked up the phone did say he was currently with a customer but suggested I go online and check my make/model and year and see what would be best. I asked if they carried the part, the guy told me the UHaul superstores have a much larger inventory. After looking for the part on the Uhaul website, the Hitch was only about $150! I called the closest superstore by Herndon and found the Uhaul in Manssases, off Centreville and Manasses Park(or drive?). I called the store and spoke with Jimmy, he quoted me $199.00 for the hitch..INSTALLED! He also told me they had the part and could install it if I wanted to come in now.

The service was GREAT! no wifi or "waiting" area at Uhaul, but id rather save $800.00! The installation took about 30-45 minutes and the Hitch comes with a lifetime warranty.

For all of those who need to buy/install a Hitch for your Honda Pilot, Uhaul was great.

Ed
2004 Honda Pilot in Herndon

[cali510]

Thats sounds like a good deal,is it square tubing or round?I got a hidden hitch round tubing on mine which I bought from a shop that it was only collecting dust for 160.00 brand new still in box a few years ago.A buddy of mine is looking to buy one ill let him know bout u-haul,thanks for the write up.

[rocky]

Hitches are an easy DIY install, but for $49, I understand why you had them do it!

[Chris4x4Gill2]

I've had good luck at Uhaul for affordable prices on hitches in the past. I'd also recommend looking at Truck Accessorie shops. They may not have it in stock, but can typically get them in 2 days and are experienced with installing them so the labor is cheap usually.

[TimHendricks]

Has anyone installed a Car Top Tent on their Honda Pilot (example http://autohomeus.com/rooftop/maggiolina.php

and so would they please give us their comment on it.
Thank You
Tim