[PeterF]

I installed the 75124 hitch over the weekend on my Honda Pilot EX. While the holes all lined up just fine, the hitch doesn't appear to fit the bumper properly. One each side there is about a 1-2 inch section where the hitch rests on (and bends) the bumper cover. While I don't think it will be a problem, I am unsure of the long term effects of bending the bumper cover. I e-mailed Draw-Tite before I bought the hitch just to make sure it fit properly. They confrimed that it was the right hitch. Anyone have any thoughts on whether or not it is acceptable to bend the bumper cover in this manner? Does anyone know if the other hitches (factory or Hidden-Hitch) mount entirely within the bumper?

Thanks.
Peter

2003 Honda Pilot EX Silver

 

[a2Pilot]

The Honda instruction sheet for the OEM hitch does say to cut off two small parts of the bumper. Here's a link to the info:

http://www.collegehillshonda.com/instructions/03pilot/hitchkit.pdf

Check page 2. Hopefully this works for you!

Let us know!

 

[PeterF]

The Honda instruction sheet for the OEM hitch does say to cut off two small parts of the bumper. Here's a link to the info:

http://www.collegehillshonda.com/instructions/03pilot/hitchkit.pdf

Check page 2. Hopefully this works for you!

Let us know!

Thanks for the reply.. Yes, I did cut off the tabs, and the overhang onto the bumper is still fairly significant.

Peter

 

[MDXlite]

Compared to the Hidden Hitch and Draw-Tite brands, the factory hitch apparantly has an additional center mounting point as well as a higher tongue weight rating of 450lbs vs 350lbs for the others.
May have to go with the Honda unit...

 

[bengelking]

Hidden Hitch

I installed the hidden hitch last weekend and it worked great. Had it bolted on in less than 10 minutes and it does not even come close to the bumper cover.

Purchased from etrailer.com. Worked great.

 

[PeterF]

Re: Hidden Hitch

I installed the hidden hitch last weekend and it worked great. Had it bolted on in less than 10 minutes and it does not even come close to the bumper cover.

Purchased from etrailer.com. Worked great.

Thanks for the info. I have spoken to the Engineering Department at Draw-Tite, and they don't see any problem with the hitch pressing up against the bumper. I think they will work out some deal if I wish to return the hitch. I really don't want to pay the $20 shipping back to the dealer.

Do you have a digital camera? I would be curious to see what the Hidden Hitch looks like installed. I'll post pictures of the Draw-Tite if anyone is interested.

Peter

2003 Pilot EX Silver

 

[bengelking]

Hidden Hitch

Yes I have a digital and I'll try and take some shots either tomorrow or Tuesday and get them posted.