[autobahn]

Anyone tried a hidden hitch yet? See they have them listed at http://www.hiddenhitch.com. Listed as Part # 70545
Class III Trailer Hitches - Round Tube Style. Appears to be the same on as for the MDX. Here is the instruction sheet they have for it: http://www.hiddenhitch.com/images/products/instructions/70545.pdf.

Just need a hitch for a bike rack. No plans on towing anything. Had the same done for my Jeep a few years back by a DrawTite dealer and they dorked up the wiring. Put the harness near the wheel well and it got wet. The tail lights, blinkers, and dashboard would freak out whenever it rained. Just the hitch this time.

 

[rvehock]

I have the same hitch installed on my 2001 MDX and it is great. I also am only using a hitch for my bikes. I would recommend the Hidden Hitch if you want a good, inexpensive hitch that looks good also.:4:

 

[davemac]

check out (Accessory) Thread entitled "draw-tite hitch fit problem". Looks like someone had good success with the "hidden hitch" but not the drawtite. (sorry I dont' know how to link you over there)

 

[bengelking]

Hidden hitch

I was very successful in installing the Hidden Hitch. Took all of 10 minutes on the 70545 you are talking about. Wraps around the muffler pipes very well and only touches the bumper a little bit (not even worth cutting).

I also like the looks of the rounded tube on the Hidden Hitch better than the draw-tite.

I'm trying to post pictures, but am not having much success (I guess the files are too big). I'll keep trying.

 

[autobahn]

Will be waiting to see the pictures. How is the Hidden Hitch logo - hidden or blatent?

 

[bengelking]

Hidden Hitch pics

The sticker is not terrible, but really does take the "hidden" out of Hidden hitch. Here is a pic. I'll try to post another that shows how close it gets to the bumper.

 

[bengelking]

More pics

Here is a close-up of where it "touches" the bumper cover. It's the tab on the left of the round bar and on the cover itself right where the bracket goes into the frame. Really barley touching.

I suppose I could cut them to prevent any rubbing but there really is no pressure on the cover at all.

 

[davemac]

looks good, very similar to factory setup..minus decals. Curious if you got a wiring harness. If so, does it mount onto hitch or just hang?

 

[bengelking]

Harness

I have not installed one.....yet.

You can order them from Tim for around $28. Installation looks pretty easy except that you have to remove a few covers in the back.

My neighbor has an Odyssey and they just wired a flat-four connector off of the wiring to the rear brakes through the side access for the spare tire jack. They store it in the jack storage when not using it.

However, I was at an auto parts store today and saw a black plastic hitch cover (I believe it was a Reese) that had a "clip" underneath it for the wiring harness. Looked pretty good. Even protected the contacts with a rubber cover. Only $8.

 

[davemac]

yes, factory harness installs with no problem (<1/2 hr), no splicing

 

[PeterF]

Re: More pics

Here is a close-up of where it "touches" the bumper cover. It's the tab on the left of the round bar and on the cover itself right where the bracket goes into the frame. Really barley touching.

I suppose I could cut them to prevent any rubbing but there really is no pressure on the cover at all.

Thanks for posting the pics of the Hidden Hitch. Looks like it fits a lot better than the Draw-Tite.

PeterF

2003 Honda Pilot EX SS

 

[heng5]

Has anyone with the Hidden Hitch used a Yakima Roc bike rack on it yet? I am trying to figure out which hitch to get and want to get one that works with the Yakima rack.

Thanks,
Henry

 

[sarek]

I have a Hidden Hitch with the Yakima Terra Firma rack. Works great! For the 4th of July weekend I took it on a 600 mile road trip and had no problems at all.

 

[sarek]

I have a Hidden Hitch with the Yakima Terra Firma rack. Works great! For the 4th of July weekend I took it on a 600 mile road trip and had no problems at all.

 

[bengelking]

Yakima

I've got the Yakima Rok 4 and it works great.

 

[JPOW]

Autobahn - I can't seem to get your links for hidden hitch to work? Anyone else experience any problems?

JPOW

 

[autobahn]

I see that too. Bad link? Here it is again: http://www.hiddenhitch.com/images/products/instructions/70545.pdf or just go to their home page and search on product 70545.

 

[whiteEXL]

I just received my factory Honda hitch today from [email protected] and I think it's a little nicer than the hidden hitch. It does not have the cutout for the muffler as shown in the photos above. $193.

 

[N_Jay]

Honda hitch

The Honda hitch also uses 4 boths on each side rather than 3, and has a pick up point in the center right abouve the receiver tube.

 

[bengelking]

Honda Hitch

I agree about the "quality" of the Honda hitch over the Hidden hitch. However, my usage will be strictly for a Yakima bike trailer so the savings ($123 from etrailer.com) was worth it.