[bob92]

1) Does anyone have any info on how much the Pilot towing package is going for, installed? Have any dealers quoted prices? I am assuming it is similar (if not identical) to the MDX towing package.

2) If the towing package is not installed at the time of delivery, but done a few months later, does the Honda 3yr/36,000 mile warranty still cover it?

3) If I buy the parts from Tim and install it myself, would this cause any warranty problems?

Thanks, Bob

 

[hondacuraplanet]

Here's how it's going to go:

The trailer hitch package will be just like the MDX, in that you will have to install both transmission cooler and power steering cooler with the package.

Now, there will be a discounted package avalable for all 3 pieces, but the price is as of yet unannounced.

Will it be covered by 3/36 bought from me? Technically no, however if I felt there would be a problem with getting it covered by a factory warranty, I wouldn't sell it.

 

[TheWorm]

Hey, Tim, quick question/clarification:

-accessories installed by the dealer @ time of delivery are covered under full car warranty (3/36)

-OEM accessories installed after delivery (by dealer or self) are covered 1/12

Correct?

p.s. my servicing dealer (from whom I didn't even buy my MDX) doesn't seem to know which gear is a DIO and which is a DIY anyway, and has just covered them all outright on the 4/48. I think the only obvious one is gonna be my sidesteps, since I had them powdercoated to match the wheels. YMMV

 

[hondacuraplanet]

Correct, correct, and correct

 

[jmarou]

Tim,
I've heard that you also have to replace the temp. spare tire with a full size spare. Is this true? Or is it only if you're pulling the 4500 lb boat???
John

 

[bob92]

Since I want the towing package warranted, I will press the dealer to see if can get the parts in on time. Otherwise I will order it from Tim and try to convince my dealer to install it. (Tim – do you actually have the hitch and the coolers in stock??)

The main reason I'm pushing for the dealer installation (I am capable of installing it myself) is that I'm real paranoid that if I do a self-install, and I do have a transmission problem in the future, that the dealer would try to use the excuse that my installation caused the problem and refuse to honor the warranty. I also plan on getting the Honda extended warranty, and I don't want to have any problems with them, either.
.

 

[Threadhead]

Will it be covered by 3/36 bought from me? Technically no, however if I felt there would be a problem with getting it covered by a factory warranty, I wouldn't sell it.

So if I install it myself, the hitch and both coolers, will there be a problem with getting Honda to honor the warranty?

IMO, it's a pretty easy job. I did my mother's MDX and it was a piece of cake. But I have always wondered if the power steering or tranny goes, if Acura will try to hassle her because it was not installed by an 'authorized Acura service person'. Sure beat the $500 her dealer wanted for the install.

 

[hondacuraplanet]

Like Acura will tell you, this is one of those common sense things. If you are supposed to have the coolers on with the hitch, and you do, then you won't have any difficulty getting things covered, i.e. transmission problems, from the dealer, unless you crossthread the lines and leak all of the fluid out (which is difficult to do, really).

I should actually have the hitch kits available to order from Honda tomorrow, for shipment out on Monday morning.

 

[N_Jay]

Tim,
Is the package price the add-up of the three pieces, or is there an (even) better price?
Not complaining because your prices are alread fine.
Just trying to decide about getting the coolers, since I mostly use the hitch receiver for a bike rack, and any towing I would do woud be very light weight and very short distances.
Thanks

 

[Windy City Mike]

Hitch only for Bike Rack

Tim-
I too only want the Hitch to attach a bike rack. I noticed your price list had individual prices for the hitch and 2 coolers. Can they be ordered separately?
Does the hitch kit come with all needed hardwear (i.e. nuts, bolts, etc.)?

 

[davemac]

I just picked up new Pilot EXL in NH. Parts dept rather unclear on trailer hitch, but quoted me $269 for hitch, $49 for wiring harness. I didn't ask what install would cost ( My buddy put hitch package on his MDX himself with no problem). The Honda website shows trailer hitch as accessory for Pilot at $249 which seems to imply it will be available without having to get the coolers. Dealer did quote me $249 for trans and $222 power steer coolers. I'm waiting to hear from hondaacuraworld next week to see if can get hitch only...hopefully this will be the case.

 

[davemac]

followup on trailer

I guess Honda is requiring hitch sold as package with coolers (per Tim). NOt sure what I'll be doing. It was interesting to note on the home page for "Draw Tite Hitches" that they already show a hitch for the pilot- with no drilling required. Same part # as one for the MDX.

 

[N_Jay]

Hitch parts

A few of the parts sites show prices for the hitch alone as well as the package. (P.S Tim and Eric have about the best price when you figure in shipping)
Look at the installation instructions before you choose an aftermarket hitch.
I think you will have a hard time finding a round tube (better looking) hitch that connects both to the side rails and the back crossmember for much less than the Honda price.
As far as needing the coolers, if you are realy towing you need them, if you are just using it to carry bikes, you don't (except to prove you were not at fault if the Transmission has an issue).

 

[davemac]

links

do you have any of the links for these "parts sights" that sell hitch only??

 

[N_Jay]

Try HandA.com, or 4hondaparts.com
Collegehillshonda.com,
if it is not shown then call.

 

[davemac]

aftermarket hitch

lots of info/discussion on hitch options at acuramdx.org accessory forums. Checking some of the sites like etrailer.com and hiddenhitch.com show they already offer (less conspicuous style) tubular hitch for Pilot (same part# as MDX) at costs $100-$120. Not sure about shipping. Said to install in <30 min.
I'm starting to lean in this direction, as I don't feel I need the coolers, as light duty occassional trailering only. Must admit I take exception to the Honda website advertising the Pilot hitch accessory for $249 despite the fact they are not allowing dealer to sell without cooler package. Seems rather deceptive not to indicate it must be purchased with rest of package. What happens if you buy the package ($500-$700) and just the hitch gets damaged? Are you supposed to buy the whole package including coolers again? Given this practice, they ought consider including a jar of vaseline with the pkg.

 

[pjl56]

Re: aftermarket hitch

I'm a Honda fan but it's little things like this (&, i.e., no rear mud flaps, etc.) that baffles me as to their motive at times. For a relatively few dollars, it's worth alienating their loyal base? How about their base that is on the fence between, say, a Toyota Highlander and a Honda Pilot?

Must admit I take exception to the Honda website advertising the Pilot hitch accessory for $249 despite the fact they are not allowing dealer to sell without cooler package. Seems rather deceptive not to indicate it must be purchased with rest of package. What happens if you buy the package ($500-$700) and just the hitch gets damaged? Are you supposed to buy the whole package including coolers again?

Given this practice, they ought consider including a jar of vaseline with the pkg.

 

[N_Jay]

Repeat after me; Mellow, Mello, Mello

This does seem like a hot topic, but if you compare the pilot to other vehicles of like size, and features, adding almost nothing for the Honda reliability, it is still very fairly priced.

Also not that the Honda hitch attaches in an extra spot, and with more bolts than the aftermarket. Not to memtion the talk of having to repaint the hidden hitch (from a MDX.org posting).

 

[davemac]

You make good points! I did notice factory hitch has xtra mounts over the receptacle & there appears concern over rusting problems with aftermarkets (also not sure of the "esthetics" of the wiring harness socket arrangement). As I occassionally need to tow my boat (short distances), I'm slowly digesting the $ increase & starting to lean towards factory set up . If I were just looking to add the bike rack without needing wiring, <$130 aftermarket would be ordered already. I'm slowly digesting the increased $, & leaning towards factory arrangement.
OK, enough of burdening everyone with my thinking out loud.

 

[davemac]

one more tidbit

Comparison info based on edmunds. Toyota msrp for class II hitch (3500#max) on Highlander is $450. Explorer class III is $395 with coolers. Honda list is priceist, but Tim's price of $525 softens the blow