I was told by the dealer that I have to purchase the trailer hitch with the harness otherwise it doesn't look right something about a plug somewhere in the hitch or rear of the car? Does anyone know what this is or can help me decide what to do? Thank you for your help.

 

For my 2018, the replacement trim cover that came with the hitch, had a blank where the plug/harness would go through. I had to cut it out myself as I was adding a wiring harness for trailering. If you are not adding a harness, you should be able to just not cut out that blank and there won't be a hole. So I don't get your dealer's "it doesn't look right"

If you look at the illustration for Step 9, on Page 7 of the PDF below, you can see the blank for the harness prior to removal. Step 10 shows the cutting out of the blank, which again, is unnecessary of you aren't adding a harness.
https://acura.bernardiparts.com/Imag...II08978-04.pdf

If it was me, I'd add the harness incase I needed it for later, since you'll have everything apart already. But that it me.

I also wouldn't buy it from a dealer unless they will match an online retailer's price. And if you are mildly mechanically inclined, you can install it yourself. I did.

 

Or you can buy an aftermarket hitch and save some money.

https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hit...leID=201819723

 

I think that is what the service department was taking about with an aftermarket hitch not looking right because it sits below and out from the bumper instead of using the cut-out with OEM for a more factory look.

 

Went thru this scenario myself last year when I wanted to add a hitch. The factory hitch might be a bit more expensive,,but the look is sooo much cleaner. The harness is partially installed at the time of hitch instal. So if you dont add it now, and later decide you want to add it, it will mean you will have to undo all your previous work. Makes no sense to me not to have it. Any trailer I pull will have lights, so......

 

I have a 2019 MDX hybrid and cannot do any telling with this vehicle. This is why cannot and will not install a harness. I'm just using the trailer hitch for a bike rack. It seems the dealer will only sell the trailer hitch and the harness together but to install the hitch it's not necessary to get both together?

 

I meant I cannot do any towing with this vehicle.

 

There are several online dealers thst sell it both ways at deep discounts. I have used Curry Acura with good success.

 

So I wanted to ask a question about your installation of the OEM hitch (based on the pics you posted - which were very helpful, BTW). I've figured out it's pretty easy to remove the lower trim panel and put in the hitch trim panel without removing the bumper (which is what the instructions say you should do). But when you do it this way, what's the order and method you use to replace the trim panel and install the hitch? It looks like if you put the trim panel in first that you then have to manhandle the hitch so it feeds thru the opening and then align it to the mounting points on the frame - which could be tricky given the weight/balance trying to put it in. Conversely, if you put the hitch on first and then put the trim panel on, it would be tough to get the two upper mounting bolts back in since the hitch would be in the way. Can you share how you did it?

thanks - andy

 

Remove the old lower valance. Do NOT cut out for the wiring since your not going to use it. Instal new lower valance, being carwful to use the two new shorter screws. With the spare tire out, and using a helper, lift the hitch up and add bolts. Adjust the hitch to be centered in the opening and looking good. Torque the bolts. Reinstal the spare tire.

 

Panel first, then hitch as I recall. Had to have my teenage son lie next to me on the floor and help hold the hitch in place while I starter a few of the bolts. Not too difficult.

 

Thanks for both the responses. Sort of what I figured in terms of the order of install. I've done a few of these over the years in various vehicles (hitch wrangling under the car) - and I found that a couple of floor jacks can help make this a 1-person job if you take your time. And I agree on not cutting the panel for the wiring plug - was my plan based on looking at the install instructions.

thanks again - andy

 

the problem with one man is that the plug receptacle has to fit thru at a set angle. If you slip it tears that piece off, breaks the clips that hold it, and there is no way to jury rig it back on. It can be done but it is really best to use two adult men.

 

I too used a floor jack when I realized mid install that a second set of hands was needed. I attached the ball mount to the jack then slid that into the back of the hitch. That allowed me to jack it up under the car and roll the jack to position the receiver into the bumper opening. Worked great, but a second person would’ve been quicker and easier.

 

That's a great idea to put a ball hitch into the receiver backwards - much closer to the center of balance for the hitch! Unfortunately I don't have a second set of hands around that's able to get under the MDX to help. The other thing I was thinking is a way to rig up a board to the spare tire cable and lift the receiver upwards into position. After all, that cable is just sort of hanging there - but could be used at some level. :-)

andy

 

Installed the OEM hitch today. Used 3 floor jacks to lift it into place and it was very easy. The jack in the center position was the key to help guide it into the facia opening. Once the bolts were hand started I removed the jacks and slowly snugged up and torqued to spec. And as I indicated earlier I used my existing Curt wiring kit. Simple plug and play and I keep the wiring in the storage area since I infrequently tow my small trailer. Thus I didn’t remove the plastic where the factory plug would go and save $135 or so. 60mins start to finish.

 

Aftermarket "Curt" hitch and hitch receiver with ball installed . . . bought Amazon's "used-acceptable" for $102, free shipping. It looked 98% of new, only a few scratches here and there. Hitch and ball was another $20
Very beefy almost overkill at 49 pounds. Installed it all by myself in 45 minutes.


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yep. Looks just like an aftermarket trailer hitch.