Due to the place where I am living now and schedule, if I install the hitch first and then install the harness at a different day, would there be any obstacle?

I have looked at the installation manuals but just like to ask those who did it already. I have installed hitch/harness a few times over the years with other cars.

Thanks in advance,

TT

 

If you have the Hands Free Lift, you'll need to replace the lift sensor but you can do the hitch without all of the interior wiring changes. I did both at the same time but almost skipped the wiring harness bit.

 

I don't have the hands free. I have the Base model .

TT

 

Did you end up installing the hitch yourself? I just ordered a hitch and panel cover for my ASpec and it will be here in a few days. Any tips you can share? I don’t have to worry about the HF or any harness since it’s only purpose is to carry bikes.

Thanks in advance

 

It’s very easy, just follow the instructions and make sure it lines up well in the panel before you torque things heavily. Highly recommend you follow the torque specs and the way to tighten it properly

 

Just finished installing the hitch on my 2020 RDX A Spec with zero issues. Everything lined up dead on. Used threadlocker on each bolt before adding as another precaution. Don't think it took more than thirty minutes and a nice, clean install.

 

Good to hear! Threadlocker is a good idea, especially since I don’t have a torque wrench. Will install mine in the next few days so I hope mine would go easy as well

 

You won't have any issues. It goes great. Don't worry about pulling down the exhaust. Not necessary. When you're putting the hitch itself up it will feel like the exhaust is too narrow and prevents it, but just take your time and it will go up into place fine.

 

Hi there,

Sorry for the late response. Like others have said its very straight forward. Are you going to install the wiring harness too? I did that too. If you need tips on that, just message me.

TT

 

I recently towed the jetski/trailer combo that weighs about 1200lbs from Los Angeles to San Jose passing elevation of 4K+ feet. The RDX did it with ease. I have towed with Tacoma trucks over the years for reference.

TT

 

I finally installed the OEM hitch today. I didn’t have a torque wrench but did follow the tightening sequence as described in the instructions. I did ask my two kids for help, the extra hands were extremely helpful when attaching the hitch to the brackets. Overall, it was pretty easy, didn’t even need to jack up the rear. It took us about an hour to complete the job but I’m sure we could have done it a bit quicker. For those on the fence, this is very DIY-able. Just take your time read the instructions thoroughly.

Thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread, it gave me confidence to do the install.

PS. I don’t have the Hands Free Tailgate or added the wiring harness since I only plan on using it for a bike rack, I have another vehicle for towing. This cut the installation time and complexity significantly.

 

How hard was it to remove the 4 rubber exhaust mounts? Did you have to remove the spare tire under the car to install the hitch and then reinstall it? Thanks

 

I didn't find the rubber mounts to be that hard but I've done a bunch of mufflers in my life. If they're a bit stubborn, a little silicone lube will help. And yes, I dropped the spare & moved it out of the way.

 

I read that if you remove the plastic air diffuser via the 4 screws, you can just slide the hitch in without removing the muffler mounts. Anyone confirm?

 

You know what? You're right. It's been awhile since I did the RDX rack and you don't need to drop the muffler but you do need to drop the spare. The plastic insert in the original bumper does get replaced with a hitch version so that's the only trim piece that has to go for the hitch install.

http://www.urvi.net/forumfiles/SB/BII07802-09.PDF

Now, if you're putting in the wiring harness for trailer lights, there's a bit more trim that will need to be moved inside the cargo area but you can go with just the hitch if you're only needing it for a bike rack, etc.

 

so the oem diffuser trim piece can’t be replaced? I don’t want to buy a new trim piece so does that mean I need to keep the original trim piece off the car

 

There are some threads that show what you'd need to do if you don't want to pay for a new trim piece. Search in the 3rd Gen RDX DIY forum for stuff like this:

https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-rdx-.../#post16355203

 

Just read this on etrailer.com..... Seems no need to remove muffler hangers and can re-install diffuser.. just need to remove spare and put back when doneThis product is awesome! The install was easy! Tip, you don’t need to remove the exhausts. I just removed the rear lower diffuser and entered the hitch posteriorly into the undercarriage. It’s was so simple. The build quality on this hitch is top notch. I plan on using this hitch for a 218 lbs dirt bike carrier. Def recommend! Instal time : 45mins 711625

 

Non-Acura brand hitches seem to just go under the trim so the install is easier. If you have an Advance with the hands free feature, you need to make sure the after-market hitch will not interfere with the sensor. The Acura version that I got has a new sensor that goes with the new trim piece so it was just what I wanted. The install took me about an hour and looks very clean.

If you don't have the hands free and don't mind the more visible hitch, that's a good option.