TitusR

Hello, anyone install hitches from Hidden Hitch or Curt on their ZDX? I can't decide which one to go with. I want to attach a bike rack, possibly ski rack in the winter. I really don't like how far out the OEM hitch sticks out from the bumber or else I'd go with that one because I do like the harness adapter. I'm looking for one that doesn't look too obtrusive, hopefully tucked right beneath the bumper. I'm also interested in how they affect access to spare tire. Thanks,

Cheers!

angeliamichele1

We had the OEM installed and the use the Dura Softride Bike rack, the distance that it sticks out, facilitates being able to move the rack away from the tailgate without taking the bikes off... it already has such a limited towing capacity, if the hitch was closer to the car the towing capacity would be even less.

TitusR

Thanks for the info Angelina Michele, good to know. I will keep that in mind. What size is the receiver on the OEM hitch? The only aftermarket hitches are 1 1/4". How do you like your Dura Softride Bike rack? How many bikes do you carry? Does it allow you to tilt the rack (with the bikes on) to allow access to the tailgate? Thanks,

Cheers

angeliamichele1

I think the OEM is 1.5". I love the Dura Softride. We carry 2 or 3 but it will carry 4 and it does let you tilt the rack with bikes on to access the tailgate. That was a huge selling factor!

frankiefaun

Here is my hitch and bike rack option i use for carting 2 bikes. The setup is:

*Thule Tray 2-bike system
*Standard 2" to 1 1/4" hitch adapter (added 6" to bike rack location)
*Curt Hitch model #11023 (works well under the stock bumper and mounted in 10 min to stock OEM bolt holes)

Class: Class I

ZhenyaF

iTrader: (6)

Any other pictures?

frankiefaun

Closeup pics of the hitch mounted. Check it:

TitusR

Thanks for all of the input!!
I finally decided on the Curt hitch (11023). It's a little more visible below the bumper, but I felt the quality and look of the Curt hitch was much better. Installation was relatively easy for one person, though could have used an extra set of hands holding the hitch in position while attaching the bolts.
I opted for the Thule T2 917XTR bike rack. This one is 1.25" so does not need the hitch adaptor like frankiefaun's set-up. Here are some pics:


Cheers

michaelman

Has anyone found a 2" hitch?

TitusR

I still haven't seen one in 2". The two inch receiver is usually reserved for hitches of Class III or higher. My guess is the manufacturers are reluctant to make a Class III given the low tow rating on the ZDX. I can foresee potential lawsuits if cars were damaged due to excessive towing loads.

michaelman

I ended up getting the curt 1.25 hitch with a Kuat NV rack. I DONT really like how the hitch pin holes Line up on the curt with the Kuat. The rack is barely inserted 2 inches into the hitch before the holes already line up. The hand tightening cam system gets rid of some wobble.. But not all of it. Maybe I'll post a video of the wobble. I read that the curt and Thule combo has very little wobble. I might switch.

T0L8

I emailed Execuhitch asking about their hitch for the ZDX. They make a hitch for the MDX. So far, no answer after a week. I am not hopeful.

Honda9000

I got mine with the factory hitch already on it and don't care for how it sticks out. Thanks for the pic of the Curt/Thule combo. It looks much better so I may look it up and switch it out.

Does the Curt hitch have a place for the wiring harness/coupler to attach?

TitusR

The Thule has some 'wobble', but it is due to the hinge mechanism rather than at the rack/receiver junction. The Thule has a threaded locking pin so once tightened, there is no movement between the rack and hitch. The 'wobble' at the hinge seems to be inherent in the design. I've checked all of the bolts and they are tight (as tight as possible while still being able to move the hinge up and down). I hope that helps.

TitusR

No problem! The biggest frustration I had when I was looking for a hitch was the lack of photos of the hitches *attached to the vehicles. I'm glad you found them helpful.

Unfortunately, the Curt does not have a place for the wiring harness/coupler to attach like the Acura hitch. It does have two 'loops' to attach chains, though. That was the only thing I liked about the Acura one. All of the hitches I looked at did not have a dedicated place to attach the wiring harness. They all suggested attaching a wire harness to the chain loops using zip ties. Not ideal, I know, but for myself, the likelihood I was going to tow something requiring a wire harness was slim. Hope that helps

Honda9000

OK thanks I thought that was the case. I don't ever plan to tow either but since the factory harness is on it already I was hoping for a place to secure it. I will find some ace to tie it up under there although the log rings are probably out of sight looking at the pics.