docsoma
07-12-2008, 08:32 PM
I just finished installing the Hidden Hitch and OEM Honda wiring harness. Total install time for both was 4 hours...I took it easy but probably could shave off only maybe an hour by rushing things.
The prior posts were very helpful in helping me anticipate the challenges of getting the heavy hitch on (key is to get the U-bolt hooked up early and keep working the other bolts in gradually to keep everything in alignment) and the muffler hangers off (here soapy water was the key). The hitch is very well made and is the identical to (different part numbers to keep things crazy) as the Draw-tite unit and that made by Reese.
Getting the muffler hangers back on was a little intimidating since the clearance is very limited as is getting a good view of what is going on. Ultimately persistence and patience was key to doing it right without resorting to brute force which would not have been wise.
I got mine from E-trailer who had the Draw-tite back ordered indefinitely and then substituted the Hidden Hitch after I complained. The challenge is that E-Trailer has free shipping on orders greater than $150 and the Hidden Hitch item is around $125 so you have to buy something else you don't need to get the free shipping which is nuts.
I went with the Honda OEM wiring harness ($109 from Bernardi) after some pretty authoritative and ultimately convincing posts on the wisdom of sticking with Honda parts. The panel removal was actually not very complicated...I am not a person who has ever done this kind of thing...so truly not too complicated. Even getting the bumper off was not too hard...I opted to do it without help rather than have my teen age daughter "help" and muck things up. I broke only one clip putting everything back together. Honda's instructions were for the most part excellent....though big color pictures would have been even better. The hardest part were the connections near the emergency brake/fuse box.
So all in all, very easy but still makes me wonder why Honda does not simply prewire for the harness or even better put a hitch on all CRV's
The prior posts were very helpful in helping me anticipate the challenges of getting the heavy hitch on (key is to get the U-bolt hooked up early and keep working the other bolts in gradually to keep everything in alignment) and the muffler hangers off (here soapy water was the key). The hitch is very well made and is the identical to (different part numbers to keep things crazy) as the Draw-tite unit and that made by Reese.
Getting the muffler hangers back on was a little intimidating since the clearance is very limited as is getting a good view of what is going on. Ultimately persistence and patience was key to doing it right without resorting to brute force which would not have been wise.
I got mine from E-trailer who had the Draw-tite back ordered indefinitely and then substituted the Hidden Hitch after I complained. The challenge is that E-Trailer has free shipping on orders greater than $150 and the Hidden Hitch item is around $125 so you have to buy something else you don't need to get the free shipping which is nuts.
I went with the Honda OEM wiring harness ($109 from Bernardi) after some pretty authoritative and ultimately convincing posts on the wisdom of sticking with Honda parts. The panel removal was actually not very complicated...I am not a person who has ever done this kind of thing...so truly not too complicated. Even getting the bumper off was not too hard...I opted to do it without help rather than have my teen age daughter "help" and muck things up. I broke only one clip putting everything back together. Honda's instructions were for the most part excellent....though big color pictures would have been even better. The hardest part were the connections near the emergency brake/fuse box.
So all in all, very easy but still makes me wonder why Honda does not simply prewire for the harness or even better put a hitch on all CRV's