Positive Experience with U-Haul Hitch

[jfrankel@mac.com]

Hi, all. Thanks to everybody who has already posted on the Racks, Hitches and Towing board. I didn't know my brass from my oboe when it came to trailer hitches, but I was darn sure there must be a more economical option out there than the $500+ cost of the Honda hitch that the dealer quoted me when I bought my 2008 CR-V last month.

After reading all the discussions, I decided to go with the U-Haul hitch. A primary reason is that I'm not very mechanically adept (although I was able to install the splash guards A-OK!). There is a U-Haul Center near me, and I figured it would be convenient to buy a hitch there and have them install it as well. Plus, the price was right: $158 for everything before tax.

Others have noted that the U-Haul hitch for the 2007/2008 CR-V is actually Valley #82163. I can't confirm that with certainty, but the U-Haul hitch certainly resembles the wide-V design of the Valley hitch. Plus, the U-Haul Center had a few hitch accessories in Valley-branded boxes.

The installed hitch (photos below) is rock solid and reasonably attractive. It doesn't bang or rub against the muffler or any chassis components. The Yakima two-arm bike rack shown below fits fine, and there is plenty of clearance between the rear bumper and the upright post of the rack.

One minor annoyance: the paint on the top edge of the snout of the hitch was scraped off and the metal was scored. It looked like someone dragged the snout along a concrete sidewalk. You can see this, though not very clearly, in one of the photos below. Anyway, I've since touched it up with black enamel.

So thanks again, everybody. And I just *love* my new "V!"

[rally cr-v]

Hey all . . . I'm new here (been on Hondasuv.com & Hondapilot.org for a while .. as some of you too!) I had a U-Haul hitch on my 05 Pilot EX-L ..... but I can get a Valley brand @ etrailer.com for $100 vs the $158 +tax+$40 install :/ . Free shipping over $150 so I'm ordering a new bike rack too ! I hope this forum doesn't get stale like some of the others ....

[Black Pearl]

Originally Posted by rally cr-v

I hope this forum doesn't get stale like some of the others ....

There is one way to keep that from happening. Do your part and post interesting and informative posts.

[Black Pearl]

You slipped in under the radar. Very nice first post, sorry I missed it. Good luck with your new V and that hitch. Nice looking installation.

Hope to hear from you again.