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Vans & Minivans Honda Odyssey Honda Odyssey Accessories & Modifications
901 messages, Last post on Feb 05, 2009 at 7:06 AM
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We just went to pick up the '07 Ody we ordered almost SIX weeks ago (wanted an interior/exterior combo they did not have on lot)--hubby meant to have the towing package added when we made some minor adjustments to the order over the phone, ended up with the trailer hitch instead. I have several related questions. First, when we were inspecting the vehicle before signing the paperwork, we noticed that they had cut (sawed) a notch in the rear bumper in order to allow for the trailer hitch--looked sloppy and like an after-thought. Dealer agreed that it was done poorly but said that they "always had to cut the notch, Honda doesn't do the trailer hitches at the factory". Really? Almost $40K for a car and they have to saw the bumper to get a Honda accessory to fit properly? So, we're in negotiations now. Easiest solution is to have them just remove the hitch and replace the bumper. However, we would like to have the ability to tow a small boat and trailer and wanted the towing package in the first place. Obstacle there is that we wanted it factory installed instead of at the dealer, assuming that would be best (perhaps no rough holes in the bumper?). Anyone have an idea of what a fair price would be for the complete towing package, and what do you think on whether or not we're getting the truth from our saleman regarding the installation issue on the trailer hitch (that it's never done at the factory and that the bumper "has" to be notched out to allow for it)? Thanks, thanks, thanks!
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Replying to: elfsands (Apr 04, 2007 7:34 am) All Honda accessories are dealer installed - Honda does not offer factory options. According the installation instructions for the hitch at that same site, you will note on page 3 that you do have to cut a notch in the bumper.
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Replying to: robr2 (Apr 04, 2007 9:10 am) in fact, while my husband was inside talking with the salesman about it, about 4 or 5 other salesmen came outside to look at our rear bumper--they were laughing and two of them took photos with their cell phones...I was sitting in another car with the children watching the commotion and thought it strange that they found the hitch so humorous.
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Replying to: elfsands (Apr 04, 2007 10:24 am) Or perhaps they didn't use the OEM hitch and the aftermarket one requires a bigger cutout?? 
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we have the factory hitch, installed but a local trailer shop. I made sure they made the smalles cut possible. The directions allow for more "free play" than needed. If they are careful, the notch doesn't have to hit the back part of the bumper, and once the hitch is on, you never notice it (unless you look at it from below). The advantage is that the bumper, other than the receiver, is completely hidden, and sits as high as possible. You can get a (cheaper) aftermarket unit, requiring no cut, but the hitch frame will hang below the bumper. I actually had them hold up one in place, and it looked so bad I went and bought the Honda unit, even though it probably cost ~$150 more installed.
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Replying to: stickguy (Apr 04, 2007 5:09 pm) |
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Replying to: robr2 (Apr 04, 2007 10:52 am) 2. replace the bumper cover without the hitch and refund the hitch fees...the hole might have been less messy looking but would have still been there--they didn't offer to replace the bumper cover AND re-do the hitch properly, so we opted for the new bumper without the hitch... Anyway, just to clarify, aside from what really has been a small snafu, we are REALLY digging the new car  Still playing with all the buttons and figuring out controls, and yes, loving the minivan... Thanks again for the advice!
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Replying to: hondaturtle (Jul 10, 2006 3:46 am)
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Replying to: anhle (Apr 08, 2007 6:22 am)
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Replying to: dsrtrat2 (Apr 08, 2007 8:13 am) I see that the pdf file of installation of Honda sensors is overwhelming. I haven't found a video clip showing how to do that.
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