Aftermarket Vs. Factory Tow Hitch?

uproar90 · 06-15-2005, 05:33 AM

I've read a few posts where users were either very happy they went with the factory receiver hitch or wish they would have...

I'm in the market and have a few options lined up, but wanted to know what were the major differences prompting the desire for factory over aftermarket.

Thanks,
uproar90 / mike s.

steves · 06-15-2005, 06:02 AM

The factory hitch will come with the relays that you need for the parking lamps, and the brake controller.

I got my hitch at U-haul for $137, a Hoppy adapter for the pigtail for about $10.
I still need to pick up the relays, online seems to be the place to get them (The quote on a Reese hitch was like $250, no thanks!).

I think the major difference that was decided is that the factory hitch has the wiring harness attached to it, and gives it a cleaner look.

If you include the price of the relays, I think that both packages are about the same.

I think with a little searching you can find the threads where it was discussed before.

uproar90 · 06-15-2005, 06:28 AM

Didn't realize there were relays and other wiring pieces involved... I had done a bit of reading, but couldn't really find details on the differences. Just where others wanted factory over aftermarket.

I know that vshortt was able to get his local dealer to sell him the factory hitch for $163.00 after showing a printed invoice from an online company. I think I'll try to work my dealer down to a decent price using that method.

Thanks for the input Steve...

-mike s.

SickWhip · 06-15-2005, 06:31 AM

I tought there was some kind of group buy a while back. Or maybe everyone was just ordering from a certain dealer because they where cheaper than anyone else.

Sammy Sandbag · 06-15-2005, 07:19 AM

I went with the Hidden Hitch, which is a round tube hitch that curves back up under the bumper. I had one on my last truck and I like the look of it vs. the square tube of the oem hitch that hangs down. I don't have a trailor with brakes so I didn't need the relay. The hitch was $140, the plug was $13 from the dealer. I keep the plug tucked under the bumper for a cleaner look.

uproar90 · 06-15-2005, 08:40 AM

Thanks Sammy... I also liked the 'round tube' design (had it on my xterra).

I found one online for $137.00 shipped and will go that route if I can't get my local dealer to sell to me for around $165.

I also don't anticipate needing the relay as I'll only be towing small utility trailers and boats.

Glad I found this site... There is a wealth of info here...

Thanks again,
mike s.

**nmanley** · 06-15-2005, 09:51 AM

I put a reese hitch on and bought the relays. When I went to put the relays in I found that they were already there. Maybe it's a LE thing or the early made trucks had them so check yours for the relays FIRST.

steves · 06-15-2005, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uproar90

Thanks Sammy... I also liked the 'round tube' design (had it on my xterra).

I found one online for $137.00 shipped and will go that route if I can't get my local dealer to sell to me for around $165.

I also don't anticipate needing the relay as I'll only be towing small utility trailers and boats.

Glad I found this site... There is a wealth of info here...

Thanks again,
mike s.

I'm almost certain you need the parking lamp relay to get the marker lights on at night (My trailer is still at my dad's, I havn't had time to go get it yet).

The U-haul is a hidden hitch type, although they might have to order it for you.

steves · 06-15-2005, 09:55 AM

Duh. Also, If you have an XE, you probably aren't wired for towing. The pigtail should be up under the bumper. You should see a capped round plug type end wired up.

TitanJB · 06-15-2005, 09:57 AM

Well, another advantage of the tow package that no one mentioned, besides the Hitch, is the tow mirrors. I like those mirrors very much, just as regular mirrors even with out towing anything, and we had them installed on our Qx56 and they were a whopping 500 installed. If you already are getting all the other pre-requisite options of the tow package, than I would opt for the 400 package. Of course that was the Infiniti Dealer that installed them, and I don't know if the Nissan dealer would be alot cheaper or about the same to get them installed.

SickWhip · 06-15-2005, 11:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uproar90

I've read a few posts where users were either very happy they went with the factory receiver hitch or wish they would have...

I'm in the market and have a few options lined up, but wanted to know what were the major differences prompting the desire for factory over aftermarket.

Thanks,
uproar90 / mike s.

Wait..so you haven't bought your titan yet??? I was just assuming you already had the titan without Big Tow and wanted to add a hitch. If you haven't taken delivery, ADD BIG TOW. That is one of the key features I wish I had.

uproar90 · 06-15-2005, 11:40 AM

TitanJB - I'm beginning to wish I had purchased my Titan w/ the Tow Package already installed... Live and learn I guess.

I'll have to check with my dealer to see what they'd charge for the whole kit.

uproar90 · 06-15-2005, 11:41 AM

Sorry SickWhip - I meant that I was in the market for the hitch...

see my post above, I also wish I would've added BigTow.

SickWhip · 06-15-2005, 11:59 AM

The gearing they are not going to be able to do. Well they could, but its going to COST! I think you have to replace the whole thing.

steves · 06-15-2005, 12:08 PM

I think overall for the price, if you can get the hitch from the dealer for around $200, it's not that bad a deal. I didn't do enough research when I bought mine. Now, Uhaul charges $20 for installation so if you aren't going to DIY watch that labor cost.