Aftermarket trailer Hitch Assembly 1/4 the price of dealer

Ghost-Flame · #1 02-21-2010, 08:25 AM

For those of you that just can't justify upwards of $2300 for a hitch set up. I am getting a Draw-Tite hitch assembly with a 2 inch reciever installed on my X5 for around $650 complete. At my reputable, local camper/recreational vehical dealer. That is less than $2300 my dealer quoted me.

I saw that someone here paid over $4000 for a dealer installed hitch assembly.

I don't know what it looks like yet on the X5 but I'll post some pix when I get it back. How bad can it be and its 1/4 the price.

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killcrap · #2 02-21-2010, 09:01 AM

its $450-480 for the OEM one, just find someone to install it for you.

1stE53 · #3 02-21-2010, 09:34 AM

Where are you getting your quotes from?

I found BMW OE one for $422.
Here is a link for aftermarket ones:
Trailer Hitches, Hitch Accessories, Hitch Wiring
I don't know anything about them though. Most here have had bad luck with aftermarket.

AndrewX5 · #4 02-21-2010, 10:32 AM

Its only 492 OE at the dealer and about 700 to have them to put it on. I am going to buy it put it only takes a friend and I about 4 hours to get it done yourself. So less than 500 and 4 hours. Check that quote.

A

rlabair · #5 02-21-2010, 10:33 AM

I got mine from the dealer for $430 including the harness. Dealer even printed the install instructions so I'm doing it myself. Biggest problem I faced with other installers was the wiring harness. I chose Oem since the harness is plug and play. The only other issue is the e-brake. No one wants to touch the wiring for it so I will install it myself using the threads on this forum for help.

Ghost-Flame · #6 02-22-2010, 09:06 AM

It seems like some of the respondants here are mocking me for getting such high quotes (and believing them) and somehow speculating that I am misinformed.

I live in a very affluent suburb of Philadelphia where BMW and Mercedes are like M&M's (I'm not affluent just hard working). I have 2 dealers to choose from within 25 miles of my house both quoted over $2,000 to install. They have a high priced attitude and ,in my opinion, they can get those prices from all the dumb professionals that live around here.

Hell, they quoted my $480 to replace a battery that I wound up buying at Pep Boys for $100 and installed myself in 45 minutes. ($380 for 45 minutes of labor... good work if you can get it)

I don't want to install it so, buying the part is not an option. When I went to dealer that sold me my camper and they said $650 out the door with the BMW wiring kit that they use, I said..."Done"!

I'm just trying to pass along some info for anyone interested in an affordable option. Next time I'll just keep it to myself.

Ghost-Flame · #7 02-22-2010, 09:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1stE53

...Trailer Hitches, Hitch Accessories, Hitch Wiring
I don't know anything about them though. Most here have had bad luck with aftermarket.

So far, I have not had bad luck with aftermarket for my X with other things. I have had 2 other DrawTite Hitches on 2 different Ford products and they were great. But, there is always a first time.

rlabair · #8 02-22-2010, 10:06 AM

Ghost Flame,
Hope you didn't take my response as mocking, it was not. I simply shared the direction I took and the issues I faced. Installed mine last night, best thing was the wiring harness being plug and play, worst thing, time consuming, otherwise fairly cut and dry. Personally, whatever you chose aftermarket or oem is your choice but it sure helps me make my decision when others post their experiences. I'm sure the aftermarket hitch will serve you well, screw the peeps with condescending attitudes.

dragoncoach · #9 02-22-2010, 12:08 PM

There are numerous threads discussing trailer hitches. There appears to be one common comment regarding the aftermarket hitches. That is, they may not be as strong as the OEM one. I think there's another crossbar for stregnth. These are the opinions of owners. So, I think picking a hitch is dependent on what you are towing or using it for. If it means $500 more for a stronger hitch AND controller, I'd go for it. I don't want to see my trailer tweaking the receiver. I'm going to get an OEM installed in about a month to tow our jet ski. It's only 900lbs but I'd rather have the peace of mind.

Michelle · #10 02-22-2010, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ghost-Flame

It seems like some of the respondants here are mocking me for getting such high quotes (and believing them) and somehow speculating that I am misinformed.

I live in a very affluent suburb of Philadelphia where BMW and Mercedes are like M&M's (I'm not affluent just hard working). I have 2 dealers to choose from within 25 miles of my house both quoted over $2,000 to install. They have a high priced attitude and ,in my opinion, they can get those prices from all the dumb professionals that live around here.

Hell, they quoted my $480 to replace a battery that I wound up buying at Pep Boys for $100 and installed myself in 45 minutes. ($380 for 45 minutes of labor... good work if you can get it)

I don't want to install it so, buying the part is not an option. When I went to dealer that sold me my camper and they said $650 out the door with the BMW wiring kit that they use, I said..."Done"!

I'm just trying to pass along some info for anyone interested in an affordable option. Next time I'll just keep it to myself.

I don't think anyone was "mocking" you... they were just pointing out that your quote of $2,000 included installation. Can you break down the OEM quotes you received in parts and labor?

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