2nd Gen OEM & Aftermarket Tow Hitch Information & DIY

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porterinjax

Member
Hi,
Just joined last night after lurking for awhile. Not sure if I'm posting in the right spot but here it goes:
I have a '10 FX35 and need a tow hitch. The dealer in Louisville quoted $1300 for purchase/install which seems a bit steep to me. I found what appears to be the OEM hitch online and it is ~$575. How hard is this to install? I have limited access to tools (I live in FL, work in WI and the car is at fiancee's house in IN).
I've searched for a DIY here and elsewhere but haven't had any luck. Any advice?
Thanks in advance
 
It's a pretty involved install. If you don't have tools or a ramp/lift I wouldn't recommend it at all.. If you have to have oem then you'll have to pay the price and have dealer or another shop install it.. Can also go aftermarket like a curt/uhaul for $200 installed and call it a day.. Not as hidden as oem but not ugly either.. Plus that extra cash is a beautiful thing.
 
Any concerns with U-haul installing the electrical portion for lights/breaks? I'm not as concerned with having a U-Haul hitch as I am having U-Haul do the installation.
Thanks
 
I have a 2010 also that I put my own tow hitch on. I got a Kurt hitch which fit perfectly, no cutting or welding or drilling or anything. You just have to notch out a little of the plastic shielding. I think it was like $2-300 but no where near $1300 or even $500. As far as putting it on I would recommend a lift or at least a way to get the car high enough. If you can do that its pretty easy. All you have to do is remove the hook that there for a tow truck and thats it, mount the hitch to those bolts holes.
 
Regardless of which hitch you install, at least buy the OEM wire harness. I would not trust UHaul to wire into the electrical system.
 
The curt hitch is the same as the uhaul and last I saw it was under $200 installed.. I would have uhaul install it and then buy the oem harness and have the dealer install that if you have concerns.


PlatinumFX: got any pics of the hitch?
 
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PlatinumFX said:
I have a 2010 also that I put my own tow hitch on. I got a Kurt hitch which fit perfectly, no cutting or welding or drilling or anything. You just have to notch out a little of the plastic shielding. I think it was like $2-300 but no where near $1300 or even $500. As far as putting it on I would recommend a lift or at least a way to get the car high enough. If you can do that its pretty easy. All you have to do is remove the hook that there for a tow truck and thats it, mount the hitch to those bolts holes.
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Which wiring harnerss did you use? Thanks
 
One thing you might want to also check out when getting the tow hook installed is the rear differential fluid. I have the OEM tow hitch that came installed on mine and the rear differential fluid uses a different type of Infiniti Hypoid gear oil when you have the tow hitch. So you might want to call up the dealership and ask about that. It's in the fluid capacities chart in the instruction manual.
 
PMG 705 said:
The curt hitch is the same as the uhaul and last I saw it was under $200 installed.. I would have uhaul install it and then buy the oem harness and have the dealer install that if you have concerns.


PlatinumFX: got any pics of the hitch?
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+1. I would love to see pics of your Curt hitch as well. I just bought a 2010 FX50, and i'm still deciding between OEM (~$600 installed) or Curt (~$300 installed at local Rack shop).
 
Well, ordered the U Haul hitch and it will be installed on Friday. Cost complete will be just over $300 which is $1000 less than Sam Swope Infiniti Louisville. Still kind of baffled at the $1300 quote they gave me.
 
porterinjax said:
Well, ordered the U Haul hitch and it will be installed on Friday. Cost complete will be just over $300 which is $1000 less than Sam Swope Infiniti Louisville. Still kind of baffled at the $1300 quote they gave me.
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Excellent, post up some pics when you get it.
You will have to make a few more posts so you can put them up :smile (2):
 
Newbie here, just picked up an 2011 FX35 RWD last night. Is a hitch not an option on the RWD? Will the Curt work with the RWD?

I'm not looking to really tow anything, but would love the convenience of a hitch mounted bike rack.
 
Rkdiddy said:
Newbie here, just picked up an 2011 FX35 RWD last night. Is a hitch not an option on the RWD? Will the Curt work with the RWD?

I'm not looking to really tow anything, but would love the convenience of a hitch mounted bike rack.
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Install hitch is not a problem. Just don't tow anything heavy.
 
Thanks guys. Yeah, I was trying to figure out why the RWD wasn't listed as compatible with the OEM hitch.

I guess the Curt hitch is the way to go. While I'm 6'1" and I *could* lift the bikes and put them on the roof, a hitch rack seems like it would be much easier.

Thanks again!
 
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