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the hitch mounts in holes which are already drilled in the frame. You will need to enlarge them slightly to get the mounting hardware into them, however, but a few strokes from a hammer and screwdriver will enlarge them enough.
you will need to drop the muffler off of it's rubber mounts. 5 minutes of pulling and prying will do it. the previously mentioned hammer may be used as required. (simple tools for simple folks).
the hitch mounting hardware (a bolt and backing plate) will beed to be stuck into the holes in the frame. MAKE SURE YOU USE THE GUIDE WIRE WHICH THEY SUPPLY. This will prevent the bolt and plate from being irretreivably lost within the tube steel frame of the vehicle. Additionally, once the hitch is positioned, you must remove the wire from the bolt before installing the nut. MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT PUSH THE BOLT INTO THE FRAME. aka be careful.
the hitch in place, all that remains is to install an adapter to the towing hook, which is comprised of a bolt, three plate washers, and a nut. This constitutes the third support point for the hitch.
the instruction manual tells you to bend the muffler hangers by 1/2", but I see no need to. I didn't, then I took it for a test drive, and did not hear the muffler hitting the hitch frame, so maybe it is ok as is.
the only thing I am a little bit leery of is that the hitch runs against the hose from the fuel filter. I was able to bend (it is rubber so there is no fear of kinking it) the hose out of the way enough to install the hitch, but now it is resting on the hitch frame. I shall check it sporadically to make sure it is not chaffing on the frame.
bad part: you cannot remove the hitch without losing the bolt and reinforcing plate inside of the frame, unless considerable care is taken. I do not think I could take that much care, so I will just leave it installed. Maybe even put a little propellar on the end to get a little better gas mileage.
this hitch is a class 1 receiver, 1.1/4" tube, and has a hauling capacity of 2000 lbs and an allowable tongue weight of 200 lbs, both of which are in excess of the vehicle's capacity ergo the car will fail before the hitch does. which is what you want to happen.
IT IS THAT SIMPLE.
tomorrow I will give a report on the installation of the wiring harness. Happy hauling!!
Your salesman is lying to you, or at least is misleading you. You should have received a card with the anti-theft code on it when you bought the CR-V. Did you check in the glove box? If not, the dealer can look up the code based on the serial number of the radio, but that means you have to remove the radio to read the serial number. Programming the remote entry fobs just requires that you follow the directions in the PDF. I'm assuming you need the radio anti-theft code because you have to disconnect the battery.
Good luck.
as for the wiring harness: I dont know. It didnt come in time so I couldnt install it myself. It was supposed to be one of teh spliceless types, but the '03 is slightly different than the '02 in that the rear speakers are relocated, so easy access to the lighting connectors is no longer possible. I went to a trailer hitch maker in the Marietta GA area and they hooked me up for 20 bucks to installing a harness which I bought from UHaul for 20 bucks.
All told, I got a good setup for 160 bucks and an hour of my personal time. Much better than some of the prices I have seem on the net, and the dealer price of 70 bucks just for the wiring harness.
Now, for the brush guard for the '02-'03 CR-V:
http://www.suvxccessory.com/xccessory/
look at the aries stuff, really nice looking! I am gonna get mine in a few months, as well as some rubberized floor mats to keep the snow and gunk out (Vermont winters suck!).
FYI Most all Honda rims have the same bolt pattern, but the offset differs. You might have better luck going with the 16" rims and tire combination from the Element. Other alternatives include the factory rims from the Prelude and Ody.
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http://www.shamsulauto.com/honda-crv-2002.htm
any feedback would be appreciated.
Wouldn't it simpler to rent a U-Haul truck for the day? About $20/day plus fuel. Much cheaper than the cost of a tow hitch.
JM2C
What's the feeling out there on the most worthwhile accessories to get first?
Yes. Renting a U-Haul truck is the other option. But it's not just $20/day and fuel. They charge additional $0.49/mile. I may end up paying $120 which is still cheaper than $300 the furniture store is going to charge me.
I was just exploring the possibility if I can tow the furniture with the 2003 CRV. If I can, I would rather get the hitch which will be useful in the future.
Good luck and take pictures to share here!
Now, if you DO buy a hitch, don't bother with more than a 1.1/4" hitch, since the max allowable trailer hitch load is 100 lbs, regardless of how muich hauling capacity it has. Additionally, with a hitch you can also buy a bike rack which will fit into the hitch receiver, but that is another story...
http://www.handa-accessories.com
I've already ordered a roof rack for my '03 crv,
was $178, dealer wanted around $240, with shipping/sales tax still saved over $40.
Where can I find this Hidden Hitch you speak of and how easy is it to install?
http://www.handaaccessories.com/crv/02CRVRACK.pdf
In fact, you can see the installation instructions for every add-on at this site and their prices are WAY cheaper than a dealership (even with shipping).
Good luck!
Regarding the roof rack. I got mine from handaaccessories.com and installed it myself. I have noticed an increase in the amount of wind noise at highway speeds with it. Also if you are considering the roof rack it is probably a good idea to ask yourself what you are planing to do with it. When I have looked in to cargo boxes or roof baskets I have been discouraged from mounting them on the Honda factory rack. If you are looking to mount Honda accessories to it, go for it. If you have some specific ideas about what you want to mount up there you may be better off researching the gear before deciding on what rack. Honda seems to be creating a few more equipment options for the Element. I wonder if they will expand the accessories for the CR-V?
Good Luck
Dear Dwayne,
Thank you for your prompt reply,
We are please to quote you as below:
1. CRV 2002 - Fog Lamp with Chrome Cover Code No: HCF-019 - USD 165.00
Shipping cost by air to USA is USD 64.32 - Arrive within 5 - 7 working days.
Total amount: USD 229.32
Hope the price above will meet your kind consideration.
Any further information, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Best regards and hope to hear from you soon.
Sam
Shamsul Auto Supply
No: 370, Jalan 20,
Taman Perindustrian Ehsan Jaya, Kepong,
52100 Kuala Lumpur.
Tel: 03-62776002, 62779082
http://www.shamsulauto.com
Cost for the shipping is not that bad at all!!! He assures me that the foglights are OEM quality. Don't know about that since the aluminum garnish is sold with it. I am assuming they are aftermarket. But still, $229.32 USD is still better than $400+ crappy looking USDM foglights!!!
The Clownpuncher
P.S. They also got a lot of great OEM and aftermarket parts not sold in the U.S. Give them a try.
The Honda Nose Mask will not fit with the Body Side Cladding on 2003 CR-V?
This is funny because the picture they show has it installed with it?
Check it out.
http://www.handa-accessories.com/crv/02crvfront.jpg
Thanks
Thanks!
I also had the Honda fog lights installed on my 03 EX; however, the fog light switch is illuminated when the headlights are turned on. Take yours back to the dealer to correct the problem.
Tell us more about what you're trying to accomplish.
Greetings from sunny Miami.
The only modification i've had to it was the installation of a K&N filter since 9/00, but have been disappointed since I felt no increase in power. I plan to install it on my next pay day period in the new '03 EX.
Now before anyone gets on my case, I have no affiliation with the company whatsoever.
Anyway, I haven't heard any stories of any really positive results from using this device on a CR-V, but maybe you'll be the first. Good luck!
Thought it was going to be a simple process of removing the bolts holding it down, but there apparently are clips that hold the black trim to the roof. Has anyone had experience in doing this - we're not sure how the clips are holding the black trim to the roof - I don't want to break them in trying to get it off.
Thanks!
receiver then get a piece of 1 and 1/4 inch telescoping tube available at HOME DEPOT or LOWES,
insert the tube into the receiver and drill out
a hole for the pin.Bolt the rack to the tube then cut off the excess.
I was wondering if anyone had found any available door edge guards and/or seat covers for the 2003? With the side front airbags is it even advisable to use seat covers?
Thanks for any help in advance.
These are some items I've looked at:
door edge guards (I did find some) are they worth it?
The cargo tray or the cover
The half nose cover or the bug shield
Thanks for any help and suggestions.