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Nissan Murano Trailer Hitch
Does anyone have a factory installed hitch on a 09/10. I was wondering if the whole frame is visible (like many after-market hitches) or if just the receiver is visible like as posted on the Nissan web site. Would just be using for a bike rack and occasionally a small utility trailer. Also, does anyone have a bike rack that mounts to the hatch.
Thanks.
Thanks.
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Comments
The factory hitch and wiring harness are excessively overpriced. I'm sure you know and I somewhat remember the dealer wanting nearly $900 to install on my wife's 09 LE.
I installed an aftermarket hitch with the same specks as OEM, aftermarket plug-n-play wiring harness all for less than $200. Installed it myself thus labor $ was not included. All you see of my hitch is the two inch receptacle and the chain loops on either side. The rest is tucked up behind the bumper - very easy to install as well!
If still deciding let me know I can provide pics etc.
Cheers
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tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Can you send me an email with your hitch info and how you installed it?
Shierh@aol.com
I purchase all my hitch/trailer needs from etrailer.com. I found them very reasonable / good service etc.
I purchased a Draw-Tite Class-III two inch receiver hitch (pictured in above post). Hitch cost at the time was $116.99 (etrailer item number 75647 - now $140.95) This is the hitch only, you still need the receiver and ball portion - I already had several.
I also purchased the plug and play wiring harness item number 118481 / was and still is $54.99. I routed the plug down through one of the existing drain grommets.
The hitch was what I considered very easy to install - I did it in the driveway after backing up on a set of $30 dollar Rhino ramps from Autozone etc..
The hitch comes with instructions and all hardware. Basically you remove a small panel under the bumper, remove the shipping tie down hook from the left frame, and install the hitch - no drilling required - all "threaded" mounting holes are already in the frame (6 bolts total). The instructions tell you to lower the exhaust but it was not necessary. I placed double layers of painters tape on the bumper /exhaust tip areas to keep from scratching where they touched while sliding up/in with the hitch assembly. Took all of about 30 minutes.
The wiring harness was easy as well yet took a little more getting several of the interior trim pieces removed from the aft cargo area. Once removed however it was as easy as unplugging/plugging in a few connections, screwing in a good grounding point, and splicing into the existing large white wire going to the battery.
Hint: the harness instructions do not mention this white wire and want you to route your own. However, the white wire is right there for use with the OEM harness and is already "fused" for this purpose. I myself installed a separate fuse at the recommended amperage provided with the harness. Basically, a little redundancy - the fuse I installed was smaller than the factory thus I am ensured I don't' exceed the white wires circuit capability in the event of a short or harness malfunction.
All of the above took about 2 hrs and in my case under $200. The dealership wanted just under $1000 to install the OEM hitch and factory harness. I will admit the factory hitch is EXTREMELY robust yet the Draw-Tite is rated at the same. For the near $800 difference it was not remotely required (my opinion).
I'll type more if anyone requires or goes this route.
Cheers