Finally! I finished my first Ody mod this weekend. Even if I just rank as a junior apprentice Ody guy compared to you all, at least I did something!
I purchased the Hidden Hitch (part # 70737) and installed it on my '01 TW EX yesterday. Installing the hitch itself was not too difficult. We did have to muscle the hitch around a bit with a crowbar to get the predrilled holes to match up with the threaded holes on the Ody frame, and that was made difficult by the size and weight of the hitch (nearly 50 pounds). And getting the bolts in place on the passenger side of the van was tricky since the tailpipe is right in the way. But a variety of socket extensions and flexible couplers did the job. Upon reflection, I think that the second tailpipe hanger should also be removed to allow the tailpipe to be pushed out of the way further. The Hidden Hitch directions specify a 19 mm socket (of which I had several), but I quickly discovered with a hitch hanging above my head that I needed 18 mm sockets (of which I have 2 new ones!). Make sure you have a strong friend to help out while holding the hitch. This part took about 2 hours, including 45 minutes to get to Home Depot for 18 mm sockets.
Putting in the wiring harness was surprisingly easy. The Hidden Hitch website only specifies a wiring harness for '95 to '99 Ody's, nothing for '00 or '01. Buy this one anyway, it works just fine (part #31817). Start by removing the rear trim panel (two screws and some hidden clips that just pop out), then remove the 2 screws and clips that hold in the rear half of the rear left side trim panel (to just past the jack compartment). Just inside the tailgate I found a connector wrapped in blue tape, and the harness connector just snaps in. The directions for the Honda Hitch now call for removing the bumper for placement of the wiring. A post on the Yahoo club from Harrington (thanks so much) suggested routing the harness through the taillight compartment, and that is what I did. Just remove the two screws on the taillight and pull straight back really hard to pop out a clip (thanks for the pics, Chuck, I would have given up without them!). Push the harness connector through into the taillight area, and then drop down a hole to just inside the bumper. Really easy, you can't tell it's not factory, and it's got to beat removing the bumper.
As for the hitch itself, it seems very similar to the Honda Hitch in terms of how far it sticks out from the bumper (less than 1") and how much it reduces clearance. It's not really all that hidden, but I think that the round tube is more pleasing to the eye. It also seems to have a better (or at least more glossy) finish. Total cost will be just about $190, compared to $242 (or $226 plus shipping) via mail order. If you don't mind a bruised knuckle or two, it sure beats the $400 that my Honda dealer wanted for parts plus installation.
Thanks to VTEClover, Skybolt and Brushwood for pics and tips.
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gbaxley
'01 TW EX
[This message has been edited by gbaxley (edited 06-05-2001).]