2023 Honda Passport Trailsport OEM Trailer Hitch Installation

When I first looked at the installation instructions, I thought that it was too much work to install the hitch myself so I scheduled to have the dealer do it. I asked the gal what they charged, she replies "I don't know", I ask if she could find out and she promised to call me back. After 3 days not hearing back from her I cancelled the appointment and did the install myself. It wasn't nearly as difficult as it seemed.
Their instructions do advise to have hitch installed by a trained technician.
Be sure to download and printout the installation instructions and follow along with them: www.collegehil...
Here is the dealers web page for the hitch: www.collegehil...
Here is the link for wiring harness installation: • 2023 Honda Passport Tr...

[@jerrys5946]

I was quoted $3000 for dealer installed hitch, harness and transmission cooler. Without the tran cooler, the towing capacity is rated at 3500 lbs, WITH the cooler, it is 5000 pounds towing capacity. After watching this, I think I'll just live with no hitch at all. Thanks for the video.

[@SDLAX46]

Thanks for making KZbin a great resource for the DIYers!!

[@BENBRUTUS]

$400 for dealer install as of 12/21/24. Good job! Good to have a friend who was willing to help.

[@jimbixby7976]

Great video! Looks like something I could do with an extra pair of hands to get bumper/trailer hitch installed. I too strongly prefer the more integrated look and function of the OEM vs the aftermarket options which, are much easier to install but look kinda wierd and are likely to scrape terrain a few times.

[@Steve4948]

Thank you! I agree, the OEM look is preferrable to me too.

[@larryjohns8823]

After seeing what is required to put on the factory hitch, i am going to just add an aftermarket hitch to mine. They only require putting in 6 bolts to mount the hitch. It comes out just under the stock center cover. The entire job takes all of 10 minutes. There is also a big difference to cost of factory and aftermarket. My 2023 is also that radiant red😊

[@Steve4948]

Oh, yes, installing the aftermarket hitch won't take much time at all. I had to choose between this red and a black one. I thought the black would be too hot and harder to keep looking clean. I think we chose the right color!

[@larryjohns8823]

@@Steve4948 yes, I know black vehicles are all the rage these days, but they get crazy hot in the southern states, are a real bear to keep clean and show every scratch - I know as I own a classic '70 muscle car that is black. My dealer had one of each color on the lot setting side by side. I liked the pearl white but the red was sooooo nice, had to get it.

[@Steve4948]

@@larryjohns8823 I liked that pearl white too, but I already have a 1998 BMW M3 in white. I went to an auction last week looking for an older muscle car, but didn't find what I want so will keep looking.

[@richardyoung3155]

2:01 there is no need to remove the fender flares above the wheels. The ones on the rear bumper cover is all that need to come off.

[@Steve4948]

Thank you for pointing that out!

[@richardyoung3155]

9:49 it is easier to put the hitch on before putting back on the bumper cover. There’s more room.

[@robertstidham5075]

Excellent video. Got it done in about an hour. Would have gone faster with another set of hands.

[@Steve4948]

Thank you I’m glad it was helpful! Yes, I had a friend over to help me with mine and it really made it easier.

[@jloza9840]

Great video! Instead of taking off the bumper can you cut a square on that panel under the bumper where the hitch goes?

[@Steve4948]

Thank you! Yes, I think you could cut out of that panel where the hitch goes. I think I threw that little panel away or I would make a cut in it and see how it looks. A Subaru dealer did that on my friends outback. And when he pointed it out, I could see that it was cut but I don’t know if I would’ve noticed that without him pointing it out.

[@xavilopez4716]

Don’t know if it’s the camera light when under the car but seems to be like getting a bit rusty already.

[@dalecesafsky4506]

Only 6 bolts for mine! Wiring was very involved however.

[@dalecesafsky4506]

Wrong! Order hitch that bolts on with only 6 bolts. Wiring is much harder as must take off drivers side panel.

[@kevinwiseman481]

Why are you taking everything apart? I installed a Draw-Tite to my passport, never removing any body panels or modifying any thing.

[@Jptdo3]

Because it's a OEM hitch, aftermarket hitch don't required to remove anything.