Factory Tow Reciever/ Hitch

35277 Views 22 Replies 14 Participants Last post by bsn321, Jul 27, 2021

Cameron J. Brewer

Discussion Starter · Aug 22, 2015

I'm going to need a Tow package installed, but I find that the 4 hours of shop time charged by the Dealer is just crazy. The quote was close to $1200.00.....

$300.00+ for parts I can deal with, but I see about 1.5 hours (at most) worth of work.

Has anyone used a factory kit and trimmed down the rear bumper using a template.

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cwstrees

· #2 · Aug 27, 2015

I bought my 2015 QX60 at the end of July and also thought about installing the tow reciever/ hitch. I don't like the third party parts and would like to have the factory kit. I saw other discussions of the installation from Nissan dealer since the part might be the same as the on used in Pathfinder.

Reactions: 1

BobOB

· #3 · Aug 28, 2015

I would get a price from your local Nissan dealership. The cars are very similar.

Sinecure

· #4 · Aug 28, 2015

cwstrees said:
I bought my 2015 QX60 at the end of July and also thought about installing the tow reciever/ hitch. I don't like the third party parts and would like to have the factory kit. I saw other discussions of the installation from Nissan dealer since the part might be the same as the on used in Pathfinder.

Not going to be the same parts. Different bumpers = different trim pieces.

OP: have you asked if they'd do it for a little less? Offer them $800-900 and see what they say.

sj08054

· #5 · Sep 4, 2015 (Edited)

I remembered that when I purchased my 2014 QX60, I had the option to get it installed by the dealership. Local dealership was willing to price match the online price for the parts (20% off at the time) but I asked for free installation but service department refused. They wanted $260 for the installation charge. There is some cutting of the bumper. In the end, I decided not to install the hitch.

So $260 is about the cost of labor for your reference. I think they quoted me a total about $650 if I wanted it installed before taking delivery of the vehicle.

Cameron J. Brewer

Discussion Starter · #6 · Oct 9, 2015

Going to do it myself

Being an Aircraft mechanic and having the tools, I have decided to buy the parts and do it myself. I have downloaded the instruction guides and have read them. It seems fairly straight forward. Waiting on parts so I will post as I do it. It looks as if most the wiring harness is already installed but I'll find out more when it gets here.

Sinecure

· #7 · Oct 10, 2015

You'll be able to do it by yourself. Hard parts will be taking out the tray in the trunk area to put in the wiring harness. Plus be careful cutting the lower bumper. The included trim piece will make up for some sloppiness, but follow the guide carefully.

Cameron J. Brewer

Discussion Starter · #8 · Oct 16, 2015

Tow Hitch

Well got all the parts delivered and I have started the task. You are correct Sinecure, I just finished the harness and I figured that it would be the most challenging. Pretty straight forward, and the instructions are very good. Took a little longer than an hour to install the bracket and harness, start to finish. It would have been nice if the factory sent the correct bolts, instead of self tapping sheet metal screws for the relay bracket. Quick trip to the local hardware store took care of that. Please use the right tool for the job. I have a couple of automotive interior panel tools to remove finish parts.

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yeller

· #9 · Oct 16, 2015

Love the pics, keep them coming.

Cameron J. Brewer

Discussion Starter · #10 · Oct 17, 2015

Hitch Complete

Hitch install is complete. It took a couple more hours, so I would say about 3.5 hours total time. Instructions pretty good. Couple of things I would note. Follow install instructions and add following. Remove aft bolt to evap canister bracket and loosen fwd one so it hangs down. Helps for alignment of hitch bolt. Don't install finishing panel until hitch receiver is in. Then hook up harness to covered 7 pin and snap assembly into hitch. Then install finishing panel. Dremel tool was perfect for the trimming. Be careful not to go too deep on the top trim line, Styrofoam filler for bumper is behind the plastic. My assistant for the hitch install was the cardboard boxes the hitch and finish panel were shipped in. That added some time figuring out how to do it with one person.

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Cameron J. Brewer

Discussion Starter · #11 · Nov 29, 2015

QX towing

Well I was able to tow our boat down for it to be winterized. Its about 4500 lbs and I would not take it above 40 MPH. OK for around town, but pushing it for freeway travel.

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humvet

· #12 · Jan 20, 2016

Thanks so much for sharing this, I am considering doing this and am now encouraged.

BobOB

· #13 · Jan 21, 2016

How does it handle when launching and retrieving the boat?

humvet

· #14 · Jan 25, 2016

I installed the hitch over the weekend. It was quite a bit work but very doable. Here are my thoughts:

- I suspect if you own a torque wrench you know your way around a car and it is a good indication that you can do this.
- Having molding removal tools is definitely a plus so as not to scratch the plastic pieces.
- As others have said the wire harness bracket screws are incorrect, you can use one of the three storage floor screws to take to the hardware store as an example as the threads are the same for the wire harness bracket.
- It also helps to have someone hold up the hitch on one side while you are attaching the other side. I used a the hitch box and a bungee cord to lift up the left side while I attached the right side. It was a bit makeshift but did the job.
- It is also advisable to attached the plug receptacle to the hitch before lifting and bolting the hitch into place because the finishing piece hole is not big enough for the insertion of the receptacle at 90 degrees which is required to turn it into place. This assumes that you attached the finishing piece before bolting on the hitch which was recommended in the instructions.

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Cameron J. Brewer

Discussion Starter · #15 · Mar 15, 2016

I have not dewinterized the boat yet, so we haven't launched the boat. Bought another Truck to tow 5k and bigger.

luv2mtbike

· #16 · Jul 1, 2016

My tow hitch and AWD badge. All in for $107.00

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singyeah

· #17 · Mar 1, 2017

Looking to install the OEM hitch as well, do you have the motion activated tailgate on your car?

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Ben Stein

· #18 · Oct 2, 2019

Hi. Can someone please point me to the instructions to install the factory hitch on a 2014 QX60?

Rooster

· #19 · Oct 2, 2019

http://www.infinitiqx60.org/forum/2013-qx60-general-discussion-forum/83001-tow-package-hitch.html

This thread is a good place to start.

Steph

· #20 · Jun 23, 2021

luv2mtbike said:
My tow hitch and AWD badge. All in for $107.00

Awesome! Where did you buy the parts from?

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