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Can I get a definitive answer on trailer hitches?

OverHillAndDale

OverHillAndDale

Member
Currently, you can buy the Big Bike Parts hitch and wiring kit for $280, and the BRP equivalent unit for $550, almost twice the price. While I don't mind spending the double if it saves the warranty on my 2014 RT, I don't see the use in it otherwise since the BBP unit has the same bolt-through-the-axle configuration, but BRP claims theirs is the only unit that "maintains vehicle warranty requirements".

Does anyone have a definitive answer on this? Has anyone's warranty been voided due to the use of a non-BRP hitch?
 
OverHillAndDale said:
Currently, you can buy the Big Bike Parts hitch and wiring kit for $280, and the BRP equivalent unit for $550, almost twice the price. While I don't mind spending the double if it saves the warranty on my 2014 RT, I don't see the use in it otherwise since the BBP unit has the same bolt-through-the-axle configuration, but BRP claims theirs is the only unit that "maintains vehicle warranty requirements".

Does anyone have a definitive answer on this? Has anyone's warranty been voided due to the use of a non-BRP hitch?
Click to expand...

You get what you pay for. You paid a lot for your Spyder why chinse now. Hitches are no place to cheap up your rig. Compare with each side by side with the equipment and you should see the difference. The welds are very important to me.

Jack
 
Here is my take and understanding.

First is knowing warranty law.
No manufacturer can say using some after market part voids your warranty. They can ONLY do that IF they can prove the part caused the failure.
So just making that statement as they do is false!

But I think there is some logic to why they said that and this was because of previous after market hitches that were available.

Before Big Bike made this hitch, there were other hitches being sold that required you to remove the axle, put on the hitch, and re-install the axle.
The axel and axle nut thus held on the hitch. I can see this being a problem due to the belt adjustment, torque spec of the axle, etc. Thus if you used this hitch and something went wrong in that area, you would not be covered. BRP might have a good shot at proving some failure in the axle, belt, bearing, etc was due to this bad after market hitch design.

The new Big Bike hitch, as you said, goes on exactly like BRPs thus eliminating that issue.

Now BRP "could" still claim the Big Bike hitch voids warranty BUT ONLY if there is a failure in that area AND they can prove that hitch caused it. Since the Big Bike hitch works the same as BRP it is pretty unlikely to cause any failure! That might not have been true with the other hitches that used the axle to hold them on.

Finally, the Big Bike hitch is easily removed just like the BRP hitch. So you could remove it and who would know you used it? Again unlike the other hitches that used the axle, not easily removed and messes with belt adjustment.

Hope that helps,
Bob
 
jaherbst said:
You get what you pay for. You paid a lot for your Spyder why chinse now. Hitches are no place to cheap up your rig. Compare with each side by side with the equipment and you should see the difference. The welds are very important to me.

Jack
Click to expand...

Jack, have you seen the Big Bike hitch in person?
I have and it is a nice hitch and not cheap. Welds and everything are up to snuff. In fact in some area it's better than BRPs.
I would have no issues with using it.

Bob
 
According to my Dealer there is something to do with the brake bias, I did not push for more information - Is there a electronic module on the BRP hitch that tells the
machine a trailer is hooked up once connector is plugged in?

Sorry I can't offer a definitive answer but thought I would share what was told to me.
 
finless said:
Jack, have you seen the Big Bike hitch in person?
I have and it is a nice hitch and not cheap. Welds and everything are up to snuff. In fact in some area it's better than BRPs.
I would have no issues with using it.

Bob
Click to expand...

I have seen the kits out of the box side by side. Big Bike is a lighter construction. No mudflap included, a lighter bolt to connect, no module plug in included for lights on trailer. Add these all up and you will be close to the BRP price with a lot less headaches trying to figure wiring and mudflap makeups. Yes you get what you pay for. BRP comes with the complete kit for Plug and Play hookup

One local guy had to have weld repairs done on his Big Bike hitch already.

Jack
 
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if you look around... there are "replacement" parts that are as good or better than BRP parts for lots less.. its a well know fact that BRP parts are outrageously priced... look at what BRP wants for a 2 ply sub-standard OEM tire compared to other 4 ply tires... for about 1/2 the price and will prolly twice as long...
 
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I agree with Jack... ;)
With what you've already got invested; what is "peace of mind" worth to you? :dontknow:
I'd stay with BRP parts, but I'm glad to know that there are others available... :thumbup:
 
OverHillAndDale said:
Currently, you can buy the Big Bike Parts hitch and wiring kit for $280, and the BRP equivalent unit for $550, almost twice the price. While I don't mind spending the double if it saves the warranty on my 2014 RT, I don't see the use in it otherwise since the BBP unit has the same bolt-through-the-axle configuration, but BRP claims theirs is the only unit that "maintains vehicle warranty requirements".

Does anyone have a definitive answer on this? Has anyone's warranty been voided due to the use of a non-BRP hitch?
Click to expand...

As you quoted the BRP hitch "maintains vehicle warranty requirements". Nowhere that I have seen does BRP say it voids your warranty. That has a very different meaning. If you have seen that, please point out where. So if the BRP hitch causes a failure of some kind you are covered. That is what I expect they should do. Of course they are not going to cover a problem caused by someone else hitch. Why should they cover someone elses products. That is true of any aftermarket part you put on.

The Big Bike Parts hitch is of good quality and I put one on my ST last week.

You make a terrible comparison for prices. The BRP price includes everything, hitch, plug and play wiring harness, mud flap and 1 7/8 ball.
The Big Bike parts hitch is the hitch only for $260. If you are to buy the BRP harness as parts it would be over $200. If you bought the Big bike parts harness it is $80. It is a 5 wire output so you would need to wire in a converter at a cost for the converter of $30. Then $20 for the mudflap and $5 for the ball.

You are looking at closer to $400 or more not counting labour to go with the Big bike parts hitch.
 
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Lou said:
According to my Dealer there is something to do with the brake bias, I did not push for more information - Is there a electronic module on the BRP hitch that tells the
machine a trailer is hooked up once connector is plugged in?

Sorry I can't offer a definitive answer but thought I would share what was told to me.
Click to expand...

I am sorry but what your dealer told you is a large steamy pile of BS. Your Spyder does not know your trailer is attached unless you choose trailer mode in the menu.
 
billybovine said:
As you quoted the BRO hitch "maintains vehicle warranty requirements". Nowhere that I have seen does BRP say it voids your warranty. That has a very different meaning. If you have seen that, please point out where. So if the BRP hitch causes a failure of some kind you are covered. That is what I expect they should do. Of course they are not going to cover a problem caused by someone else hitch. Why should they cover someone elses products. That is true of any aftermarket part you put on.

The Big Bike Parts hitch is of good quality and I put one on my ST last week.

You make a terrible comparison for prices. The BRP price includes everything, hitch, plug and play wiring harness, mud flap and 1 7/8 ball.
The Big Bike parts hitch is the hitch only for $260. If you are to buy the BRP harness as parts it would be over $200. If you bought the Big bike parts harness it is $80. It is a 5 wire output so you would need to wire in a converter at a cost for the converter of $30. Then $20 for the mudflap and $5 for the ball.
Click to expand...

On Amazon, you can buy the BBP hitch and wiring harness together for $277.28. You are correct, that comes without a mud flap or ball (didn't know the BRP came with a ball). If I add a Convert-A-Ball (provides 1 7/8" and 2" ball) for $30, I'm still ahead $240. That's not a huge sum of money, I'm just trying to see if it's justified.
 
OverHillAndDale said:
On Amazon, you can buy the BBP hitch and wiring harness together for $277.28. You are correct, that comes without a mud flap or ball (didn't know the BRP came with a ball). If I add a Convert-A-Ball (provides 1 7/8" and 2" ball) for $30, I'm still ahead $240. That's not a huge sum of money, I'm just trying to see if it's justified.
Click to expand...

Do you have a link??
 
That's a good deal. Just remember that harness has no trailer plug. So if your trailer is a 5 wire system (separate turn signals) . Just buy the appropriate plug to fit your trailer and wire it in. If your trailer is a 4 wire (more common turn/brake combined), you will have to buy a converter and plug to wire in.

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If you do your homework, you can get a great deal!

If you pick up the phone and call any of our dealer sponsors on here, you'll get a great price on the hitch.

I bought mine from Honda East in Toledo, OH and paid $437.00 delivered to my door. Someone else I talked to said they paid $425.00, delivered. When you call, ask for their internet sales department and be sure to tell them you're a Spyderlover. If they sound confused, remind them they're a site sponsor.

The deals are out there, folks. Go get them. And don't try to get your local dealer to match it, you'll have to pay sales tax. Remember, buy out of state.
 
They are the best price in Snowmobile parts as well!!!!



Copperman said:
If you pick up the phone and call any of our dealer sponsors on here, you'll get a great price on the hitch.

I bought mine from Honda East in Toledo, OH and paid $437.00 delivered to my door. Someone else I talked to said they paid $425.00, delivered. When you call, ask for their internet sales department and be sure to tell them you're a Spyderlover. If they sound confused, remind them they're a site sponsor.

The deals are out there, folks. Go get them. And don't try to get your local dealer to match it, you'll have to pay sales tax. Remember, buy out of state.
Click to expand...
 
OverHillAndDale said:
On Amazon, you can buy the BBP hitch and wiring harness together for $277.28. You are correct, that comes without a mud flap or ball (didn't know the BRP came with a ball). If I add a Convert-A-Ball (provides 1 7/8" and 2" ball) for $30, I'm still ahead $240. That's not a huge sum of money, I'm just trying to see if it's justified.[/QUOTE

That is not a real genuine BRP hitch kit It is an after market hitch only.

Jack
Click to expand...
 
billybovine said:
I am sorry but what your dealer told you is a large steamy pile of BS. Your Spyder does not know your trailer is attached unless you choose trailer mode in the menu.
Click to expand...

& i had a random moment where my setting went all crazy, after a service recall of seal fuse area, thousand miles or so later on trip i happen to notice my ambient temp is in C? So i pull over & see what else is changed. Ipod, disabled(happens often), temp, and now I'm in trailer mode? Was a trip dont know if it messed with my mpg, had no trailer & only fool with ipod settings as they randomly change. Trip meter for gas (this trip i used both, 1for gas, 1for total trip) needed rear tire when I got back & told techs they scratched heads, not knowing what're why those few things changed, or what else I might not have looked @. All is good now and I might get trailer when bike is yr old just cuz, that or fog lights, prolly both :)


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