Why Does Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver Require Fascia Trimming and Draw-Tite Not on 2017 Honda CR-V

Question:

After looking at the installation instructions for the Curt and Draw-Tite, 2inch trailer hitches for a 2017 Honda CR-V 2WD EX no power lift gate - I see that the Curt calls for trimming the rear lower plastic bumper 3 inch square and the DrawTite does not. Looking the the hitches I cant see were the curt would require such a cut-out??? I prefer the Curt but not if I have to trim/cut a piece of the rear bumper. Is this cut really required?? thanks

asked by: Siegfried B

Expert Reply:

Both the Draw-Tite # 76128 and the Curt # C13397 Class III trailer hitch receivers do connect to the frame of your 2017 Honda CR-V in the same location.

However, if you look at the photos I've attached, you can see that the cross tubes are not located in the same place. The Curt's sits up behind the bumper out of site and the Draw-Tite's is fully visible under the bumper. This is why the fascia needs to be cut for the Curt. The cross tube is behind the bumper and the receiver opening drops down and needs to go through the fascia.

The Curt hitch looks better on the vehicle because there's less of the hitch showing, but that's also the reason the fascia needs to be trimmed.

expert reply by: Charles S