Can Underbody Panel be Trimmed without Removing for Hitch Install on a 2016 Honda CR-V

Question:

Hello, I purchased etrailer trailer hitch. Then follow the installation video and installed for my 2016 Honda CRV. I have to say it works great. After that, I do have a question. Why we need to remove the car customer under-body panel? Can we just do the measurement, draw the cut area that we need to cut and cut the car customer under-body panel hole that we need while the car customer under-body panel still on car. This seems can greatly simplify the job of installing trailer hitch. We do still need to remove the exhaust, etc.

asked by: Jerry

Expert Reply:

Removing the panel on the 2016 Honda CR-V allows for easier access and installation of trailer hitch # C13119 but if you can install it by just trimming that panel AND if the panel can still be secured properly to the vehicle then yes you could just trim it. But I would not recommend trimming it while still on the vehicle because there is always a risk, even if a small risk, of accidently cutting something behind that panel so it is best to take it off, trim it, and put it back on.

expert reply by: Michael H