Will a Trailer Hitch on a 2019 Honda Pilot Block the Hands Free Liftgate

Question:

Im looking at potentially buying a 2019 Honda Pilot and will want to install a tow hitch. I see that Item # E98840 should fit. My question is around understanding if there is any impact to the hands-free tailgate operation after installing? The Honda guy expectedly said he did not know about aftermarket products but having them install the Honda OEM hitch would result in it working fine. But Id rather not pay the $1400 for that which is mostly labor. I know you cant really promise whether it will impact or not but maybe you have some level of feedback from customers on this.

asked by: Kevin

Expert Reply:

I cannot speak specifically to the etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Receiver part # E98840 or your 2019 Honda Pilot which this hitch is a fit for but I can say that most of the time, the trailer hitch will work just fine with the hands free liftgate sensor but you need to place your foot of either side of the receiver tube opening in order to activate it. It almost never completely interferes with this feature.

I have attached a sample install video for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L