2021 Honda Pilot Trailer Hitch Receiver and Hands Free Lift Gate Compatibility

Question:

I have a 2021 Pilot SE with rear parking sensors and hands free liftgate. I read that the trailer hitch # C13146 will work but Ill need to relocate the lift gate sensors. Can you confirm thats true? I read a reviewer say he didnt need to move it. Also along those lines, if I were to install the trailer hitch and attach a bumper guard into the hitch, do you think the sensors will beep when reversing?

asked by: Gary

Expert Reply:

For the lift gate kick sensor with your 2021 Honda Pilot and the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13146, I have also read that some have not had to relocate the sensor with the Honda kit. But some have also expressed that the system works but not all of the time. As it stands I would go ahead and install the Curt Hitch and see if the system operates to your liking since the relocation kit can still be installed after and removal of the hitch would not be required.

The WeatherTech BumpStep Hitch-Mounted Bumper Protector # WT81BS1 I feel would be the best option for a bumper guard for your Pilot. It has multiple holes to allow you to get it closer to the rear bumper. I feel that if the guard is placed as close to the bumper as possible that the reverse sensors would not detect it. The sensors are located higher up on the bumper and with the design of the hitch being recessed the sensors may not detect it. But also this may impede the use of the hands free lift gate by having it in place.

expert reply by: Bud M