How Does a Hitch Being Installed Effect the Automatic Braking on a 2021 Nissan Rogue?

Question:

I am looking to buy a hitch for my 2021 Rogue. Two questions: The hitches all indicate they may cause the brakes to engage when backing up. What does that mean, is it a serious issue, or just a minor inconvenice? There is some dialogue about interference with the kick sensor. One person mentioned that their Curt hitch did not cause a problem. Can you confirm whether the Curt hitch is designed so it does not interfere with the kick switch? Was that a class II or class III?

asked by: Andrew W

Expert Reply:

The 2021 Nissan Rogue's have what's called rear automatic braking. It automatically applies the brakes and blares a screeching alarm if something is behind you. This is a great safety feature if you are backing up and someone walks out but it also is triggered by whatever you have connected to the hitch.

There is a way to turn off the braking. You go to the driver menu, scroll to settings, driver assistance, emergency braking, rear and then toggle it off.

As far as your lift assist function goes. You'll lose functionality around the receiver but you won't want to be kicking there anyways. You'll need to kick your foot to either side of the receiver and it will still activate. None of the hitches are designed to avoid this problem including the Curt item # C24HR.

The class III hitches for your 2021 Nissan Rogue are all identical except for the price and finish. I recommend going with the etrailer Hitch item # e93ZR. It is the most affordable option available and the flat matte paint blends in better beneath your vehicle's trim as opposed to the glossy finish on the Curt item # C24HR or the Draw-Tite item # DT85MR.

I would not recommend you going down to a class II hitch like item # C57HR since there are so many class III choices available. You will limit yourself on options for accessories like bike racks and cargo carriers to save $1.

I have linked an installation video below so you can see how to get this hitch set up and what the final product will look like.

If you are planning on towing you will also need a wiring harness item # C44ER and a ball mount kit item # C45534.