Does the Rear Appearance Panel of a 2014 Honda CR-V Have to be Removed to Install Hitch

Question:

I have ordered this hitch and expect it soon. Reading all of the reviews, the questions and responses it appears there are many things that are not clear. The measurements seem to be inaccurate. Some take off the panel, some dont. I suggest that your technical experts issue a clear detailed instruction that is unequivocal. Your video shows not attaching the panel. I want it to be attached. If you did this you might find out that you will have many more satisfied customers. I have a new 2014 CRV.

asked by: Bob J

Expert Reply:

There are two options you have when installing the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch # 75742 like you have noticed. You can trim the panel and reinstall it or you can simply remove it. I wish the installers had decided to trim the panel and reinstall it but the customer who owned the vehicle may have requested them not reinstall it.

I would say that the best way to do it would be to trim and reinstall the panel, which the installation instructions I attached to the right do detail how that is done.

On the similar Curt hitch part # C13119 we did reinstall the panel so I attached the install video that details that.

expert reply by: Jameson C