Does Appearance Panel Trimming for Draw-Tite Hitch on 2015 Honda CRV Cause Corrosion

Updated 06/05/2017 | Published 06/03/2017

Question:

I understand a piece of the rear appearance panel must be removed to install the hitch. But wont the hole that remains post-installation provide a great way for water and salt spray to infiltrate the area and cause corrosion problems down the road? And wont wet insulation create a problem on its own? Is there a way to re-seal the appearance panel after installation? Thanks for your help.

asked by: Dan

Expert Reply:

The appearance panel on your 2015 Honda CR-V needs to be trimmed to install the Draw Tite hitch part # 75742. It doesn't really make the vehicle any more susceptible to rust though as the appearance panel wasn't water tight to begin with. It does not have a water tight seal to the vehicle so in reality it's not going to allow that much more water in so it really wouldn't make a difference.

expert reply by: Jameson C