Will Install of Curt C12174 Class II Hitch on 2018 Jeep Compass Require Trimming The Bumper

Updated 04/17/2021 | Published 04/15/2021

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(12)

$224.51

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(139)

$207.66

Question:

When installing this hitch to my 2018 Jeep compass do you have to cut a hole in my bumper or does it go below the bumper

asked by: Amy C

Helpful Expert Reply:

To install the Curt Class II # C12174 hitch on a 2018 Jeep Compass, you won't need to cut a hole in the bumper itself, but you WILL need to cut a 2-5/8 x 2-1/2 inch notch in the bottom of the bumper cover/fascia as shown in step # 5 of the linked installation instructions.

If you don't wish to notch the bumper cover/fascia, you could use the Draw-Tite Class II hitch, part # 36598 which wouldn't require any trimming, however the hitch will be much more visible. I'll link you to an install video for the 2 inch version of this hitch which installs in the same manner, but the slot you'd need to cut would be a little wider for the Class III version. Other than that, the install is identical.

You might want to consider using the Class III version of either hitch. The 2 inch receiver used on a Class III hitch is more common, so there's many more hitch mounted accessories available for the 2 inch hitch.

The Curt Class III version which will require trimming is part # C13363 the Draw-Tite version, which will not is part # 76144.

expert reply by: Mike L