Will Installing a Hitch on the 2020 Odyssey Elite with Hand Free Tailgate Cause Other Issues

Updated 04/21/2021 | Published 04/19/2021

Question:

My 2020 Odyssey Elite has the Hand Free tailgate. I looked at a kit from Honda to rewire this feature if a hitch is installed. From the looks of the instruction manual for this kit the entire bumper and interior side panels have to be disassembled and removed to do this. Wat to complicated for me. My question is, with the hitch installed will there be any issues other than the hands free function not working?

asked by: Mike S

Helpful Expert Reply:

Installation of the EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" # 306-X7372 won't always create issues with the hands-free liftgate feature on your 2020 Honda Odyssey, but it will often at least limit the functionality. Typically we've found that the area around the receiver on the hitch cannot be used to activate the hands-free feature. Other than the limited functioning of that feature though, there are not any other adverse effects when adding a hitch to your vehicle.

If you'll be towing with your EcoHitch you'll also need a wiring harness, ball mount, hitch ball and hitch pin. For the wiring harness I recommend using the Tekonsha # 118781 because of the reliability of Tekonsha converter boxes. To complete your towing setup you could use something like the # EBMK4, which comes with a ball mount, 2 hitch balls (1-7/8" and 2"), hitch pin, clip and storage bag. It's a nice, catch all type package that will give you the ability to tow trailers with either 1-7/8" or 2" couplers.

I've linked some review videos of these parts for you to check out, as well.

expert reply by: Erik B