Appearance Panel Trimming for the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch # 75742 for a 2013 Honda CRV

Updated 04/01/2013 | Published 03/27/2013

Question:

In reading the reviews and looking at the cut out diagram. Some have left the panel in place and cut out and istalled. Should the drivers side hitch bolts have a cut out or just bolt through the appearance panel? This would seem to be the easiest but Im not sure how to find the bolts holes. Any help or where I can see the underside after installed? This looks pretty straight forward except on the drivers side for a cutout. Thanks

asked by: Steven H

Expert Reply:

The drivers side bolts will not bolt through the appearance panel. There will be an 8-1/2 inch by 4-1/4 inch cutout in the appearance panel for the drivers side bolts. This cutout will give you enough room to bolt the hitch on and leave the appearance panel in place. There will be some insulation type material on the backside of the appearance panel, but you can just cut through that material as well.

Check out the photo that I attached that shows the orientation of the appearance panel. The appearance panel does not cover the passenger side attachment points.

expert reply by: John H