Missing Bolt Holes For Hitch Install on 2006 Honda Pilot

Updated 05/20/2021 | Published 05/19/2021

Question:

Hitch e98851 for 2006 Honda Pilot AWD. My car doesn’t seem to have the center holes on the bumper beam. It is rusted but there doesn’t even seem to be the remnants of bolt holes. The frame seems rusted but I think if I tap the holes and clean them out it will be ok. Can I mount this hitch without the center bolts? I don’t know if my car ever had them. Photos are bumper beam midline, passenger side frame, driver side frame. Thanks

asked by: Ken K

Expert Reply:

Thank you for the photos of your 2006 Honda Pilot, but the center bolts are still needed to install the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98851.

What you will need to do - if you can - is drill the holes in the bumper beam, though I can't quite tell from the photo if you have the needed space available there at the bumper.

Failing that, the best option for you is going to be to mount a different hitch that does not require you to use the bumper beam or center bolt holes, just the holes on the frame rail, and that would be the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75599.

expert reply by: Kyle S