Facia Trimming on a 2013 Jeep Compass Sport

Updated 05/28/2013 | Published 05/22/2013

Question:

If I install the Curt Hitch #13081 does the cut out start at the very bottom of the bumper facia so that when cut out the bumper has a break in the bottom line of the bumper facia? Is this so the safety chain retainer can be slid up through this opening? Finally what kind of cutting tool or tools is to be used in cutting this opening? Thanks

asked by: Les B

Expert Reply:

When installing the Curt Class III Trailer Hitch, # C13081, on a 2013 Jeep Compass Sport, the fascia trimming will start at the bottom of the rear bumper fascia. This will create a break in the bottom line of the bumper fascia. I have attached an installation video on a 2012 Compass that details how to trim the fascia. The Compass in the video is one year older than your Compass, but the installation process and fascia trimming will be the same.

The trimming starts at the bottom of the bumper fascia to allow for enough room to slide in the receiver portion of the trailer hitch. The entire receiver will not sit above the bottom of the rear fascia, so the bottom must be cut out for the receiver to fit properly. Check out the photo that I attached showing the position of the receiver and the bumper fascia with the hitch in the installed position.

You can use many different tools to cut the bumper fascia. In our installation video, our installer uses tin snips and a utility knife. I would use a rotary tool to trim the fascia because it will make the process much easier and faster.

expert reply by: John H