Will 2022 Honda Passport Hands Free Liftgate Still Work with Trailer Hitch Installed

Updated 02/02/2026 | Published 04/16/2022

Products Featured in This Question

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

(568)

$253.42

Mounting Bracket 4-Pole Flat

(6189)

$10.37

Curt Fusion Ball Mount for 2" Hitches - 2" Ball - 4" Drop - 7,500 lbs

(468)

$35.90

Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness for Factory Tow Package - 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector

(749)

$46.39

Question:

I recently bought a 2022 Honda Passport Elite with a hands-free power tailgate sensor. Ive read that installing a trailer hitch may mess with the functionality of this sensor, and that Honda sells an adapter thatll allow the sensor to work with a hitch. I dont really use this sensor would there be a drawback if I were to get only a trailer hitch and not do anything for the sensor? If I wanted to keep the sensor accessibility, can Hondas adapter be installed with either the CURT or Draw-Tite hitch, or will I need to purchase OEM hitch? Thank you.

asked by: Brianna

Expert Reply:

The Honda sensor kit you're talking about is a relocation kit so the hands-free liftgate will function as normal with a hitch installed. You can install either the Curt # C13421 or Draw-Tite # 76290 hitch on your 2022 Honda Passport and it shouldn't completely cover those sensors though. You should be able to just kick to either side of the receiver for the sensors to pick up your foot as opposed to swiping under the bumper like normal.

The adapter kit is separate from the OEM hitch (although I'm sure they would be installed at the same time) so it wouldn't matter which brand you installed. I personally like the Draw-Tite # 76290 a little more because of the higher weight rating (your Passport will still be the limiting factor) and it has a mounting bracket for wiring. If you jump to the 1:55 mark of the linked install video on a 2021 Passport Elite you'll see that the liftgate function still operates with this hitch installed.

If you were planning on using this for towing then you need the Curt T-Connector # C56291 wiring kit, the Mounting Bracket # 18144, and a ball mount kit like the Curt Fusion Ball Mount Kit # C45154.

I've also linked videos for the wiring and ball mount for you to reference.

expert reply by: Jon G

Draw-Tite Hitch Installed on 2021 Honda Passport
(click to enlarge)

Jeff

2/1/2026

Do you have the item number of that sensor relocator? I have lost the function of that foot activated lift sensor after installing my Draw-Tite hitch.