Is There a Relocation Sensor Kit for Installing a Trailer Hitch on a 2021 Honda CR-V

Published 03/10/2023

Question:

I have a 2021 Honda CRV touring, I would like to add a trailer hitch however, it blocks the foot sensor for the hands-free hatch lift, I can find a bracket to relocate the sensor. I just can’t find a bracket for the 2021 model. I’ve been told sometimes after installing your hitch, the sensor will work, what can I do? Yes, the sensor is blocked and does not work.

asked by: Casey

Helpful Expert Reply:

Sometimes we've heard that someone can get the sensor to pick up their foot to either side of the hitch receiver, like the etrailer # e98848 for your 2021 Honda CR-V Touring, but this isn't a concrete thing and can be hit and miss as you've discovered.

The best solution right now is to reach out to your local Honda dealer to see if they have anything that will help with this. Unfortunately from what I'm seeing at this time (March 2023) there isn't a relocation kit so you might be stuck with choosing the hands-free liftgate vs a trailer hitch. Personally I would probably go ahead and install the trailer hitch so I can get good use out of it, but I also understand the Hands-Free Liftgate is a huge draw towards that model and it would be a big sacrifice to give it up.

I'm honestly not sure why this is even an issue anymore to be honest. The lift-gate and hitch fitment issue has been a thing for a while now and the manufacturers come out with the relocation kits but they should really be locating the sensors in areas where the hitch won't be an issue.

expert reply by: Jon G