Trimming the Appearance Panel to Install a Trailer Hitch on a 2014 Honda CR-V
Updated 03/25/2014 | Published 03/21/2014
Question:
On a 2014 Honda install. The video doesnt show the cutting of the plastic underframe. Directions for cutting are a bit vague. I thought I read that it is possible to leave the panel on and make the cuts for the install...???? Is this a possibility or does the cover go over the hitch after it is installed. I just got the hitch today and the Honda a couple of days ago. I have not looked under the cr-v yet to see how the panel looks.. Also are the vague directions for cutting the panel correct or are they somewhat off on the measurements. I have read different stories on this and it seems that there are discrepencies. It is too bad that the video you show does not also show the proper cutting of the panel.
asked by: Roger J
Expert Reply:
When installing a trailer hitch on a 2014 Honda CR-V the appearance panel can be trimmed or removed. I have linked a video that does show the panel being trimmed.
The instructions do show exactly where the panel needs to be trimmed. I have included that picture. The shaded area is the area that needs to be trimmed. The issue is that there can be slight variances amongst vehicles so you would use it as a guide.
The picture is indicating you need to measure 17 inches over from that one point on the panel. The area that needs to be trimmed is 8-1/2 inches by 4-1/4 inches. You could do the measuring or you could put the hitch in place then hold the panel up to see where the interference is and trim accordingly.
The panel does not really serve any purpose so it would be easier to just leave it off.
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