Will B&W Trailer Hitch Receiver Interfere With Hands Free Sensor on 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid

Question

Question:

I have a new 26 Honda CR-V AWD Sport Touring Hybrid which has the tailgate lift sensor. Will this hitch interfere with that sensor function? Thanks.

asked by: Eric

0

Expert Reply:

Hey Eric! The B&W Trailer Hitch # BW97BR won't cause you to lose the hands free functionality on your 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring. What it will do is block the sensor right in the middle where the receiver sits. The same is true for pretty much any hitch you install on the CR-V. Placing your foot on either side of the receiver will still activate the sensor.

The only exception is the EcoHitch Stealth # EH25KR. This has a removable receiver so it will only interfere when the receiver is attached to the hitch. The price is quite a bit higher, but you also get a clean look when you aren't towing or carrying accessories. If it were me, I would deal with the partial loss where the receiver sits and save some money.

What will you be using the hitch for?

expert reply by: Robin H

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B&W Trailer Hitch
(click to enlarge)

Eric

2/19/2026

Hey, Robin. Thank you so much for your reply. I agree, losing functionality only where the receiver is, is pretty insignificant in my mind. The hitch will only be used to attach a Thule double bike rack for traditional bikes, not e-bikes so the load is minimal.

Robin H.

2/19/2026

@Eric perfect, that’ll be a great setup. Even if you had e-bikes it wouldn't be a problem for the # BW97BR. If you need anything else don't hesitate to reach out!

Eric

3/10/2026

Unfortunately, the B&W hitch did to fit on my 2025 CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring. It pushed the lower bumper cover out and I would have had to cut too much of the hands-free kick sensor.

Eric

3/10/2026

See my review of the B&W Trailer Hitch # BW97BR for more details and photos.

Eric

4/19/2026

Hi, Robin. I just not got around to installing the BW97BR on our 26 Honda CR-V AWD Sport Touring Hybrid. I need to bring to your attention that the cross bar of the hitch and the tailgate lift sensor are incompatible. There is a housing on the driver's side of the tail gate lift sensor assembly where the connectors plug into that interferes with the cross bar of the hitch and not by just a little bit. There is just no way they can live together. Additionally, the bumper facia would need to be trimmed back deep into the sensor bar and probably well past where the long tube-like sensor sits. I removed the sensor and did need to also trim the bumper facia beyond the instructions to accommodate the safety loops on both sides of the hitch. Just wanted to let you know.

Answer 1

Hi Rob, both the etrailer hitch part #e98848 and the EcoHitch part #EH25KR will install and function properly on your 2026 CR-V Hybrid Sport Touring, so you’re not risking choosing a hitch that won’t work. Both hitches use a hidden cross tube and…

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Answer 2

Hi Deb! There are quite a few hitches available for your 2025 Honda CR-V Hybrid and I have the 2" receiver options (best size for what you are wanting) listed below with their corresponding weights. Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit -…

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Answer 3

Hey Javier, we have the etrailer hitch part #e98848 that fits your 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid Touring and will allow access to the hands free liftgate function but you will need to kick to either side of the hitch opening. Will you be carrying a bike…

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Answer 4

Hey Erica, thanks for reaching out! Since your 2026 Honda CR-V is a Hybrid we're a bit limited on the hitch options, and you'll need to get one that does require some fascia cutting. For this, I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver…

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Answer 5

Hey Ann, it looks like you went with the Curt hitch part #C13397 which is ai confirmed fit for your 2025 Honda CR-V hybrid and will work great for you. Will you be towing with the hitch?

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Answer 6

Hey Manning, I checked the reviews for all of the hitches we offer for your 2025 Honda CR-V and all of them except one had people tell us their hands free liftgate stopped working. The only hitch we offer that allows it to still function is the Draw…

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Answer 7

Hey Bob, there might be a way to add rubber grip to the Caliber Vehicle Ramps with Wheel Chocks #CA24AJ but that's not something we have info on or a recommended way to do so.

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Answer 8

Hey Napoleon! The perfect hitch for your 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid Sport is the etrailer #e98848. This is a Class III hitch with a bolt-on installation and a limited lifetime warranty. It also features a matte black finish which blends well with OEM…

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Answer 9

Hey Matt, thanks for reaching out! The only time crossbars can be adjusted on a vehicle is when it has raised rails or multiple mounting points built into the frame. Since your 2026 Honda CR-V is only available with flush rails or a naked roof the…

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Answer 10

Hello Henry, There are a few trailer hitch receivers that fit a 2025 Honda CR-V hybrid, starting with the EcoHitch #EH25KR. However, it's important to note this is specifically for the Hybrid Sport Touring models, so if that's your model,…

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Answer 11

Hello David. With any after market hitch, it is possible for it to get in the way of the sensor for your hands-free tailgate, especially when in use. The EcoHitch Stealth Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2" #EH25KR is going to be your best…

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Answer 12

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Will B&W Trailer Hitch Receiver Interfere With Hands Free Sensor on 2026 Honda CR-V Hybrid

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