Do the Curt or Etrailer Hitches Interfere w/the Hands Free Tailgate Sensors on a 2023 Nautilus?

Updated 03/21/2026 | Published 03/11/2026

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(274)

$191.18

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

(81)

$221.50

Question:

Do the Curt and Etrailer hitches interfere with the hands free tailgate sensors?

asked by: Frank W

Expert Reply:

No, they do not Frank! Neither the Curt item # C78KR or our etrailer Hitch item # e36RR will stop you from using your hands free tailgate feature on your 2023 Lincoln Nautilus. You'll lose the range right in the center below your bumper but you won't want to kick there anyways after you install a hitch. You'll need to kick to the left or right.

For your 2023 Lincoln Nautilus, I recommend our etrailer Hitch item # e36RR. This custom fit hitch has a 2" receiver and includes all the hardware you'll need to get it installed. It has a matte finish that offers better rust and scratch protection than the Curt item # C78KR. That matte finish also allows the hitch to blend in better beneath your Nautilus's trim.

What do you plan on using your new hitch for?

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