My Trailer Hitch Won't Fit Because of a Cover Under My Vehicle

Updated 07/16/2026 | Published 07/12/2026

Question:

I bought this hitch and followed the instructions exactly but ran into trouble trying to put the hitch in place. There is a charcoal gray felt like cover that prevents the hitch from raising up to the bumper. This is a 2017 CR-V touring model.

asked by: Brian

Expert Reply:

Hey Brian!

The charcoal gray felt-like cover under your 2017 Honda CR-V is for sound deadening and can be trimmed for the installation of your etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" # e98848. This will not hurt the install or the vehicle, but your drive may be just a little louder depending on how much of the cover is trimmed.

How did you find the rest of the install? Are you using this hitch to tow a trailer or to carry accessories?

expert reply by: Jerry B

view from below of e98848 installed with charcoal gray felt-like sound deadening cover
(click to enlarge)

Karl

7/15/2026

We had ours installed by my local auto shop. They had done some previously for some people in the shop and maybe some customers. We have only used it once to pull a small U-Haul trailer from South Bend, Ind., to the Cleveland, Ohio, area. It traveled nicely. It did consume more gas than our normal travel. I am pleased with the hitch.

Jerry B.

7/16/2026

@Karl Thanks for sharing! How often do you use the hitch now? Was there any feedback from the shop about the install?

Karl

7/16/2026

@JerryB So far, we have only used it that one time, but we need to move stuff from brother's condo to here and that maybe several trips. Apparently the installation didn't cause any problems. Thanks.

Jerry B.

7/16/2026

@Karl Sounds great! If ever you need anything else, give us a call or shoot me an email and I'll get you taken care of!

Steve

7/15/2026

Brian - It hurts to start snipping pieces from your new car doesn't it? I doubt cutting a bit of the sound deadening will be noticeable. Yours likely also has a sensor for the foot hatch opener. The eTrailer and other YouTube videos help a lot. My 2026 CR-V hybrid is a lower end model. I only had to cut some of the underside of the bumper. The hitch is great - sturdy and unobtrusive.