How to Install a Trailer Hitch on a Honda CR-V (2017-2024)
Adding a trailer hitch to a Honda CR-V requires a Draw-Tite 76128 trailer hitch, a standard toolbox with basic auto shop tools, and a short amount of time to complete the installation. In this guide, we’ll show you the U-Haul and DIY trailer hitch installation process for Honda CR-V model years 2017-2025.
Visit a U-Haul Moving Center® to Install Hitch on Honda CRV (2017-2025)
All U-Haul Moving Centers can install a hitch to your Honda CRV and with over 1,500 U-Haul centers throughout the country, you can have your hitch installed and be back on the road in no time.
All trailer hitches sold and installed at a U-Haul Moving Center® come with the option of a lifetime warranty plan guaranteed to replace your hitch with no limitation for any damage, including collision, corrosion, accidental overload, jackknifing, and vehicle theft.
How Much Does It Cost to Add a Hitch for a Honda CR-V (2017-2025)?
The price range of a hitch for a Honda CR-V ranges from $125 to $175. U-Haul carries several different classes of hitches and offers different sizes to accommodate both 1¼ to 2-inch receivers.
Trailer hitch Installation costs are normally $100 to $200 but you should check with your local U-Haul Moving Center® as prices can differ based on location, hitch model, and vehicle specifications.
How Long Does It Take to Install a Hitch on a Honda CR-V (2017-2025)?
Installation takes anywhere from 1 to 2 ½ hours depending on the hitch being installed and your vehicle. We recommend you make an online appointment from our website to accommodate your busy schedule.
Tools Needed for Your Hitch Installation:
1. Prep the Underbody
Secure the exhaust and crossmember with a ratchet strap to prevent it from falling. Then, use exhaust pliers to detach the hanger brackets at each muffler and the center rubber isolator.
Pro tip: spray down the brackets and rubber isolator with soapy water to make them easier to remove.
| Support the Exhaust | Remove Hanger Brackets | Remove Rubber Isolator |
Then you want to remove the underbody panel by removing the 4 push pins with a flathead screwdriver and 2 nuts using a 10-millimeter socket.
| Remove Push Pins | Remove Nuts | |
Use straight cut shears to complete this task. Make sure to use the toe loop as your center point for your bumper fascia markings. Then use your power drill with a file bit to shave down and smooth the sides of your trim.
| Remove Push Pins | Remove Nuts | |
2. Feed Fish Wire Into the Frame
On the driver and passenger side frame you will need to fish wire carriage bolts through the access hole to the attachment points on the vehicle’s frame. Do this by putting the coiled end through the most rear attachment point and out the bigger access hole. Use your finger to fish it out and then attach your carriage bolt and block to the coiled end and push the block into the frame followed by the bolt to pull it through the hole.
| Feed Coiled End Through | Attach Bolt & Block | Pull Bolt Down the Hole |
3. Raise the Hitch into Position
If you don’t have a hitch jack we recommend that you request help from another person to lift the hitch. When you lift the hitch make sure to attach it the toe loop with the bumper fascia over it. Before raising it all the way, pull the fish wires through each corresponding hole to prevent the bolt from being pushed back into the frame rail. Pop the wiring harness located on the left side out of place then raise hitch all the way.
| Slightly Raise to Toe Loop | Pull Fish Wire | Pop Out Wiring Harness |
4. Install Hardware
Install provided hardware through the tow hook. Take the carriage bolt through the hitch and tow hook, with the spacer. Then take the lock washer and attach it with the nut. Place the canonical washer's teeth side up onto previously install carriage bolts.
5. Tighten and Torque Hitch
Tighten and torque all carriage bolts down according to the manufacturer's specification using the torque wrench and 17mm socket. Bolt located on tow hook will need the 19mm socket.
6. Re-install Exhaust Hangers
Finally, we will re-install the previously removed exhaust hangers to raise the exhaust back into its natural position.
Nice! You should now have your trailer hitch installed on your Honda CR-V.
Do You Need a Wiring Kit for Honda CR-V (2017-2024)?
If you are planning to tow a trailer or camper with brake lights, running lights, and turn signal, you will want a wiring kit to power the lights on your trailer. The most common lighting harness comes in a 4 pin and 7 pin connector. The 4- way connector has basic lighting functions (running lights, brake lights, turn signal) while the 7-way connector adds a 12-volt circuit, circuit for electric trailer brakes, and reverse lights. U-Haul offers both 4-way and 7-way connectors. Find out which option is best for your Honda CR-V.