[bhaydamack]

There are two tabs underneath the tail lights that need to be released with a tool or butter knife...between the red plastic and that steel ledge underneath.

Close up of tabs where the cover meets the body. Again these deserve careful attention.

Cover off and hitch bolted in.

Hitch bolts looking up from underneath. That last one is tricky due to the exhaust but just muscle the exhaust aside. Lots of room for a manual torque wrench to get these to the needed 65lbs.

Going in reverse everything clips back pretty easily.

Here’s my new-ish Passport. 2019 Sport.

That’s it.

 

[helicopterpeople]

Holy cow! OUCH.
Looks like a pain to do all that for just a hitch.
I am considering adding a hitch from etrailer, the drawtite installation seems straight forward and doesnt mention anything about removing bumper cover.
Is this the oem hitch or aftermarket?

 

[Gray_Beard]

That's OEM

 

[bhaydamack]

Yes it’s OEM from Bernardini Honda parts. I looked at after market but didn’t like the look. Surprisingly this was easier than when I added a small hitch to a Subaru WRX. There I had to drop the exhaust and fish bolts through the frame.

I’m not sure I recommend the DIY route but for this but since I did it it was worth documenting.

 

[Zulk44]

All great info, nicely done. I also found this video on youtube to help.

 

[CHEFERMAN65]

Holy cow! OUCH.
Looks like a pain to do all that for just a hitch.
I am considering adding a hitch from etrailer, the drawtite installation seems straight forward and doesnt mention anything about removing bumper cover.
Is this the oem hitch or aftermarket?

Because it isn't necessary. You most certainly can and add 2 hours on to the task. I would add 4 detailing it.

 

[WCPort]

Holy cow! OUCH.
Looks like a pain to do all that for just a hitch.
I am considering adding a hitch from etrailer, the drawtite installation seems straight forward and doesnt mention anything about removing bumper cover.
Is this the oem hitch or aftermarket?

Removing the bumper isn't necessary. I installed the OEM without removing the bumper and while it's still a pain in the ass because of tight spaces, very doable.

 

[helicopterpeople]

There are two tabs underneath the tail lights that need to be released with a tool or butter knife...between the red plastic and that steel ledge underneath.
View attachment 9048

Close up of tabs where the cover meets the body. Again these deserve careful attention. View attachment 9049

Cover off and hitch bolted in. View attachment 9050

Hitch bolts looking up from underneath. That last one is tricky due to the exhaust but just muscle the exhaust aside. Lots of room for a manual torque wrench to get these to the needed 65lbs. View attachment 9051

Going in reverse everything clips back pretty easily.
View attachment 9053

Here’s my new-ish Passport. 2019 Sport.
View attachment 9054

That’s it.

There are two tabs underneath the tail lights that need to be released with a tool or butter knife...between the red plastic and that steel ledge underneath.
View attachment 9048

Close up of tabs where the cover meets the body. Again these deserve careful attention. View attachment 9049

Cover off and hitch bolted in. View attachment 9050

Hitch bolts looking up from underneath. That last one is tricky due to the exhaust but just muscle the exhaust aside. Lots of room for a manual torque wrench to get these to the needed 65lbs. View attachment 9051

Going in reverse everything clips back pretty easily.
View attachment 9053

Here’s my new-ish Passport. 2019 Sport.
View attachment 9054

That’s it.

Do you happen to have a link where u purchased the OEM hitch? And the rear bumper valence? I have the PP sport and cannot find that lower bumper plastic valance piece that the hitch goes into....and I would hate to cut out the plastic so the hitch is flush with it.

 

[bhaydamack]

I ordered the hitch from bernardiparts.com. It’s the oem hitch from Honda. The hitch will come bundled with the appropriate valance — you don’t have to buy it separately.

 

[helicopterpeople]

I ordered the hitch from bernardiparts.com. It’s the oem hitch from Honda. The hitch will come bundled with the appropriate valance — you don’t have to buy it separately.

Only reason I am planning on installing OEM hitch is solely for that plastic valance piece so it looks like its actually original part of the car.
Great info, thanks.