[PP8176]

Hello 👋🏽 I have a 2019 Elite and i want to get a trailer hitch. Question for the OEM ones. Do you really need to get the sensor adapter or can i just leave it unplugged/disabled? My other option is the Curt 3, but this sits lower that if i put the bike rack the exhaust is directly pointed at the bike tires. 🤦🏽‍♂️ I dont plan on towing i just need it for bike mount rack. Ty

 

[ares]

The stealership is currently installing my 5K-rated hitch and ATF cooler. When I asked about the sensor adapter, they didnt care to check if it was in stock or not and just asked "are you ok with that not being installed at this time" - which leads me to believe that it's ok to not be installed.

Will post another update later this week when I (hopefully) get the car back.

 

[HarveyW]

No matter what hitch you get, the sensor in in the location where the hitch will go. The sensor adapter moves he sensor over to the right of the hitch. If you do a search on the Piloter's forum you will find several discussions on moving the sensor as well as modifying the sensor.

 

[jasonpp]

I think people say the sensor still works with Curt hitch. I simply disable mine as I have accidentally triggered it while getting myself ready for snowboarding in the tailgate area. Or worse accidently open the tailgate while bike rack is in place.

 

[CC_Marauder]

The stealership is currently installing my 5K-rated hitch and ATF cooler. When I asked about the sensor adapter, they didnt care to check if it was in stock or not and just asked "are you ok with that not being installed at this time" - which leads me to believe that it's ok to not be installed.

Will post another update later this week when I (hopefully) get the car back.

Do not make the same oversight mistake I made when I had the dealership put in my 5k hitch.

Tell the dealership that you want the OEM bumper portion that they remove to install the hitch back.

You can possibly sell it you don't want to keep it for any reason.

I was pissed after I realized that I was NOT asked if I wanted to keep it at the time of my service order.

 

[el_davicho]

I installed the OEM hitch myself and I simply prepped the bracket where the shorter sensor will mount for when it is available again. I covered the female plugs to the control unit where the sensors plug into with electrical tape to keep moisture out and disabled the HFT from the head unit. I haven't missed HFT feature at all, so I may not ever install it. Also, regarding the lower rear bumper valance that gets removed in lieu of the one that comes with the hitch kit, I have two Elite (shiny black) ones sitting in my garage that no one has had any interest, so I doubt not getting it back from the dealership will hurt much. Mind you I have them listed for sale for $20 too 😆

 

[CC_Marauder]

Duly noted.

 

[jppelec]

 

[ProdGirl]

I disconnected my kick sensor since it worked about 2 out of 10 times, and disabled it from the infotainment center. If I can’t get my tailgate open with the keyfob, button inside or button at the hitch, I’ve got bigger problems…

 

[Laurie]

I had a trailer hitch installed by the dealer when I got my new '19 Elite four years ago. They moved the sensor over a few inches to the right side and told me exactly what they had to do and why. At the time, I had a need for the hitch but I almost never use it anymore but still glad I have it. I never use the sensor, it's more trouble than it's worth.

 

[jppelec]

I disconnected my kick sensor since it worked about 2 out of 10 times, and disabled it from the infotainment center. If I can’t get my tailgate open with the keyfob, button inside or button at the hitch, I’ve got bigger problems…

I usually have to kick twice to get the kick sensor to work but my dog never fails to get the hatch to one when she is in the yard with me and I have the key fob on me.🤷‍♂️ And no I haven’t been able to get a video of her doing it.

 

[louierg]

Hello 👋🏽 I have a 2019 Elite and i want to get a trailer hitch. Question for the OEM ones. Do you really need to get the sensor adapter or can i just leave it unplugged/disabled? My other option is the Curt 3, but this sits lower that if i put the bike rack the exhaust is directly pointed at the bike tires. 🤦🏽‍♂️ I dont plan on towing i just need it for bike mount rack. Ty

The adapter is not used often by me. It requires one to know the sweet spot. That said. Today with hands full, the old foot to the sweet spot made access easy.

 

[ares]

I've had a good 90%+ chance of opening the rear with the kick function. Maybe only didnt work once or twice...

Do not make the same oversight mistake I made when I had the dealership put in my 5k hitch.

Tell the dealership that you want the OEM bumper portion that they remove to install the hitch back.

You can possibly sell it you don't want to keep it for any reason.

I was pissed after I realized that I was NOT asked if I wanted to keep it at the time of my service order.

Other than storing and selling, what good will it be for me to keep?

 

[jasonpp]

I've had a good 90%+ chance of opening the rear with the kick function. Maybe only didnt work once or twice...



Other than storing and selling, what good will it be for me to keep?

I mean you can take the hitch off when you trade in the vehicle to get some money back.

 

[Mk7se]

Here's the scoop on the the trailer hitch and sensor...Or at least as it was on my '21 Touring.
I thought I'd install the hitch myself as I didn't care about the wiring harness, and I did my '18 Pilot without issue.
I had no idea the Touring came with the foot sensor, but was always puzzled when shopping for the hitch the parts guys would ask me which hitch did I want as I thought there was just one.

So, I get under the car and take off the rear valence and put the hitch on, only to find that there is an inner piece to the valence. I struggled for 2 hours trying to get the valence to go on. Then I noticed 2 long "antennas" that come in from either side of the valence. These rods are the kick sensors. The sensor is not just some circle thing. They are long "antennas" which allow them to capture the sweeping motion of your foot. When it's installed at the dealer, and you have the foot sensor, that hitch is a different part that comes with a different inner valence that has shorter antennas as to not get in the way of the hitch. The dealer also has to cut a hole in the new valence where the hitch comes through. Had I known this...A. I would have paid the ransom money and had the dealer install it, and B. ordered the right hitch package.
I ended having to leave the inner valence with the "antenna" off for the hitch to fit and the outer valence to line up correctly to the mounting holes. So, I lost the foot activation which I didn't know I had but was bummed to find out I lost it. I could probably order the correct inner valance and try again, but I'm not sure I wanna cut and all that.

 

[RkFast]

The sensor barely works with a hitch. Ive sat behind my car kicking my leg like an idiot and nothing happens. Then Im tailgating at the Bills game and the rear door kept closing on my head while I was sitting/standing under it.

 

[CC_Marauder]

The kick sensor works fine about 90% of the time on the first try on my 2020 with the post purchase dealer installed OEM hitch and the moved existing sensor.

I can use my left or right leg with similar results. It is the precise location of the swipe that matters.

Additionally, you can control the hatch via the settings found within the infotainment settings.

When I attach anything to my hitch or if I'm going to tailgate/fish/sit in the trunk space (while fishing), I turn off the kick sensor at the settings to avoid accidental activation.

I refuse to be outsmarted by electronics (after I read how another human programed it to operate).

 

[ProdGirl]

The kick sensor works fine about 90% of the time on the first try on my 2020 with the post purchase dealer installed OEM hitch and the moved existing sensor.

I can use my left or right leg with similar results. It is the precise location of the swipe that matters.

Additionally, you can control the hatch via the settings found within the infotainment settings.

When I attach anything to my hitch or if I'm going to tailgate/fish/sit in the trunk space (while fishing), I turn off the kick sensor at the settings to avoid accidental activation.

I refuse to be outsmarted by electronics.

DITTO! 😡🤪

 

[Steveg203]

The kick sensor works fine about 90% of the time on the first try on my 2020 with the post purchase dealer installed OEM hitch and the moved existing sensor.

I can use my left or right leg with similar results. It is the precise location of the swipe that matters.

Additionally, you can control the hatch via the settings found within the infotainment settings.

When I attach anything to my hitch or if I'm going to tailgate/fish/sit in the trunk space (while fishing), I turn off the kick sensor at the settings to avoid accidental activation.

I refuse to be outsmarted by electronics (after I read how another human programed it to operate).

I had the dealer install my hitch and they moved the sensor over. Mine works 100 percent of the time. It’s great when I’m carrying a huge bag of dog food.

 

[SC_PSTS]

Do not have the hands free sensor on the TrailSport, so this was not added