Uhaul trailer hitch/underbody panel

[Chipper]

Being old, and lazy, I had the Uhaul dealer install a hitch. He returned it saying that the instruction said to remove so much of the panel that he just left it off and put it in the cargo area. Now that I look at the instructions for the hitch, I see that 1) that's not true, only a small square needs cutting out and 2) that putting the panel back on requires removing the hitch.

Is there any reason to replace the panel other than aesthetics?

[mcfarton]

pictures of what panel you are referring to would help.

[genep]

I believe that the panel helps with aerodynamics and smooths the airflow under the car. This helps (a very small amount) with gas mileage.

[Chipper]

And looks to me like it keeps a lot of road crap from finding its way into various crevices. I put it back on.

[genep]

It is good that you put it back on. Not only for the reason that you mention, it would lower resale value if it were missing.

[G-Dub]

Here's a video of an install. Not clear, but you may be able to cut a slot instead of a hole to slip it over the tie-down hook.

http://images.etrailer.com/Merchant2...crv-36520.webm

[plparkin]

I also had a UHaul hitch #41576 installed and panel was left off. Now noticed that the drivers side rear fender is loose because it is missing. UHaul threw it away. I am waiting for a response. It looks like it would take a lot of cutting to put back on? Any suggestions?

[FLCRV]

I also had a UHaul hitch #41576 installed and panel was left off. Now noticed that the drivers side rear fender is loose because it is missing. UHaul threw it away. I am waiting for a response. It looks like it would take a lot of cutting to put back on? Any suggestions?

Exactly why I am very selective of what I allow someone else to do on my car!

[genep]

Exactly why I am very selective of what I allow someone else to do on my car!

So true! I installed my hitch.