[chindog]

Today I received my Curt 13119 hitch for my 2012 CR-V EXL. Got a good price on it, too. Bought it from JC Whitney with a 20% coupon, and the delivered price was $105. Now, it's time to put it on. The installation videos on the interwebs show the removal of the undercarriage cover, cutting out the hole where the driver's side hitch bracket will mount, and replacing the cover. I'm wondering if it is really necessary to remove the cover. Since the dimensions for the cutout are graphed out pretty well in the installation instructions, wouldn't it be possible to do the cutting without removing the panel? Has anyone ever done the installation without removing the panel?

Thanks.

Mike

 

[genep]

I installed a Curt hitch and removed the cover, as per the instructions, to cut the hole. I used a vibratory saw and cutting was very easy. If I had cut the cover in place I would have risked cutting in to the finish under the car and then getting a rusted area over time. It is your car, you can cut any way that you like.

 

[chindog]

I wound up taking off the cover to make the cut. The installation instructions said it would take 1/2 hour for a professional, or 1 hour for an amateur. It wound up taking me 3 1/2 hours, most of which was trying to figure out how the panel went back on. Also, the installation instructions, and the videos on the internet, didn't mention how to handle the insulation pad on the cover. I ripped the insulation pad from the points where it was glued, and cut out the section where I cut the cover panel. Then, I put some new adhesive down around the pad after i had made the cuts.

I still haven't mounted the hitch. But, I've got the hole on the driver's side connection ready to go.

 

[armanidog]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007JEJQP0/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

In the first and second reviews they used a Dremel to cut the cover without taking it off. That's what I plan to do when I install mine this weekend.

 

[jimirb]

I saved the piece I cut out then trimmed it to fit BACK in the hole with the hitch installed and used JB Weld Quick to cement it back in the empty space. My hope is that it would keep road salt etc. from getting to the frame. Time will tell.......

 

[MrJones]

I mounted the Curt hitch this morning. Instead of cutting out the piece of plastic, I cut three sides to make a flap. I wanted the panel back in place around the hitch. The flap can be bent to 90 degree to allow for the installation. Once installed, I cut a small piece from the flap to fit around the hitch. Then I used JB KwikWeld to glue the flap back into place.

 

[armanidog]

Just finished mine as well. I used a razor knife to cut the plastic while on the car. Very easy. If you are doing it alone, use the U-bolt to hang the hitch in place first. Just get a nut started enough to hold it. Then bolt up the side mounts. Took an hour due to some breaks (various neighbors, church folks handing out flyers, dog licking my face while I was lying on the ground, etc.)

 

[streetmechanix]

wish I'd done mrjones' way, I did trim just enough but I really feel I should replace that bottom panel and do it that way, that looks much cleaner, if you spray the jb weld with some black paint it will look even cleaner

 

[chindog]

MrJones, I think you left your flashlight inside the undercarriage panel.

I wound up taking the panel off to cut the opening. Then, when I was putting the panel back on, I got vertigo from laying on my back under the car, so now I've got the cutout done, but haven't yet mounted the hitch.

 

[donmontalvo]

Dang, I've been sitting on a Curt Class3 hitch since last Summer.

I'm finally ready to get it installed but the thought of going to U-Haul made throw up in my mouth a little.

Any recommendations for a local mechanic who can handle install on a 2014 CR-V EX-L?

 

[jimirb]

Any mechanic you trust should be able to do it for you. It REALLY isn't difficult or complicated...especially if you have a lift and a helper.

 

[genep]

Dang, I've been sitting on a Curt Class3 hitch since last Summer.

I'm finally ready to get it installed but the thought of going to U-Haul made throw up in my mouth a little.

Any recommendations for a local mechanic who can handle install on a 2014 CR-V EX-L?

I understand about U-haul. For less than what you will pay a mechanic, you can go to Harbor Freight and buy a nice rolling floor jack to make the job easier. And you will have a nice jack to use for other jobs. It really is not very difficult.

 

[13CRVEXLKC]

The install is very easy with a few basic tools, a floor jack is not needed.

 

[donmontalvo]

Any mechanic you trust should be able to do it for you. It REALLY isn't difficult or complicated...especially if you have a lift and a helper.

I have neither, and my back isn't great, so I'd rather take it to someone who won't do a hack job.

 

[donmontalvo]

I guess nobody in the DE area?

 

[donmontalvo]

I gave UHaul a call. They said sure come down by 5PM. I get there at 4:30. I'm told "Oh we don't have anyone available." Complete incompetence.

 

[jimirb]

Lucky you!

 

[donmontalvo]

My thought exactly.

U-Haul should stick to hauling stuff.

 

[Roadie-z]

Do you need a torque wrench to tighten the bolts?

 

[jimirb]

No. There are probably torque specs but it's basically get them as reasonably tight as you can.