Can Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver be Bent That Doesnt Quite Fit 2009 Honda CR-V

Question:

Hi Guys. I recently purchased the Curt hitch for a Honda CRV. It doesnt fit, I could not get the holes to align. I tried following the directions and then tried not following the directions. All paths failed. The holes are off by about 2 mm. The car has never been in an accident. I dont think I posses the means to bend the hitch metal so that the holes do align. Do you have any suggestions? Should I return it? Take it to a pro to install?

asked by: Nathan K

Expert Reply:

With trailer hitch receivers that have brackets like the Curt # 13555 receiver that you purchased for your 2009 Honda CR-V, it is not uncommon for those brackets to get slightly bent during the whole shipping process. If you wanted to return it there are chances that the replacement could get slightly bent during the whole shipping and delivering process as well. You should be able to bend it back into place and if need be you can use a mallet to assist you.

You could take it to a pro to install if you wanted to but since it sounds like you are a pretty handy guy I recommend try bending it back into place first. You can do this as long as the hitch doesn't crease or start to flake paint during this process.

I attached a link to our installation video where we installed this hitch on a similar 2009 Honda CR-V as well.

expert reply by: Jon G