Do etrailer Trailer Hitch Mounting Brackets Fit Over Existing Brackets on 2016 Honda Odyssey

Question:

On my 2016 Honda Odyssey, there is a bracket attached to each frame rail near the hitch flange mounting holes. The edges of these brackets prevent the hitch flanges from being mounted flush on the frame rails. The provided instructions with installation images of an Odyssey appear to show these brackets, but it is not clear 1 if the hitch flanges are positioned over portions of the brackets or 2 if the hitch flanges are positioned next to e.g., adjacent, but not over any portion of the brackets. With installation condition 1, it does not seem safe to attach the hitch flanges over portions of the brackets because then the hitch flanges are not flush on the frame rails. Without some modification of the brackets, installation condition 2 is not possible on my van due to the location of the brackets. Please advise how to proceed. The attached photos show how close the brackets are to the mounting holes on each frame rail.

asked by: Dan G

Expert Reply:

To install the etrailer Trailer Hitch # e98862 on your 2016 Honda Odyssey you will put the brackets of the hitch over the flanges you're talking about. Once you torque down the hardware the hitch will be secured to the frame of your vehicle and will "clamp" against those brackets you're asking about.

Attached is an installation video where you can see this done.

expert reply by: Jon G