Professional Installation
Convenient Service

Trailer Hitches
Bike Racks
Running Boards
Roof Rails

The 2017–2018 RDX hitch uses two existing weldnuts near the rear of the frame plus two additional attachment points reached through frame access openings. Those enclosed locations use handled nuts that must be positioned inside the rails before the receiver can be fully tightened.

1. Inspecting and Cleaning the Rear Weldnuts

The two factory weldnuts are cleaned with lubricant, compressed air, and a thread-safe brush. The metric bolts are started by hand to confirm that the threads are sound before the hitch is raised.

2. Aligning the Receiver at the Factory Locations

The hitch is supported against the frame and loosely secured at the two weldnuts. Leaving the bolts loose allows the forward hitch slots to align naturally with the enclosed-frame attachment points.

3. Positioning the Handled Nuts Inside the Frame

Each handled nut is shaped and inserted through the frame access opening, then centered over the open mounting hole. The handle is controlled so the nut cannot rotate or disappear into the rail while the bolt is started.

4. Installing the Forward Structural Bolts

High-strength bolts and conical-toothed washers are passed through the hitch plates and frame into the handled nuts. All four mounting points are tightened evenly so the receiver sits squarely against the vehicle.

5. Applying the Two Torque Specifications

The half-inch hardware is torqued to 110 lb-ft and the metric hardware to 86 lb-ft. We finish by inspecting receiver centering, hitch-to-frame contact, fascia clearance, and safety-chain access.