That was an absolutely wonderful fall trip...I highly recommend it!
About the hitch....as noted before, Dub couldn't get 3 of the bottom cladding bolts in after the hitch install...but when I had the rear skid plate installed, my mechanic did get the skid and cladding lined up and in the holes....
I haven't noticed any bulging or embossing on the rear cladding from the hitch pressing on it...
Apparently the hitch dimensions were close enough to allow it when it was forced with vice-grips...??