How to Install the Harley Davidson Hitch Cover # HDHCY12 in a GM 2-1/2 Inch OEM Hitch

Question:

I have a 2011 GMC 2500 HD. The hitch has a sleeve in it to accomidate the 2 hitch. With the sleeve it extends 3/8 of an inch because of the lip on the sleeve. So if I purchase a hitch cover the shaft isnt long enough. I would hope that the manufactures have thought about this. I spoke to a very nic e lady who called the manufacture of this hitch cover and had given me the measurements of the holes and it not long enough. Can you please call the manufacture of this part and see if I have any options.

asked by: Kely H

Expert Reply:

I measured a similar cover, # HDHC132, and got 2-15/16 inches from the back of the cover to the center of the hitch pin hole. Since the manufacturer of the Harley-Davidson Hitch Cover, # HDHCY12, has verified that the hole in the shank on the cover is not deep enough, to install the cover on your 2011 GMC 2500 HD with 2-1/2 inch hitch and 2 inch adapter, I can think of three options for installing the cover.

First, you could use the Hitch Extender For 2 inch Trailer Hitches, # HE06, along with your 2 inch adapter.

Second, you could use the Hitch Extender with Step for 2 inch Trailer Hitches, # RP11005, along with your 2 inch adapter.

Finally, the shank on these covers is attached to the decorative cover with 4 phillips head bolts. I do not have the proper thread gauge for the bolt used but it looks like it might be a 12-24 size bolt. You could use a longer bolt, properly sized and an appropriately sized spacer, like a block of wood or a thick piece of plastic to extend the shank on the hitch cover so it will inert into your hitch and adapter far enough to securely pin. I produced a short video showing the shank measurement and the bolts that hold the shank to the cover, see link.

If you go the route of using an extension to make the cover fit, you will also need a hitch pin to secure the cover to your GM OEM 2-1/2 inch hitch because the included threaded hitch pin will not fit the hitch. I would recommend the Extra Long Trailer Hitch Receiver Lock for 2-1/2 inch hitches, # RH5-XL.

expert reply by: Bob G