Troubleshooting Hitch for 2002 Ford Explorer Sport Trac That Was Bent During Shipping

Updated 01/26/2021 | Published 01/23/2021

Question:

hi i bought a trailer hitch for a 2002 ford explorer sport trac and it will not fit wont go under the metal of the bummer and i cant wiggle it to line up to go under it. was i send the wrong one

asked by: Lori R

Expert Reply:

I was able to check your order and you did get the Draw-Tite # 75112 but sometimes hitches can get slightly bent during shipping. As long as the hitch is only slightly bent, this can be fixed by bending the hitch back into place; if yours isn't lining up I can almost guarantee that is what happened. Some people will use open steps for leverage, vices and even car jacks to apply controlled force to bend the hitch back.

You will want to look for flaking paint and physical stress marks on the hitch before and after you attempt to bend the hitch back. If you see any of those signs on the hitch you should not use the hitch on your vehicle as it has been fatigued to the point of not being safe to use.

If this doesn't get the hitch back into place just let us know and we can help you get a new one. I've also linked the installation video of this hitch for you to reference back to when you do get the hitch bent back into shape.

expert reply by: Erik B