Draw-Tite Sportframe Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class I - 1-1/4"

I got this last week for my 2022 Bolt EV and just got around to installing it this weekend. It appears as though there are a couple of changes on the 2022 vs earlier years.

There is a small panel on the bottom of the bumper which must come off for the installation, this required the removal of 2 screws using a T-15 torx bit. Without this panel, the hitch mounts on perfectly with no cutting of the bumper required. I ended up trimming the panel and then reinstalling it to provide an extra bit of stiffness for the rear bumper. No judging my cuts in the attached pics, I made them a bit better afterward but they do the job.
All in all this was about a 30 minute install, easiest thing I've done in a car in quite a while and it is almost invisible once installed.1435864

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Fits like a glove. For Bolt EV 2023, no need to cut any plastic. Works perfect with 1up rack1478035

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by: Dustin 10/13/2022

Chevrolet

This is an awesome hitch. It works great and the electric motor on the bolt has incredible torque and horsepower. I probably haul too much weight. the wiring on the chevy bolt is hard to figure out. You have to get the turn signal power from the bumper and run the wires in through the outflow vents where the spare tire would be. Then the car has 2 sets of brake lights. The hatch back ones only work when the trunk is closed. Keep that in mind when looking for power. There is a wiring connector in the upholstery near the left rear window right by the hatch back. I got my power from just aft of that connector for the brake lights. Hope the info helps with your wiring.1447692

by: Carl11/06/2022

Bolted up to the frame just fine and I've been using it for a year now. Makes a great bike rack and cargo mounting point. And I'm able to tow very light trailers. Note that the Bolt is not rated for towing anything and I do not recommend using it as a tow rig.1464159

by: Jeffys04/19/2020

The Draw-Tite hitch on my '19 Chevy Bolt is trouble free and working perfectly after one year. I work slowly and the easy installation still took less than 1 hour. The hitch is barely noticeable. The minor cut made to the plastic under-part was easy and not an issue.

For comparison, my previous Curt hitch receiver was REALLY loose, allowing my bike rack and bike to bounce all around. The Draw-Tite is snug and worthy of 5 stars. 783103

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Perfect for on my 19 Chevy Bolt - no wiggles, easy to put bike rack on and off. I still recommend Draw-Tite,

Jeffys - 04/20/2021

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by: Thomas 10/22/2022

If you are handy and have tools, you can install this. It looks good and does it's job. I use a canoe loader to put a 16 ft canoe on top of my Bolt.1453879

Draw-Tite hitch arrived within 2-3 days of ordering, in good condition. Paint was scraped off each side by packing materials, so I painted over the bare spots with some spare paint. Installation on 2019 Chevy Bolt is straightforward. Documentation is good. Installation took me about an hour, as I took the opportunity to teach my son about deep sockets & how to use a torque wrench, etc. My main problem was that I have no experience with the plastic connectors that hold the plastic bumper panel to the frame of the car, and I didn't remove them correctly. I should have paid more attention to available videos! I include a photo of the connector in my review. You must first remove the middle "spike", which serves to spread the connector in the hole - like a masonry anchor. I tried to pry the entire connector from the hole, which tore up the biting sides. But I was still able to re-use the connector after removing it. Worst part of the installation was cutting the needed opening in the plastic bumper of my new car - which I did with a drill & coping saw. But it looks good when done. I believe the opening required for the Draw-Tite hitch is an inch wider than required for the Curt hitch, but not sure about that.

I plan to use the hitch to tow my small aluminum boat about 85 miles to a lake during the summer. Until now I've been pulling it with a mid-size sedan. Main difference I notice about this hitch on the Bolt is that the trailer is louder in the cabin of the bolt - presumably due to the way the hitch is attached to the main under-frame of the Bolt. The Bolt showed no problems pulling my boat, and handled confidently.

I used the same coupler & 2" ball I've been using with my previous car. Pre-distressed. One nice surprise when I backed my car up to the trailer is that the ball is visible in the Bolt's backup camera! (My previous car didn't have a backup camera.) But I did still find it difficult to gauge the horizontal distance between my trailer socket and the ball when backing up. Hopefully will get better with a little experience.734329

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No problems after pulling my boat to the lake a dozen times during the first year with the hitch.

Jeff - 12/27/2020

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by: Paul04/27/2022

Haul a 400lb trailer no problem no issu es!!!1291415

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by: Joe B08/09/2022

Chevrolet

As noted, installation did require trimming the rear bumper plastic for Chevy Bolt. This tow bar (hitch receiver) has been excellent. Withstood abuse.1350530

Fit, construction, and installation instructions were very good. 4 stars only because this is not manufactured in the USA like other etrailer products I've purchased.1425057

by: Tynan07/26/2022

I attached it to my 2017 electric Chevy bolt. Easy enough to attach. It was my first attempt at setting up any type of hitch receiver. I watched a couple [online] tutorials and it took me a couple hours (I took a lot of breaks as it was really hot that day.)1338775

This hitch installed easily on my 2017 Chevy Bolt. I used a vibrating Ridgid hand tool with a half circle blade witch was perfect for the job. After cut used a razor blade tool to remove burs left from cut, came out perfectly. Hitch mounted easily wife helped me lifting it behind rear bumper fascia and holding in place while I put on bolts. Took us under a hour total after initially trying to cut fascia with vinal siding cutters which didn't work. I ordered the hitch on Sunday, it shipped to me before I got up on Monday and had it delivered on the east coast by Wednesday/Thursday on regular shipping. Everything was great all around.730186

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The hitch has worked out great. I easily installed it and have had no problem since. I use it up to 5 times per week, it is solid and works as designed. Price was great. And installed myself.

Thomas - 12/10/2020

103805

This Hitch installed easily on my 2020 Bolt. Total time to install was about an hour and that included making a template and cutting the bumper cover for the receiver clearance that needs to be made.
The hitch looks to be well made and there were no scratches on it when I removed it from the packaging box.1091170

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Excellent company with an excellent hitch!!
The instructional video was very well done and super helpful.
I am pretty mechanically inclined and had all the appropriate tools, so it only took me about an hour to install.
Highly recommended product... thanks!!1240016

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Great hitch, easy to install. Other hitches that have 2" receivers require removing the bumper. As far as install goes, this one is very simple. It took me about 45 minutes and the longest part was cutting the lower trim. The instructions call for a cut far larger than needed. It's still 5" long but I shortened the horizontal by about 1/2 in on either side. I also cut more of a T shape than a rectangle so it hugs the receiver tube tighter. I am happy with it. It does sit a little lower than I hope and really cuts into the departure clearance, but no more than a typical sedan lower bumper. Instructions were easy to read.695182

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Hitch still works perfectly. Very satisfied.

Christopher - 08/29/2020

98051

I was worried that my recently released car wouldn't have a hitch that would work, but after research online, I found the correct model and etrailer.com had it for a great price. The shipping was quick and all the parts and instructions were included. It was nice to do business with a company that actually knows how do a transaction without drama! I will definitely buy from them again.401622

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Both products are still performing as they did a year ago. The hitch holds the rack perfectly and also takes my bike rack. You guys are the only ones I will use for the hitch on my next car which I will be getting in the next 6-8 months. Thanks for your excellent customer service and follow up, thats what sets you guys apart from your competitors!

Michael F - 07/06/2018

40538

Top company! Flawless design and quality for our 2021 Chevy Bolt. I picked up a couple ideas while installing that might help. I used a box cutter by stabbing the knife into my 3 1/4 by 5 inch measured line on the fascia instead of trying to make a bunch of shallow cuts. You can stab about an inch at a time and it is very clean. The center of the fascia can be found easily on the Bolt - just look for a subtle raised area on the edge, about 1/32 inch by one inch. If you are working alone, you can lift one side of the tow bar until you catch it on the 15mm frame rail bolt and then start the nut enough to hold it. Then you can easily lift up the other side and do the same thing. It's really an easy job. I think the second time you do it (with confidence), you can do it ten times faster! Great product!1057593

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by: Gerald12/20/2018

Excellent fit and simple bolt-on installation. My only trepadation was the requirement to cut out a slot in the plastic bumper cover (on my brand new car); to accommodate the hitch receiver. Two problems: determining the location and length of the slot; and actually making the cut.
Instructions were not very clear on these points, so I offer my experience in the paragraph below. I am very happy with the hitch for use with my bike rack and for moving my tow dolly around the storage yard or RV site.

Located the l-r position for the cuts by loosely aligning the hitch to the chassis w/o the first cut. I marked the cut lines to clear the plate above the receiver with a pen. Length of the cut was found with trial and error. Removed the hitch and then first tried cutting the cowling with tin-snips, then a hacksaw, finally used box cutter with success. After initial cuts of 3-to-4” along the sides, I bolted the hitch in place and continued to lengthen the slot until the cowling no longer pressed against the receiver. I could find no way to neatly make the cut across the end of the slot, so I just shortened the flap to clear the aft end of crossbar and let the rest of the flap to remain and lie unrestrained atop the receiver plate.

I have not attempted to wire up a trailer light connector to the Bolt, but some folks might appreciate your providing instructions on how to do so for small trailers.592310

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Only complaint it came a little scratched other than that the quality was five star installation took me 30 minutes from start to finish piece of cake1161384

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If you believe the scratches are excessive, please call our Customer Service at 800-298-1624. If the scratches are to the bare metal, they will need covered with anti-corrosive paint to avoid rust.

-- Sierra K - 10/05/2021

122136

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Clear instructions, relatively easy installation, feels super sturdy, and works wonderfully with my bike carrier1329661

Well pleased. Chose this one, of three that fit our vehicle, as it appeared highest off ground, lowest weight, intermediate rating, best looking structure & attachment, and easiest to install. Minor complaint that photocopied instructions difficult to read, and nut measuring system & size not specified. Website very helpful to compare all aspects of listed products, especially installation videos. Thank you.956485

Removed immediately as wrong one to share carriers with new car, but had delayed so long installing that it fell outside returns window.

Patrik - 02/12/2022

132792

I chose the Draw-Tite hitch for my Chevy Bolt EV over the Curt hitch as my two bike rack would be right at the Curt 100# tongue-weight limit, and I did not want to worry about the stabilizer straps called for in the Curt installation instructions; "WARNING:WE RECOMMEND THE USE OF 18050 STABILIZING STRAPS FOR ALL NON-TRAILER (WHEEL-LESS) LOADS". Draw-Tite hitch arrived well packaged and in new condition. All items needed to do the installation were included. Fasteners that hold the rear Bumper Fascia onto the frame were easy to remove and provided excellent access. You will need to make the cut-out for the receiver prior to mounting the hitch. Installation was easy and straight forward. Used the hitch/rack this past weekend. Easy to load and stable on rough road and at freeway speeds. I would buy this hitch again. 397766

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The installation was straight forward after watching your video.1436260

Finally a place to hang my truck nutz!

I would recommend this hitch above all other options and other vendors, even (especially) over the hitch listed on the Chevy accessory web page.

Very easy to install, took under 45 minutes. Backing up on to a set of ramps will make your job way easier. The hardest part is trimming the facia, and that's not that hard. Do use a sharp drill to make the corners, as it makes for a much cleaner corner that is less apt to tear, and make trimming easier. I used a steel rule and x-acto blade and lots and lots of passes. A jig saw will make an ugly line, not to mention cover you in plastic shavings. Over-all I'd say this is the easiest and cleanest install of a hitch possible for this vehicle. Other hitches either require the complete disassembly of the rear of the vehicle, or hang too far below the bumper for comfort, or both, and are purported to be flimsy at best. The 24956 has thick steel, good welds, and seemingly durable paint.

Be careful pulling out the plastic pins on the facia, it's a two step process. Carefully pull out the center core, then the rest of the pin will easily come out.

The fishing wires for the main bolts are a fantastic tool. I couldn't imagine doing this job without them.

The hitch itself seems very sturdy, far better than any of the other 1 1/4" competitors, and I for one plan on towing a small utility trailer. After bouncing up and down on the receiver, I feel confident that this is up to the job.

I can't wait to start dragging my toys down the road. This is an excellent match for the Chevy Bolt EV.749659

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Excellent product, price, and shipping! Had it installed in about a leisurely hour.

You'll need 15mm and 18mm sockets, and a torque wrench if you want to do it properly.

The "blocks" seemed to seat the bolt heads just a little better one side up than the other.

You don't need to remove the fascia clips til after you're done cutting the slot. A utility knife worked fine for me for cutting.

Leave the fish wire on the frame bolts til you have the hitch actually up on the car.

When you're ready to mount it it works best if you're underneath, head first (head under the spare tire well, feet away from the car, with the hitch on your chest. Do a bench press to get it past the fascia and onto the bumper bolts. Put the bumper nuts on loosely and then fish the frame bolts through the slots.

Before you tighten everything up, make sure you don't have part of the wheel well liner caught up against the frame where the frame bolts are.

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