Correcting Gap Between Hitch Mounting Bracket and Truck Frame for Curt # C31023 Hitch

Published 01/09/2015

Question:

I just installed my front hitch on my 2013 3500 HD Chevy Duramax. All went well and I am very happy with it and the installation. One thing to comment on though The frame on my pickup has approximately 1/8inch welded spacers on the inside of the frame around the 2 bumper bolts thus leaving a gap between the frame and the hitch supports where the load tow bolts go. So I had to install washers between the truck frame and the hitch frame to allow the bolts to draw tight without bending the hitch frame. Suggestion would be to weld spacers on the hitch frame around the load tow loop bolt to allow easier installation. thanks for allowing my input

asked by: Craig C

Expert Reply:

Sometimes during shipping hitches will bend slightly. It could have been that the mounting brackets of the Curt hitch part # C31023 got slightly bent and that is why you had a small gap between the bracket and the frame of the truck. Typically we recommend people use an open stairwell or a large vice to apply leverage to the brackets so that they can be bent back.

As long as the metal doesn't crease or paint doesn't flake off during either the initial bend or the bending back the integrity of the hitch will be intact.

expert reply by: Jameson C