What Are Weldnuts And What Hitch Will Fit A 2001 Dodge Van Using The Existing Weldnuts

Updated 09/24/2010 | Published 09/23/2010

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"

(65)

$231.94

Battery Post and Terminal Cleaner - Wire Brush

(15)

$4.84

Question:

I looked up the hitch for a 2001 Dodge full size van and found that there was a tech tip that said it would not work with existing weldnuts. First, what are weldnuts? My van does have a plate inside the frame rails with threads for a trailer hitch. It is spot welded in place. Is this what you refer to as weldnuts? If so, what trailer hitch do I use or can I remove the weldnuts/existing plate? Thanks.

asked by: Jason

Expert Reply:

Weldnuts are the nuts that a mounting bolt will thread into and are welded to the holes on the inside of the vehicles frame. Usually it is just a nut inside the vehicle frame but it might be a plate with threads. Removing the weldnuts might be very difficult since they are located inside the vehicles frame and hard to access.

I am sending a link to a video that will show how to remove corrosion inside a weldnut. This video will show you the weldnut in the frame.

On your 2001 Dodge Full Size Van I would recommend to use the Draw-Tite Class III Trailer Hitch, # 41533. This hitch is a Class III 2 inch hitch and has the same specifications as the Curt Hitch, # 13015, that you have referenced. It can be installed using the existing weldnuts on your vehicle. You will want to clean the corrosion out of the weldnuts with a wire brush battery post cleaner like the Deka Wire Brush, # DW00254, and the LubriMagic Spray Penetrant. This will make it easier for the mounting bolts to thread into. The video link I mentioned above will show you how to clean the weldnuts.

Using the Draw-Tite # 41533 hitch will be an easier installation for you since your vehicle has the existing weldnuts. I am sending a link to the installation instructions of the Draw-Tite hitch.

expert reply by: Jeff D