Can the Safety Tab Be Removed on Class I Trailer Hitch Receiver for a 2008 Nissan Altima

Updated 06/26/2017 | Published 06/25/2017

Question:

The bike rack I am trying to slide in will not line up with the holes. Is there a way to chip off the safety nipple/nub inside the 1-1/4 receiver?

asked by: Eddie F

Expert Reply:

The tab on the inside of the trailer hitch receiver for your 2008 Nissan Altima is meant to ensure that the user only uses Class I rated accessories in the hitch. As you can see in the attached photo.

This is more of a safety precaution as Class I receivers like # 24796 cannot handle much weight especially if that weight is sticking out further from the receiver. It could damaged the receiver and ultimately damage your accessory (in this case your bike rack and bike).

To answer your question, ultimately you can remove the tab if you really want to, but doing so will void your warranty and could eventually lead to your receiver and/or your accessory becoming damaged. I do not recommend going this route.

I recommend going with a bike rack that is rated for a Class I receiver, and I have linked our selection for you below.

expert reply by: Jon G