Installing etrailer Trailer Hitch # e62AR on 2018 Cadillac XT5

Published 12/28/2017

Question:

This is regarding the bolts for a etrailer hitch installation on a 2018 Cadillac XT5 non platinum. Is there a method to hold the bolts in place while the hitch is being installed so as to prevent bumping the bolts thereby pushing one or more of the bolts out of the hole and into the frame rail? Once that should occur it would be very difficult to try to fish the bolts out of the frame rail. Is there is a type of a retaining simi-flat washer that could resolve this issue?

asked by: MikeB

Expert Reply:

When installing the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e62AR, which is confirmed to fit your 2018 Cadillac XT5, you will want to use the included pull wire to feed the carriage bolts and spacers into the frame rails. Leaving the pull wires attached, you will then feed the carriage bolts through the bracket holes and raise the hitch into position. At this point you can remove the pull wires and loosely install the hex nuts and conical washers to the hitch.

I definitely recommend having an extra set of hands when raising the hitch into position. The carriage bolts should be long enough that even if bumped when raising the hitch, it should not be enough to knock them out of place and into the frame rail.

I have attached an installation video on the 2017 Cadillac XT5 that you can use for reference. The process on your model vehicle will be identical.

expert reply by: Chris R