Solution for Newly Installed Trailer Hitch that is Hitting Muffler on Vehicle

Updated 04/30/2018 | Published 04/27/2018

Question:

I had Rack Attack in Portland OR. The vertical part of the rack that passes the rear of the muffler is very close to the muffler. Once the car has been driven a bit and thus the muffler heats up and expands it is almost touching. Any bump or event the auto start stop of the engine causes enough motion for it to hit. Ive taken it back to the shop several times 5 and no fix yet. What can be done. The muffler hangars are in very good shape.

asked by: Arthur S

Expert Reply:

The issue you are describing is actually not terribly uncommon. Occasionally, a newly installed trailer hitch will come very close or make contact with a vehicle's exhaust system, even when everything is installed properly. We actually have a great article that addresses this exact problem, along with some suggested methods for resolving it, which I have attached below.

I recommend seeing if you can use a pair of vice grips to simply bend the exhaust hangers a bit at various points to allow you to raise or lower the exhaust. This might give you enough clearance to move it further away from the hitch. You can refer to the mentioned article for additional methods if this does not provide the needed clearance.

expert reply by: Chris R