Trailer Hitch Bolt Too Big for Weld Nut on 2018 Nissan Frontier

Question

Question:

Thank you for your response regarding my 2018 Nissan Frontier and only 5 of the bolt holes lining up. My truck is like new and has not been off road as to the underside. In addition, I did clean out the area in all 6 holes before attaching hitch. I am still having trouble with the 6th hole lining up to get the bolt started. I do not have the equipment to drill out the hole. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

asked by: Larry H

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

I definitely recommend installing and torquing down all 6 bolts for the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver # 75282 on your 2018 Nissan Frontier. Using only 5 of the 6 bolts will reduce the hitch's capacity to an unknown number since it was tested and rated with all the hardware in place, potentially leading to damage and injury while also voiding the hitch's warranty.

The issue you are experiencing where it looks as if the hole isn't large enough for the bolt is actually not too uncommon. Most likely the weld nut in question on your Frontier just needs a bit of cleaning. Since the underside of your vehicle is constantly exposed to dirt and moisture, open weld nuts are prone to corrosion and gunk over time.

A good method for cleaning them out is to take a spray lubricant like WD-40 and apply it to the bolt hole, letting it sit for a minute, and then rigorously scrubbing the hole with a wire brush like # 814092. You may need to repeat the process a couple times.

I have attached a great article on exactly this subject that you can also check out. If you are still having trouble please let me know and I can look into this further but you should not need to do any drilling.

expert reply by: Chris R

1

Larry

1/3/2019

Thank you for your response regarding my 2018 Nissan Frontier and only 5 of the bolt holes lining up. My truck is like new and has not been off road as to the underside. In addition, I did clean out the area in all 6 holes before attaching hitch. I am still having trouble with the 6th hole lining up to get the bolt started. I do not have the equipment to drill out the hole. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Reply

Chris R.

1/3/2019

If it's more of a case of the bolt hole/weld nut not lining up all the way with that last hole on the hitch, it's likely that the hitch was just slightly bent during shipping. This is completely normal. Because a hitch needs to flex with the vehicle during travel when it's mounted, they are made from a mild steel that can cause it to flex or bend during shipment or transport. There are a few different methods for correcting the bend if needed but you might first try to simply bolt up the hitch in a different manner. I recommend removing the hitch from your Frontier and attaching it again, this time threading in the troublesome bolt in question first, then going to the others. This may allow for enough movement to get all the bolts threaded enough to then torque them down properly. If you can't do this then I recommend using one of the methods outlined in the attached article to flex the hitch back into the correct position. Please again let me know if you still have issues and we can go from there!

Reply

Answer 1

Both hitches are class 3 with 2x2 inch receiver openings and both can use weight distribution systems. I recommend the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" #e98869. A notable difference is the safety…

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Answer 2

You are correct in that you will need to use a brake controller in order to operate the brakes on a trailer. The Curt Venturer Trailer Brake Controller part #C74VV is a fit for your 2012 Nissan Frontier and will not require any splicing so long as…

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Answer 3

Yes! I am happy to report that I confirmed Curt 7 way #118282 is 100% compatible with the new 2022 Nissan Frontier. This Tekonsha harness comes with relays to provide the lights with full functionality.

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Answer 4

The relay harness is located behind the passenger side kick panel as shown in the linked installation video. If your Pathfinder has the factory 4-pole trailer connector, the relay jumper should already be in place. You can remove the passenger kick…

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Answer 5

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

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Answer 6

We have just what you need. If you type RHK in the search box on our website it will take you to the replacement hardware kit product page. You will then simply type the number of the hitch you need hardware for in the box that is labeled Hitch Item…

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Answer 7

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

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Answer 8

Hi Richard; I'm assuming you have the Draw-Tite Max-Frame Trailer Hitch Receiver #75659. You can get new hardware through the Replacement Hardware Kit for Trailer Hitches #RHK. All you need to do is enter "75659" in the Hitch Item…

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Answer 9

Hey Mohamed, we do have replacement hardware for all of the hitches we offer with the part #RHK. You'd need to enter the part number of the hitch you have but if you aren't sure you could use the Draw Tite part #75690 that you referenced.

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Answer 10

Hey Bill thanks for the information. The C865H-9/16 in that axle tag number means you have 8 on 6-1/2 hubs with 9/16" lug studs. The Hydrastar item #HSE7K-T1, you were looking comes with 1/2" lug studs. You'll need the Hydrastar Disc…

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Answer 11

Hey Jim, the etrailer hitch part #e98912 is also a fit for the 2025 Subaru Crosstrek so it will work on your new vehicle. The install hardware is considered one time use though so replacing it is recommended. For that we have the part #RHK to get an…

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Answer 12

Hi Gene! I know for a fact the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2" #C77MJ will fit your 2025 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid. I have been asked a few times about this exact vehicle and not only did Curt confirm the fitment when I asked,…

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Trailer Hitch Bolt Too Big for Weld Nut on 2018 Nissan Frontier

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