Burning Smell After Installing Trailer Hitch

Published 08/14/2019

Question:

I recently installed a hitch mount to my Ford explorer. The month went as planned. After driving to my next destination about 10 miles the first drive after the installation I smelled a burning smell from the back end. The mount is close to the muffler. Is it normal to have that burning smell after? Maybe its the black paint burning off the mount?

asked by: Sara C

Expert Reply:

I recommend you take a close look at all the exhaust components on your Ford Explorer so that you can be sure of what is causing the burning smell as this is not typically something that we hear about after installing a trailer hitch. Generally speaking, the most common complaint in regards to space is that there is a rattling noise from the exhaust coming into contact with the trailer hitch. That said, if you feel your exhaust is too close to the trailer hitch then all you will need to do is take a pry tool and bend the exhaust hangers where needed.

I have attached a help article on bending the exhaust hangers for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L