Troubleshooting etrailer.com Hitch # e98870 Where Bolt Holes Dont Line Up with 2013 Ford Edge

Updated 09/30/2019 | Published 09/28/2019

Question:

I,am attempting To install the above number trailer hitch to my 2013 edge and the bolt holes in the hitch are not even close to matching those on the 2013 edge railing . what do I need to do?

asked by: Larry L

Expert Reply:

Sometimes trailer hitches will get bent in shipping which causes the bolt holes not to line up when you go to install it. Due to the design of the mounting flanges on the # e98870 I suspect the issue is this. So what I would do first is check out the hitch looking for any creases in the metal or paint flaking (if you find this the hitch should not be used) and if that checks out see if there's a way to bend the hitch back carefully to allow it to fit. Check again for creases and paint flaking after bending back as well.

Open stairwells and jacks sometimes can be used to apply controlled force to bend the hitch back as well. Either way get back to me with what you find. I attached a help article that covers bent hitch scenarios like yours for you to check out as well.

I also attached an install video for this hitch on a similar 2013 Ford Edge as yours for you to check out as well.

expert reply by: Jameson C