Hitch Installation Bolts Appear to Be Too Short

Updated 11/11/2019 | Published 11/10/2019

Question:

I am having quite a challenge to fit the left and right washer + nut over the bolt. It seems the bolts are just a little bit too short. The hitch is right about 6mm narrower than the car frame thats ok but it means there simply isnt enough thread to fit washer AND nut. Any tips ? Go to the hardware store and buy a 1/4 inch longer bolt ? Thanks ! photo is taken looking vertically up black hitch is 6mm gap from car frame on left side of car. I cannot really loosen the right side bolt, since there is barely two threads on the nut and no washer !

asked by: Paul C

Expert Reply:

When a trailer hitch is constructed, the manufacturers use a more malleable steel to construct the mounting flanges than what's used in the crossbar and receiver tube. This allows the hitch to flex a little bit along with the vehicle. Because of this flexibility, the mounting flanges can and do sometimes get slightly bent out of alignment during the shipping and handling process. This is very easy to fix, the procedure is outlined in the help article I've linked for you.

Once the hitch mounting flanges are move outward slightly, I'm confident that your hitch will install correctly per the instructions.

expert reply by: Mike L