How to Remove Trailer Connector From Hitch Mounted Bracket

Published 03/13/2020

Products Featured in This Question

Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller - 7-Way RV and 4-Way Flat - 10 Gauge Wires

(3480)

$118.67

EcoHitch Hidden Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"

(93)

$375.64

Curt Easy Mount Bracket for 4- or 5-Way Flat and 6- or 7-Way Trailer Connectors - 2" Hitch

(158)

$27.90

Question:

Hello, I have a question about removing the hardware thats holding the bracket from the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller ETCB7 to my Curt Trailer Hitch Curt 11419, 1-1/4inch receiver. I currently have the Curt 11419 installed on my Kia Soul ! 2014, but I want to swap it to an EcoHitch 2, which I ordered from your site. I had the Universal Installation Kit for Trailer Brake Controller ETCB7 installed by U-Haul. I do not know how to remove the hardware that is holding the bracket to the Curt Hitch. I am attaching a picture. I am worried about having to undo the wiring that U-Haul did for me because the wires looks to be fed throughinch the bracket. It looks theres only one direction it can be fed through. I also just ordered this item for the new EcoHitch because it looks like itll be easier to install: Curt Easy Mount Bracket for 4- or 5-Way Flat and 6- or 7-Way Trailer Connectors - 2inch Hitch Item # C58000. Thanks in advance for your help!

asked by: Bree

Expert Reply:

It looks as if your hitch crossbar has been drilled into and riveted into place which is a BIG TIME no-no. The people that installed it should have known better as drilling into a hitch can weaken it's structural integrity.

To remove the trailer connector from the bracket, simply remove the 4 nuts holding the connector onto the bracket. At the bottom of the bracket, there's a gap that will allow the wires to slip through. If you want to remove the bracket from the hitch, the easiest way to remove that rivet is to drill it out. Find the smallest drill bit that will fit in that center hole in the rivet, then go one size up. Drill down about a 16th of an inch, which should remove enough material that the head of the rivet falls off. That will free the bracket from the hitch crossbar.

On your new # 306-X7326 EcoHitch, using a trailer connector mount such as the # C58000 you mentioned would be an excellent idea. I've linked to a video showing how to install the hitch.

expert reply by: Mike L