Installation of etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver on 2014 VW Routan

Published 09/04/2020

Question:

Hi, The directions indicate that you should torque all 10mm fasteners to 48 lb-ft, and all 12mm fasteners to 86 lb-ftinch but there are only 15mm and 18mm fasteners? should it read: torque all 15mm fasteners to 48lbs and all 18mm fasteners to 86lbs? Or would it be different? Thanks

asked by: Nate

Expert Reply:

The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2" # e98854 torque specs are listed correctly. The verbiage for the bolt switches to thread diameter and not wrench size for torque values, so the larger bolt will be the 86 lbs you referenced and the smaller diameter bolt will be the 48 ft lbs you also referenced. I reached out to our tech to confirm so you can rest assured this is the correct fit.

expert reply by: Jason S

Nate

9/4/2020

Jason S.

9/4/2020

Bummer! You can definitely weld on the hitch which will give you the strongest connection, but you will need to grind away some powder coat to get the bare metal you need for welding. Once welded, make sure to prime and paint any bare metal to keep it from corrosion. If it were me, I'd drill out the old hole and tap a slightly larger thread bolt in (if possible under your current circumstances) simply because it will protect your powder coat the best and the powder coat is more durable than paint.