Solution for New Bike Rack that Seems Stuck in New Trailer Hitch

Updated 10/19/2020 | Published 10/16/2020

Question:

I have an odd, frustrating situation. I have a brand new Draw-Tite 24796 hitch that was professionally installed on my 2015 Nissan Altima. I have a brand new Swagman XC S64650 bike rake that I assembled. When I tired to the rack into the hitch for the first time it went in about a quarter inch too far - to far in to the bolt - and is now stuck, really stuck! Neither part is damaged, both brand new, but no amount of pulling, or hitting with a rubber hammer will break the rack loose from the hitch. I even loaded up the bikes and drove around hitting ever bump I could find hoping that would break it free but with no luck. I also tried spraying a silicone lubricant in the end of the hitch and around the bolt hole with no luck. Do you have any suggestions as how to get the two apart and to prevent this from happening in the future? I cant believe this happened!

asked by: Francis C

Expert Reply:

I had something similar happen with a cargo carrier recently. I installed it in the hitch and noticed it was difficult to slide in, but once it was in there it was not wanting to come out. I was able to fit myself between the rack and the vehicle and push hard while wiggling it back and forth and it came out. My next idea if that didn't work was attach a strap to the hitch of a different vehicle and have the other vehicle pull it out. Once I got it out I took a grinder and removed the powdercoat from the shank of the rack where it slides into the hitch and from there it fit much better.

expert reply by: Jameson C