Why Doesn't the Bolt on My Etrailer Hitch # e98859 Fit the Bolt Brackets?

Updated 09/07/2021 | Published 09/05/2021

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Precision Point Grease Gun with Multi-Purpose Grease Lubricant

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Question:

the bottom two bolts...either should be cone-shaped, or a slightly larger hole. I cant get them on. now Ive a boogered up 1 of the 8 due to loosening and twisting to try and gain a hair on the bottom, and the 2 big ones which no doubt are most important wont go in and the threads are now boogered on both. What did I do wrong? I see others have had same issue and have either left them off or put in smaller bolts.

asked by: Craig

Expert Reply:

I'm sorry to hear about the trouble that you have with the installation! From the looks of the picture, it looks like the bracket of the # e98859 does not completely line up with the hold on your frame. To fix this issue, one of the best solutions is to readjust the bolt/bracket on the opposite end in order to clear up some room on the hole in the picture. It might take a bit of making small adjustments to get both the bolts to fit the holes.

Also, if you are having trouble inserting the bolts themselves when there is plenty of space, this could be a sign that your frame threads are rusted. It might help to have a lubricant like the Precision Point Grease Gun with Multi-Purpose Grease Lubricant # PT64RR.

A third possibility is that sometimes, because a hitch's mounting brackets are made from mild steel, the mounting brackets may flex during shipping. This causes the on-center bolt hole spacing to change, meaning it may appear that the hitch's bolt holes will not line up with the weld nuts on your vehicle frame. The trailer hitch can be flexed back into the correct position so the bolt holes will line up with those on your vehicle frame for installation. There are a number of ways to help flex your hitch back into position, such as using a vice or even a step or a wall. I went ahead and linked an article that walks you through some of these solutions.

expert reply by: Bob C