Bolts Won't go in Weld Nuts For Curt Hitch C13377

Updated 10/25/2021 | Published 10/22/2021

Question:

My question is in regards to installation and does not necessarily have to be posted on your website unless you find it beneficial. The installation of my Curt #C13377 hitch went relatively well except towards the very end, the only bolt which would not go straight in is the M12 bolt provided in the kit not the existing ones from the tow hook that supposed to be used with the conical washer. The bolt will not go straight in and bite into the weld nut no matter how much I try to line or re-align the bold up into the weld nut. I even loosened all the other bolts on both sides so theres some play to line the hitch hole up so it wont get in the way of the bolt, but it still wont go in, I tried to torque it without forcing it and it would just go up slightly then pop back out, so its not biting into the weld nut. Could I try one of the existing M12 bolts that came with the tow hook, or another size or bolt with a different thread pitch? Or is the bolt or the weld nut stripped for some reason, or a manufacturer defect or imperfection in the threads of the weld nut on the frame rail not allowing the bolt to bite and screw in? What options can I explore to secure that hitch through that last hole? All the other bolts are secured and torqued to spec. Thanks

asked by: Paul G

Expert Reply:

If the bolt won't go in the weld nut of the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C13377, the issue is almost certainly that the weld nuts are dirty and thus stopping the bolt from catching.

What you'll want to do is clean the weld nut with a brush and lubricant, and I have added a link below to a help article which details exactly how to accomplish this.

expert reply by: Kyle S