Mounting Holes on Trailer Hitch Do Not Line Up with Holes on Frame of 2013 Toyota RAV4

Updated 10/07/2013 | Published 10/06/2013

Question:

I have a 2013 Toyota RAV4 XLE that I just purchased. I purchased the C13149 to mount on this vehicle. I found that I can get three of the four mounting holes lined up but the fourth is approximately 1/8 to 3/16 inches off even with the elongated bolt hole on the receiver. I can grind the mounting hole larger but will have comporomised the powder coated finish. The fourth hole that did not align was on the exhaust side toward the read of the vehicle.

asked by: Wade S

Expert Reply:

You do not want to modify the hitch or vehicle to get the hitch to fit. Doing so can do more harm than good. There are a couple of things you can try. First, try starting the installation with the bolt hole that is giving you trouble. It could be that the hitch and/or vehicle will better allow the installation if you changed the order of what bolts are installed when.

Also, leave the bolts loose enough so that you can move the hitch a little. This little bit of play may be all you need to get all the bolts started.

Hitches can flex in the shipping process if they get dropped. You can flex the hitch back by using controlled force such as placing one end in an open step and pulling on the other end. Or by using a bench vise or any method that allows you to apply controlled force. If you see stress marks or paint flaking off where it may have flexed then do not use the hitch. It will have to be replaced.

expert reply by: Michael H