Is Slight Gap Between Brackets and Frame Okay for 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500 Front Hitch

Updated 08/04/2022 | Published 08/02/2022

Question:

I noticed about a 3/8 to almost a 1/4 inch gap at both ends of hitch when I placed it and centered it between the frame rails. I snugged the lower vertical bolts first to hold it centered and tightened the upper horizontal bolts evenly which pulled the mount plates against the frame. Consequently the plate is not flush against frame it only contacts at the area of the bolt hole. My question is, Should I remove the upper bolts and use a spacer for a better fit or leave it alone. The stress of pulling on the plates to reach the frame has me a bit concerned.

asked by: Rodney Z

Expert Reply:

Unless the brackets of the Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver # DT57MR are at a weird angle compared to the crossbar once installed on your 2021 Chevy Silverado 2500 you should be just fine.

Mounting brackets will sometimes get slightly bent during shipping so we usually recommend prying them back into place as long as you don't see any flaking or crinkles in the material. Since you just had to apply a little force to get the bolt holes lined up and the bolts installed I wouldn't worry about the brackets not being flush with the frame since the bolt is what physically attaches the hitch to the vehicle.

If you're really worried about it you can pull the hitch down and try slightly bending those brackets out a little further but since you got the bolts in place you're good to go.

Attached is an installation video for you to check out.

expert reply by: Jon G