Can Trailer Hitch Be Installed On A Different Vehicle After Accident

Updated 04/21/2014 | Published 04/19/2014

Question:

hello. I own a 2005 mercury sable. i had a 2004 ford taurus with one of your receivers on it for towing a small fishing boat. my wife was in an accident w taurus and ins. co. totaled car. I was able to get the receiver off of taurus but had to cut off old mounting hdw. is there any way i could get a replacement hdw kit only so i can re-use receiver? there are 2 bumper bolts w washers and 2 other bolts w washers for the little nut wrench things. do you sell just a hdw kit?? how much?? any info would be helpful. ty for your time.

asked by: Michael

Expert Reply:

It is not recommended that a trailer hitch be used again if the part of the car that the hitch was installed on was involved in the accident in any way. There can be stress cracks in the welds that may not be visible, and that would compromise the stability and safety of the hitch.

If there is no damage to the hitch from the accident and you wish to install it on your 2005 Mercury Sable, you can go to our website and order a replacement hardware kit. I have attached a link to the page where you can place the order. It is part # RHK. After you access the page you need to enter the original trailer hitch number and the manufacturer's name. This will then give you the opportunity to order the replacement hardware needed to install the hitch.

If you decide it would be better to replace the hitch I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver # C12232. This is a Class ll hitch and comes with all of the hardware and instructions for installation. This is a bolt-on installation and requires no welding.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L