Bolts Not Long Enough For etrailer Trailer Hitch on 2019 Subaru Crosstrek

Updated 05/20/2024 | Published 05/12/2024

Question:

Hi - trying to install hitch, the forward bolts on both side aren’t long enough for me to get the nut secure. Also, the plate that goes inside the frame isn’t long enough. When trying to tighten nut on bolt it just spins, also preventing tightening securely. Anyone else have this issue?

asked by: Steven E

Expert Reply:

Hi Steven,

I'm not 100% certain what you are referencing by the plate isn't long enough with the # e98912, would you possibly be able to clarify or describe what you mean regarding the length of plate? And for the bolts not long enough, is there any thread showing? Is it all four bolts? Did you use the spacer at the back of the hitch to level it out?

expert reply by: Kyle S

Steven E.

5/15/2024

Hey Kyle - the 3” spacer in the front holes (both sides) doesn’t seem to be long enough, it just spins preventing trying to secure the nut into the carriage bolt. The carriage bolt in the front holes doesn’t seem to be long enough, I’m only able to get a couple of turns but not enough to secure. We tried both with and without the 2” spacer. It’s not all four bolts, we worked them to make sure they were in correctly

Kyle S.

5/16/2024

@StevenE Appreciate the info, and I'd start by ditching the spacers, as that's surely one issue. I went through and found that other folks had had this same problem, and had a couple solutions. One person said they used a screwdriver to put lateral pressure on the end of the bolt while screwing on the nut so that the bolt didn't push upward. Another mentioned to scrape some adhesive or sealant off of the vehicle frame near the front access hole. Otherwise, the hitch may not not sit flush and cause the bolts not to be long enough. They mentioned after scraping off that sealant they got it to sit flush. Finally, it is possible the square portion of the carriage bolt is not seated properly in the washer in the frame member. So you can unscrew the nut, push the bolt up slightly and turn the bolt by hand so it seats correctly.

Steven E.

5/16/2024

@KyleS - good deal, glad I’m not too off base, lol. I will give these suggestions a go this weekend. Thanks!

Steven E.

5/18/2024

@KyleS - bolts are too short. I’ve checked to make sure they’re sitting correctly in the spacer notch, they are. Even without the hitch you can’t get the bolt on too far. Can etrailer send longer bolts? If not, how do I send my entire purchase back? Thanks