How to Avoid Pushing Hitch Mounting Bolts Back Into Frame During Hitch Installation

Updated 12/22/2025 | Published 10/08/2024

Question:

Suggestion , certain hitches are easy too install , Past weekend I installed crv hitch on my sons vehicle , rail had no access except too pull thru bolts on a cable , when installing hitch we kept hitting bolt and it fell back into rail , suggestion , on applications like the CRV would have been nice if bolt was longer with skinny nut too hold bolt in place . this way we were able too install hitch not loosing bolt back into rail starting install process over and over. majority of your customers install themselves ground level , working against gravity , just a thought

asked by: Alan B

Expert Reply:

Thank you for your insight, Alan!

I 100% agree with you that the whole feeding bolts through the frame and lifting the hitch in place can be super tricky and it's easy to lose bolts inside the frame. The only real issue with going with smaller bolts is that they would be weaker and would likely lower the weight capacity of the hitch.

When installing those types of hitches, like the etrailer # e69AR you installed, if you leave the pull-wire on the bolts and feed those through the holes on the hitch it makes it WAY easier to keep the bolts in place, and much easier to wrangle them back out of the frame if you do happen to push them back up in there. Once you get the bolts through the frame of the hitch you'll remove the wire and install the nut to secure the bolt in place. This is just something we've learned to do after years of installing hitches.

I've installed hitches both in the air on a lift here at etrailer as well as at home by myself so I definitely understand how tricky and sometimes frustrating it can be. Thanks again for reaching back out with your experience and insight - we really appreciate any and all feedback!

expert reply by: Jon G

Jameson C.

12/22/2025

Hey Alan, how did things go once you tried leaving the pull-wire on the bolts while feeding them through the hitch? Your update could make it easier for others installing a hitch on a CRV at home.