Can I Use Smaller Bolts to Install the Draw-Tite #36408 on My 2010 Chevy Equinox?

Updated 10/27/2025 | Published 03/17/2025

Question:

I am installing a hitch on my 2010 equinox and the bolts listed as needed are to big for side holes . I know they all should be m12 x 1.75 but as seen in reviews o. Your site others have had same issue as the center bolts fit great but not outside ones . Do you happen to know the correct bolt size for these or best guess ?

asked by: James R

Expert Reply:

Hello James,

This is a pretty common issue with the Draw-Tite # 36408 hitch for the 2010 Chevy Equinox (as you saw in the reviews). The hardware kit includes M12 x 1.75 bolts for all three mounting points on each side of the frame, but a lot of people find that the outer holes (closer to the bumper and the front of the vehicle) are too small for those bolts. The center hole fits just fine since it uses a factory-welded nut inside the frame, but the other two are just open holes and often need to be drilled out a bit to fit the M12 bolts.

What you will need to do is drill those two outer holes slightly larger using a 1/2" drill bit so the included M12 bolts will pass through properly. That’s actually what Draw-Tite expects you to do, even though they don’t always make it super clear. Just be sure to apply a little rust protection after drilling, especially if you're in a place where road salt is a thing.

Some people try using smaller bolts like M10 x 1.5 with nuts and washers but I cannot recommend doing that because Draw-Tite says you need to use the M12 bolts with this hitch.

Please let me know how things work out.

expert reply by: Kate F

Kate F.

10/27/2025

Hey James, how did things go after drilling out the outer holes for the Draw-Tite hitch on your Equinox? Did the M12 bolts fit properly once you opened them up a bit? Your update could make it easier for others running into the same issue.