Troubleshooting Accessory Not Fitting with Kuat Hi-Lo Hitch Extender

Updated 06/04/2025 | Published 05/24/2025

Question:

My Kuat Hi-Lo Hitch Extender would not allow me to insert the hitch pin. When I peered through the hole, there was a metal obstruction. After coming across this problem I thought maybe if I backed off of the the flat lock using the supplied wrench it would clear the obstruction. However after doing so the steel ball used within the flat lock system fell off and couldnt be reinstalled. With that said even after backing off the flat lock the obstruction never cleared for me to be able to insert the hitch pin. Afterwards I surmised that the hitch extender was faulty because the hitch pin hole would not allow the pin to run completely through it and lock the pin in place so I returned it. With that said, I was quite surprised to find that if the flat lock system would allow the user to back off the anti-rattle/wobble flat lock system to a point where the innards come loose which makes it unusable.

asked by: Dana W

Expert Reply:

Hey Dana, thanks for reaching out, although I'm sorry to hear about the problems you're having.

What accessory were you trying to install into the Kuat Hi-Lo Hitch Extender # HL20B, and do you have any photos of the obstruction you mentioned?

I'm not seeing that you purchased the Hi-Lo directly from etrailer directly, so did you purchase it from somewhere else and they tried to help you out?

expert reply by: Jon G

Dana W.

6/4/2025

Did not purchase from you guys. Just needed question answered is all. I was trying to install the onto my LR Defender to use with my Kuat Pro-X bike rack. As explained the hole for the hitch pin had obstruction preventing the locking pin from fully inserting. Afterwards, when I tried to clear the obstruction by loosening the flat lock system on the Hi-Lo extender, the whole inside appeared to fall apart leaving the Hi-Lo useless. I had to return to purchaser for replacement. The replacement worked fine. The problem I have with the extender is that it allowed for me to loosen the flat lock system until the inside fell apart leaving it useless. There should be a stopping point with at least a form of resistance before you get beyond the point where the working of the Hi-Lo extender fall apart.

Jon G.

6/4/2025

@DanaW That is frustrating for sure, but I'm glad they helped you out with a replacement! Do you have any photos you could send directly to me at [email protected]? I'm trying to picture the insides of the Hi-Lo coming apart, but I'd be interested in seeing exactly what happened. If not, no big deal - just trying to learn more!

Dana W.

6/4/2025

@JonG no photos taken

Jon G.

6/4/2025

@DanaW No worries! Hopefully this is an isolated incident and it doesn't happen again, but it's at least good to have on the radar.