What to do if the Weld Nuts Break When Installing a Hitch on a 2012 Dodge Grand Caravan
Updated 09/02/2025 | Published 06/18/2025
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Question:
2012 dodge caravan hitch uses existing bolts which thread into blind weld nuts to attach hitch. You have a solution for case when weld nut breaks free when removing bolts ? There are M12 and M10 bolts - already had this issue with one M12, still a M10 and M12 to remove....
asked by: Dave M
Expert Reply:
Hey Dave, thanks for reaching out!
The best thing to do in your case is grab some fish wire, similar to the Curt # C58400, that match your M10 and M12 bolts, find an access hole (or enlarge the ones for your current bolts) and the drop the bolts down through the frame instead of up into the weld nuts. You'll also need to find conical tooth nuts to secure the hitch from the underside.
It doesn't look like we have any of these parts individually available on our site, but you should be able to find them at your local hardware or auto parts store - just be sure the hardware has a Grade 5 rating as far as strength goes.
I had a similar experience when I installed the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98854 on my 2010 Town and Country, except in my situation the bolt head broke off and left the body inside the weld nut in one of the positions. For whatever reason, the Dodge and Chrysler vans in that timeframe have a really bad tendency for the hardware to rust like no other.
Good luck with the install! Worst case scenario you can reach out to a local shop about fixing it for you.
I'd love to get your feedback on how the rest of the install went once you're done, if you don't mind letting me know in the comment section below!
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- For Towing
- Class III
- 400 lbs TW
- 4000 lbs GTW
- 5000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 500 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
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on Trailer Hitch
Jon G.
9/2/2025
Hey Dave, did you manage to complete the hitch installation using the fish wire and conical tooth nuts? I'm curious to hear how it worked out for you, as it could help others facing similar challenges with their installations.