What To Do If Access Holes In Frame Are Not Large Enough To Fish Bolts Thru?
Updated 02/17/2026 | Published 02/12/2026
Question:
I bought the C13167 for my Transit Connect. the head of the larger rear bolts are too large to get through the access hole OR the mounting hole. Any suggestions? Thanks, Bill
asked by: WILLIAM W
0
Expert Reply:
Hello William, thanks for reaching out. I have heard of this happening before. What you can do is enlarge the holes slightly with a drill or a file or something. Shouldn't take too much to open the hole up enough to get the bolt thru.
expert reply by:
Jesse M
0
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- For Towing
- Class III
- 525 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 525 lbs WD TW
- Visible Cross Tube
- CURT
more information >
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William W.
2/17/2026
I discovered that the bolt heads are not too large as I claimed. In the installation video (https://www.etrailer.com/Trailer-Hitch/Ford/Transit+Connect/2020/C13167.html?VehicleID=202022753#exp-productdetails=.reviews) the fishing explanation begins at 4:40. The error (or my error) occurs because I thought the same hole was used for both fishes. But a close examination at 5:16 shows that the entry point for the rear bolts is CLOSE to the front bolts entry point but the front entry hole will not allow the head of the larger bolt to enter. You can see it at 5:16 but there should be more audio highlighting the difference and the fact that the front entry hole will not work for the rear bolts. I tried enlarging the entry hole but that frame steel is tough steel. I went back to the video several times until i saw how they were doing it. More audio :-)