Draw-Tite DT46GR Hidden Hitch Receiver Will Not Lock Into Place

Updated 05/19/2026 | Published 05/16/2026

Question:

I purchased the hidden hitch by Draw tite and got it installed the way it should. The receiver came out of the mechanism before I put the hitch on, but now after it is on the receiver will not lock into place. It is so close but springs without locking into place. Any ideas. Everything is clean and clear.

asked by: Ralph

Expert Reply:

Hey Ralph, thanks for reaching out. On the Hidden Hitch by Draw-Tite # DT46GR, I’d be looking at the removable receiver and lock cam timing more than the hitch itself. Since the receiver came out before install, there’s a good chance the cam or locking shoe got slightly out of position, so now it’s hitting the lock point just short and springing back instead of fully engaging. I’d pull the receiver back out, work the handle by hand, and watch that locking block move to make sure it’s fully retracting and rotating like it should. Also check the beveled locking surfaces and notch for heavy powder coat, burrs, or shiny witness marks where it’s hanging up. These things are machined pretty tight, so sometimes a little grease and lightly cleaning up the coating on the engagement ramp is all it takes to get it to snap into place.

Try that and let me know how it goes.

expert reply by: Jesse M