Carriage Bolts Wont Fit Through Frame Access Holes When Installing Hitch # 24872 on 2014 Ford Focus

Updated 07/16/2014 | Published 07/14/2014

Question:

Hello, I recently purchased a Draw-Tite for a 2014 Ford Focus hatchback SE. During installation I discovered that the carriage bolts DO NOT fit through the frame access holes. After a lot of work and effort, I was able to retrieve the backing plate it had already been fed thru the frame. Otherwise the hitch looks and fits fine. Do you have an alternative hardware set for 2014 Focus?? My options are 1 let it go I dont really want to do this, but will only be used for carrying a couple of bicycles, 2 attempt to modify the carriage bolt head so that it will fit dont know if that will compromise the integrity of the mount??. Please Help???!! Thanks

asked by: Michael B

Expert Reply:

According to the installation instructions for the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch, # 24872, you should use a file to enlarge the frame access hole on your 2014 Ford Focus. You will want to enlarge the hole just enough to get the hardware through.

I have attached a snapshot of the instructions with this section highlighted.

We do not recommend altering or modifying the mounting hardware in any way.

expert reply by: Leah S