Troubleshooting Curt Hitch # C13098 Not Being Wide Enough to Fit Over Brackets of Vehicle

Question:

I have an Isuzu Trooper 1999. The 13098 Class III Trailer Hitch Receiver does not seem to fit. It appears to be approximately 1/4 inch too short. After removing the bolts that hold the bumper the trailer hitch does not fit over the bumper brackets. Am I missing something? Any help would be appreciated. I have included picture showing the mounting points and the bumper brackets. The hitch doesnt fit over the brackets. Thanks.

asked by: Robert M

Expert Reply:

It is very possible that your Curt Hitch part # C13098 got bent during shipping and that is why it doesn't want to fit over the brackets of your 1999 Isuzu Trooper.

Typically we recommend people use an open stairwell or a large vice to apply leverage to the brackets so that they can be bent back.

As long as the metal doesn't crease or paint doesn't flake off during either the initial bend or the bending back the integrity of the hitch will be intact.

expert reply by: Jameson C