Troubleshooting Hitch Install Bolts that Won't Turn

Question

Question:

2012 Chevy Equinox / trailer hitch install Im having trouble installing metric bolts 4 at side of frame. The M12 x 1.75 bolts thread in about 2-3 turns at weld nuts and seem to lock up and a tap does the same. Is it possible these M12 can be 1.5 threads?

asked by: Paul F

1

Helpful Expert Reply:

We installed the # 36408 on a 2012 Chevy Equinox just like yours and the install bolts that came with it did end up fitting just fine. The problem you are experiencing has to be related to the weldnuts of your vehicle being dirty/corroded. Normally using a tap like you said you tried will clean them out.

I attached a couple helpful links on cleaning weldnuts for other ideas that you can try.

expert reply by: Jameson C

1

Answer 1

The Draw-Tite #36408 Class II hitch you referenced uses 4 M12x1.75 bolts to attach to the nuts welded into the frame. If they are corroded, and spraying them with a spray lubricant like PB Blaster and using a wire brush like one on a battery terminal…

view full answer...

Answer 2

If the bolt won't go in the weld nut of the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver #C13377, the issue is almost certainly that the weld nuts are dirty and thus stopping the bolt from catching. What you'll want to do is clean the weld nut with a brush…

view full answer...

Answer 3

There shouldn't be any factory bolts on the vehicle when installing Curt trailer hitch #13591. The hitch comes with the six M12-1.75 x 40mm bolts needed for installation (some installations only require 4 of the hex bolts). I have included a link…

view full answer...

Answer 4

We get this question quite a bit and the issue is really that the threads end up with quite a bit of corrosion and dirt which prevents the bolt from threading in. I attached a couple help articles that cover cleaning out weld nuts for you to check…

view full answer...

Answer 5

The bolt sizes that come with the Draw Tite hitch #36408 which fits your 2008 Chevy Equinox is M12 for the vertical brackets that attach to the outside of the frame. It's not uncommon to need to tap out rusty weld nuts on vehicles with a few…

view full answer...

Answer 6

When we installed Draw-Tite trailer hitch #36408 on a 2013 Chevy Equinox (it also fits 2014 models) it measured 14-1/4 inches from the ground to the top of the receiver opening. But to the bottom of the hitch it would be approximately 12-3/4 inches…

view full answer...

Answer 7

The bolts included in the Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver #36408 for your 2005 Chevrolet Equinox are M12-1.75 x 40mm. If you are having trouble with the bolt starting in the threads of your weld nuts, most likely there is still some dirt or…

view full answer...

Answer 8

The difference between the Class II and Class III hitches has to do with their Gross Trailer Weight (GTW), their Tongue Weight (TW), and their Hitch Receiver Size. Class II trailer hitch receivers have a 1-1/4 inch receiver and can be rated up to…

view full answer...

Answer 9

A 4-Way trailer connector has the basic lighting functions only; running lights, left turn signal and brake lights, right turn signal and brake lights, and ground. A 7-Way has these functions and a 12 volt circuit, a circuit for electric trailer…

view full answer...

Answer 10

Yes, we do. To add a hitch to your 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander, I recommend the Curt Trailer Hitch item #C26VV. This hitch is custom fit and bolts to your Toyota with included hardware. This is a class III hitch with a 2" receiver. It has a…

view full answer...

Answer 11

The OEM prep package consists of 4 "pucks" in the bed of the truck that will allow you to drop in puck style hitches for easy installation and removal, that gives you a completely clear bed when not in use. The B&W Companion OEM 5th…

view full answer...

Answer 12

Class I and Class II hitches both have a 1-1/4 inch receiver opening. The difference is that a Class I hitch has a lower tongue weight rating, usually 200 pounds and a lower towing rating, usually 2,000 pounds. A Class II hitch usually has a tongue…

view full answer...