Troubleshooting Trailer Hitch Bolts Too Big for Weld Nuts on Vehicle
Question:
It seems that the m12 opt are too big for the existing weldnuts even after cleaning with lubricant and thread brush. What now?
asked by: Joe
Expert Reply:
The etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e98865 that you referenced is confirmed to fit your 2014 Chevy Equinox. What you are experiencing is not too uncommon and it sounds like you may have already looked into the cause. On vehicles that have seen a few winters the weld nuts can get a bit of corrosion in them that prevents the included bolts on a trailer hitch from being able to thread. This can definitely make it look like the nuts are too small for the provided hardware.
You did mention that you already cleaned the weld nuts with some lubricant and a thread brush. Depending on the amount of corrosion or debris, this may need to be repeated a few times before you're able to start a bolt in the threads. After spraying the nut with lubricant I recommend waiting a few minutes to allow it to penetrate and soften any grime before proceeding with the wire brush. Once it is clean enough to get the bolt in a few threads deep, use a ratcheting socket wrench to run the bolt in and out of the bolt hole. You might need to also do this a couple of times before you're able to thread the bolt in completely.
I have attached a great article on exactly this process that you might also find helpful. If you still aren't able to install the included hardware please let me know and I will be happy to look into this further
Product Page this Question was Asked From
etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Trailer Hitch
- Custom Fit Hitch
- Class III
- 350 lbs TW
- 3500 lbs GTW
- 4000 lbs WD GTW
- 2 Inch Hitch
- 400 lbs WD TW
- Concealed Cross Tube
- etrailer
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Shop: Trailer Wiring
- Search Results: hitch
- Search Results: trailer hitch
- Shop: Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class III - 2"
- Video: Trailer Hitch Installation - 2017 Chevrolet Equinox - Curt 13591
- Shop: Curt T-Connector Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Video: Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2017 Chevrolet Equinox
- Shop: Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"
- Shop: etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"
- Video: etrailer.com Trailer Hitch Installation - 2017 Chevrolet Equinox
- Video: Trailer Hitch Installation - 2017 Chevrolet Equinox - Draw-Tite 36408
- Article: How to Clean Weld Nuts for the Installation of a Trailer Hitch | etrailer.com
- Search Results: 118449
- Search Results: 118149
- Video: Best 2017 Chevrolet Equinox Trailer Wiring Options
- Q&A: What Sizes Bolts Are Needed To Install a Trailer Hitch On a 2015 Chevrolet Equinox
- Q&A: What Size Bolts Attach Trailer Hitch to Weld Nuts of 2017 Chevy Equinox
- Shop: Draw-Tite QSP Trailer Hitch Silencer and Cover for 2" Hitch Receivers
- Q&A: Trouble With Rusted Weld Nuts on etrailer Hitch e98865
- Video: Best 2014 Chevrolet Equinox Trailer Hitch Options
- Q&A: Experiencing Loud Noise Coming From Exhaust Hitting Trailer Hitch, How Do I Fix This
- Q&A: Best Trailer Hitch Option for Carrying Mobility Chair on 2014 Chevy Equinox
- Q&A: What is the Towing Capacity of a 2015 Chevy Equinox 4 Cylinder
- Q&A: What Hardware is Included With the Curt Class III 2 Inch Hitch # 13591
- Article: My Trailer Hitch Doesn't Fit
- Video: Trailer Wiring Harness Installation - 2013 Chevrolet Equinox
- Shop: Hopkins Plug-In Simple Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer Connector
- Shop: Nylon Tube Brush - 1/2"
- Article: Ball Mount Basics: Weight Capacity, Class, and Size
on Trailer Hitch
