Troubleshooting Curt Trailer Hitch C13281 Having One Bolt Not Line Up With 2021 Kia Sportage

Question:

I got 7 bolts in with little trouble but the 8th on the side wont go it. The hole on the trailer is just shy of lining up and the bolt cant go in straight to catch the thread. Its also strange b/c on the other side of the hitch it is flush with cars mounting area but on this side, there is a bit of a gap even with 3 of the bolts in. Can I use a drill to make the hole on the hitch just a touch bigger?

asked by: Laura A

Expert Reply:

I am sorry to hear about the fitment problems!

Based on what you are describing it sounds like the mounting flanges on the hitch were slightly flexed during shipping and are causing the bolts on the one side of the Curt # C13281 to not quite line up right on your 2021 Kia Sportage.

This is not too uncommon due to how large and heavy hitches are, and we have made a dedicated help article that goes over exactly how to correct it.

You will want to use one of the steps shown in the included help article and NOT modify any of the holes with a drill as that would void the warranty of the hitch.

expert reply by: Samuel C