Removing a Trailer Hitch Installed on a 2010 Chevrolet Traverse

Question:

Hi. My husband purchased a trailer hitch 4 years ago for his 2010 Chevy Traverse. He installed it himself using your great videos. This week he is getting a new car and needs to trade in his Traverse. He needs to remove the trailer hitch before he turns it in. There are so many video turtorials on installing hitches, but I couldnt find one on removing one. I also cant find the paperwork that came with the hitch. could you give some help and advice, written or video would help. thanks.

asked by: Alisa W

Expert Reply:

Since your husband effectively installed Draw-Tite Hitch # 75528 on his 2010 Traverse using our videos, he should have no trouble removing it. We do not produce hitch removal videos (although with the proliferation of auto leases this need may be upon us!) since your husband did the install, which required "fighting gravity" to lift the hitch into place, the removal process will at least require a bit less elbow grease.

I suggest he liberally apply a spray-on penetrating lubricant a few hours in advance to each of the fasteners. After 4 years in place components tend to stick where they are and the lubricant will help him get the bolts moving. The linked installation video may still be helpful to him as a reminder of the process, and essentially he will do this in reverse. An impact wrench will help a lot too, but basic wrenches will still do the job.

Please note that the hitch itself can be re-used on another suitable vehicle (various model years of the GMC Acadia, Buick Enclave, Saturn Outlook and Traverse) but the installation hardware CANNOT be used a second time. We do offer replacement installation hardware kits for all of the hitches we sell. Simply enter the part # RHK into our search box, and then enter the hitch number and manufacturer name in the appropriate spots.

expert reply by: Adam R