Trailer Hitch

WarriorMP31B · **Posted:** Thu Jul 17, 2008 9:00 pm

I got my Curt Trailer Hitch today and went to install it just a few minutes ago to find out the bolts won't fit the friggin' frame! The instructions say "M12-1.75 x 35mm" although the holes appear to be too small. Anybody have any ideas as to what the bolt size is supposed to be based on any hitches/tow hooks they have installed? Thanks!

Blue KJ in PA · **Posted:** Thu Jul 17, 2008 9:05 pm

Troy knows the size,,,he has stated it many tiimes before. I had to soak down a couple of the holes really well with WD-40 or PBBlaster to get all of the crap out of there before a couple of the bolts would go in the threads.

jsc7002 · **Posted:** Thu Jul 17, 2008 10:08 pm

12mm x 1.5" like what you have cept yours is a hair longer but thats ok, you might need to clean out the threads they tend to get filled with gunk

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Thu Jul 17, 2008 11:04 pm

M12x1.75 bolts that are 40mm long are the OEM hitch bolts,also make sure they are metric hardness of at least 10.9,8.8 or 9.8 won't cut it for the hitch.

iambob · **Posted:** Fri Jul 18, 2008 9:47 am

I had the same issue, I bought a Hidden Hitch & the bolts were too big. I bought with 7/16-20 bolt. I hit mine with the PB Blaster to get the dirt out. Have not had any issues, took trip to Deleware with bike rack no issues. Aslo required 65 lbs-ft. on the bolts.

scoobysnax · **Posted:** Fri Jul 18, 2008 9:50 am

M12x1.75 is the correct size. I had to re-tap mine b/c of all the crud that was in the threads. Just take your time and be carefull. After I tapped them they went in fine (with some WD40 just to make it a little easier.)

06 KJ Sport · **Posted:** Wed Jul 23, 2008 8:26 pm

Does anybody have a pic of the trailer hitch not installed?? I am going to buy one at a junk yard for $65.00 but I want to make sure that it looks like what it is suppose to. Thanks

rangerd77 · **Joined:** Sat May 03, 2008 10:48 am **Posts:** 512

hey MP, this is what i had to do. it took me (by myself) about 2 hours to clean the holes out with a wire brush and alot of PB Blaster. also used white lith grease to get them in there alot faster. but yes as stated before you must clean the heck out of those holes. you have the right size bolt just need to work it a lil bit. what i did was take out a bumper bolt thats right next to the hole where you have for the hitch, and used that as a starter bolt. that worked great.

where the arrow is, is the bolt that used as the starter.

WarriorMP31B · **Posted:** Wed Jul 23, 2008 9:19 pm

I actually managed to get it all put together just by using a load of WD40. I wasn't able to perfectly align the thing for some reason so I only have five out of the six bolts installed. I loosened them all up and for some reason the one bolt closest to the passenger seat (under the tailpipe) just won't line up.

iambob · **Posted:** Wed Jul 23, 2008 9:59 pm

WarriorMP31B wrote:

I actually managed to get it all put together just by using a load of WD40. I wasn't able to perfectly align the thing for some reason so I only have five out of the six bolts installed. I loosened them all up and for some reason the one bolt closest to the passenger seat (under the tailpipe) just won't line up.

ah, been there. Try this; loosen the 5 bolts, and try to line that 6th hole up. Tap with a hammer and block of wood. Try a racket strap to pull to the side. Hell, try anything.

Once you do get that dang bolt in, next figure out how to get the torque wrench on it!

tjkj2002 · **Posted:** Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:05 pm

WarriorMP31B wrote:

I actually managed to get it all put together just by using a load of WD40. I wasn't able to perfectly align the thing for some reason so I only have five out of the six bolts installed. I loosened them all up and for some reason the one bolt closest to the passenger seat (under the tailpipe) just won't line up.

Until you get all 6 bolts in and tight your hitch is not rated for very much weight or not a good recovery point.Just to let you know.

iambob · **Posted:** Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:05 pm

Just thought of this:
Take the rear tire off and work from there. (Just a suggestion.)

WarriorMP31B · **Posted:** Wed Jul 23, 2008 10:11 pm

Gah! I figured as much I was just trying to fool myself into thinking I had actually accomplished something on my Jeep all by myself. Sure I only have a few cuts and scraps, but who cares? :lol:

I guess I'll loosen all five bolts tomorrow and try bending that darn hitch into place. I know that for whatever reason I had all the bolts as far over as they could go but that last hole just would not line up. I know I have to torque it to 60 LBS, but do I really need a torque wrench or can I just tighten it until I can't tighten anymore? :oops:

Trailer Hitch

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