Curt hitch issues

[SAWYER]

I ordered a Curt hitch for my Honda CRV and three of the fours mounting bolts were able to be used, the fourth just didnt line up right. I also was able to install the u bolt and two nuts over the tow hook. Do you think I would be fine using this only basic hauls?

 

[dave_the_nerd]

Define "basic hauls."

I'd want all four in, even if I had to drill a hole in something.

 

[RLGL]

ABSOLUTELY NOT

Did you insert the bolts into the holes and thread the nuts on just short of finger tight prior to tightening?

 

[dave_the_nerd]

ABSOLUTELY NOT

Did you insert the bolts into the holes and thread the nuts on just short of finger tight prior to tightening?

Well, it might be enough for a bike rack or something...

 

[SAWYER]

I will drill a new hole, better to do that than risk it

 

[jlee]

How far off is it? Has the vehicle been hit before? I would loosen all of the bolts until they're only held in by ~3 threads and then see if you can make the last one line up.

 

[Meghan54]

How far off is it? Has the vehicle been hit before? I would loosen all of the bolts until they're only held in by ~3 threads and then see if you can make the last one line up.

Sorta what I'd suggest, although if I'm not mistaken, his CR-V uses welded nuts on the frame for hitch mount. So he's not simply putting a bolt through a hole and putting a washer/nut on the other side and tightening, he's threading into a nut that's immobile. If he has to tilt the reluctant bolt too much to even access the hole, it probably won't thread worth a darn.

I too wonder if the frame's been tweaked (accident) or the hitch isn't fabricated properly...it happens.

 

[jlee]

Sorta what I'd suggest, although if I'm not mistaken, his CR-V uses welded nuts on the frame for hitch mount. So he's not simply putting a bolt through a hole and putting a washer/nut on the other side and tightening, he's threading into a nut that's immobile. If he has to tilt the reluctant bolt too much to even access the hole, it probably won't thread worth a darn.

I too wonder if the frame's been tweaked (accident) or the hitch isn't fabricated properly...it happens.

I wouldn't suggest tilting the bolt (even if it was backed with a mobile nut), but often things like this will have oversized holes and occasionally a slotted hole (or several) to allow some movement during assembly. Tightening one bolt before the rest in is often a recipe for "wtf it won't go on."

And yeah, that's certainly possible - wouldn't take all that much of a hit to shift something just enough for a bolt to not go in.