Troubleshooting Stripped Weldnut in Frame Rail For 2014 Honda Odyssey Hitch Installation

Question:

I installed trailer hitch part # 12031 on my 2014 honda odyssey. When installing m12-1.25 x 35mm bolt into the frame rail the bolt began to spin before reaching the required torque. I was thinking of installing square hole spacer and carriage bolt but realize the weldnut is still attached to frame. See photo. I put a wire brush thru hole so you can see weldnut. Any recommendation on completing my installation and part number needed? Currently I have the m12 bolt in and it is tight but at a certain point it spins.

asked by: Bobby

Expert Reply:

Unfortunately your photo did not come through, but I believe I know exactly how to help. The weldnut is still in place, it just has been stripped on the inside. So my recommendation is to go to the local hardware store and get a tap to allow you to make the weld nut accept a slightly larger bolt and then use a grade 5 bolt that matches your tap to allow you to torque the bolt correctly per the hitch installation instruction.

expert reply by: Jason S