Troubleshooting the Installation of Draw-Tite Trailer Hitch # 24787 on a 2005 Honda Accord

Question:

I just tried to install the 24787 onto the frame rails and the bolts are not long enough to accommodate the washer and the bolts at the attachments at the rails, where did I go wrong?

asked by: Tom T

Expert Reply:

My guess is the carriage bolt is not fully seated into the block washer in the frame rail. You will notice that the carriage bolt is square just under the head of the bolt. That square should line up with the square hole in the block washer to hold the bolt in place.

Once you have the bolt in place there should be enough thread to at least start threading the nut onto the bolt. Be sure you are using the rear most holes in the frame rails for installation. Once you have the bolt and washer in the frame rail and you pull the bolt back through the hole, make sure the washer is sitting flat against the bottom of the frame rail. If there is any debris between the frame rail and the washer, then that could explain why there is not enough length as well.

If you find that you do not have enough room for the nut and washer with the bolt seated in the washer and the washer seems to be sitting flat against the frame, then let me know what you come up with and we can do some further troubleshooting.

I have attached an installation video that shows our technician feeding the bolt and washer through the frame rail for you to check out.

expert reply by: John H