Hitch Install Tip

[Stuart Pidassle]

Thanks everyone for your help, I just got done installing a Draw-tite hitch onto our CX-9. The info I found on this forum helped me, so I thought I would pass along a tip that others might find useful. Like everyone else, I ran into the issue of not being able to use my torque wrench on the passenger side bolts. As mentioned in the various threads, the hitch had roughly 1/2 inches of clearance which gets taken out when the bolts are tightened down and the hitch settles against the frame rails. The tip is to leave the drivers side loose and tighten the passenger side first applying as much torque as possible using your alternative to the torque wrench. Then tighten the drivers side with the torque wrench that has more leverage to position that side against its frame rail. Otherwise it is very difficult/impossible to 'bend' the hitch to meet the frame with a wrench or a small socket. I also put a pipe on my wrench to help gain more leverage.

I hope this helps,
Stu

 

[IslandTractor]

The tip is to leave the drivers side loose and tighten the passenger side first applying as much torque as possible using your alternative to the torque wrench. Then tighten the drivers side with the torque wrench that has more leverage to position that side against its frame rail.

Doesn't that mean that you are not torquing the passenger side to specs? "As much torque as possible" can be quite a variable figure.

 

[CX9 SportOwner]

I torqued mine by feel, and check it regularly. However, I installed a factory receiver, which fit properly, rather than having that 1/2" gap that has to be tweaked out of existence.

 

[Stuart Pidassle]

I am not too worried, I am only going to use the hitch for a bike rack. Besides, I had a 3 foot pipe on my socket wrench so I am sure that the bolts are plenty tight.

 

[ceric]

Or, one can loosen the box, torque them, and put the box back in place.
I was too lazy to do that though since I only use the hitch for bike rack.

 

[Pootie Tang]

Pics of the installed hitch?

 

[Stuart Pidassle]

Sorry if this doesn't work, this is my first attempt at including photos. Thankfully, there is not much to see. My wife commented that it was nondescript. Definately better than 'you put that ugly chunk of metal on my nice new car'!!

Stu

P.S.
Thanks to my 11 year old for taking the pictures for me.