Trailer Hitch Install

[robbyaube]

Hello,

I've installed a type 3 trailer hitch on my 2007 Uplander van. I have a question with the bolting...

On the documentation it indicates there should be 4 bolts fastened to the passenger side where the front most bolt has a weld nut to screw into in the frame. I am unable to find that pre-threaded hole in my frame. Does that 4th bolt absolutely need to be added or is the 3 on each side sufficient?

Thanks,

Robby

[spike88]

Hi Robby....

I purchased / installed a Class III hitch on my 2009 Montana (which has the same rear frame as your 2007 Uplander).

Pictures of its bolts are:
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...xtralights.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...ide-side-3.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...leftside-2.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...ightside-2.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...ightside-1.jpg
http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w...ightside-2.jpg

Note: If trying to bolt a "universal" Class III hitch under your vehicle, I would follow its provided install instructions. If it states 4 bolts should be installed, I would try to make 4 bolts fit. Especially if they are thin bolts (compared to my hitch's 3 x thick bolts). As seen in above pictures, my hitch's passenger / muffler (right) side uses 4 bolts as well. Luckily, they were a clean fit. When installing your bolts, remember to apply lock-tight thread glue as well. Thus, making them lock in better.

Hope this helps for your Class III install....

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[robbyaube]

Hi thanks for the pics...

I had a fun time with this install, my pre-threaded holes on the driver side were dirty and I broke a bolt in one of them... went to the shop to get it removed and have the holes cleaned out...

That done I installed it with just the 3 on each side, the manual said that the 4th bolt on pass side should be pre-threaded but it isn't, it was just a hole and none of the plate/thread net addons included in my kit worked...

I don't haul for long distances but i'll keep an eye on it I guess unless there is a way I can get a nut in there somehow...

[spike88]

To install a class III hitch on a 2006 uplander (similar rear as your 2007), surf entire video at:

http://www.etrailer.com/tv-hitch_ins...nder_2006.aspx

Within the above 2 minute mark, notice their usage of a "handle nut". As seen, this is a flat bar welded on the nut - that is slipped into the frame hole. My provided nut had a thick rod (instead of a flat plate). This allowed me to insert the inner frame nut to a hole and hold into position - as the thicker bolt is screwed upwards. See the video a few times. Perhaps you (or a few of your welding shop buddies) can make your own handle nut device.

Hope this helps as well...

[spike88]

Just to advise that a "torque nut" can be purchased from www.etrailer.com Think they charge 5.99. However... If you know someone with a small welder, simply get a small band of steel, drill a hole in one end and get them to weld the appropriate sized nut on it (and they get a beer instead).

For more details, surf: http://www.etrailer.com/p-1332.html

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