Receiver hitch pin hole not drilled straight...ugh!

[WadeMetzinger]

are we talking like the holes aren't lined up like at a 30 degree angle? or just a little bit? If you take a file and make the hole bigger so the pin fits, will that effect the integrity of the hitch? or effect the ability of the pin keeping the tow hitch attached to the hitch?

It should (hopefully) be fixable with a round file but the bumper panel is in the way so it will be a pain...

 

[Boaz]

my issue may not be as bad as the fella who posted up pics.

I purchased a smittybuilt 2" reciever hitch with D ring last week from Amazon. It arrived yesterday and I attempted to install today. The actual hitch had beautiful powdercoating on it, but the hitch itself would not fit all the way into my reciever. The hitch was not cut or shaped properly and would not go in all the way. Sucks.. I am returning it to amazon. I then tried again to install my uhaul hitch with 2" ball attached. My locking pin would only fit in from the passengerside, the drivers side it would not go all the way through. Pretty irriating to say the least. I will try a new pin for the hitch, but as of right now I would say it seems my hole for the hitch pin is slightly misaligned. Just enough to be a pain in the butt.

 

[Antman]

It should (hopefully) be fixable with a round file but the bumper panel is in the way so it will be a pain...

Naaah. It'll be easy with a right-angle attachment for your Dremel and a grinding bit (not the bit in this pic, but you get the idea). Take 2 minutes, including a little touch up spray paint.

 

[WadeMetzinger]

Naaah. It'll be easy with a right-angle attachment for your Dremel and a grinding bit (not the bit in this pic, but you get the idea). Take 2 minutes, including a little touch up spray paint.

I've got one of those but hadn't thought of using it to fix but you're right, thanks for the idea...

 

[Antman]

I've got one of those but hadn't thought of using it to fix but you're right, thanks for the idea...

No prob!

 

[Qjake]

While I don't have this issue I agreed this is an easy fix but... In Wade's pics it looks as though he's off by about 1/8" will this create to much "slop" in the pin? With lighter trailers (~2500lbs) I think you'll be okay but what about trailers pushing the max as I'm sure Wade's cars do? We are talking new trucks under warranty here why not get the hitch replaced by Toyota instead? Or at least let them file out the hole so if there is an issue it's on them.

 

[Johnny Utah]

I finally tried to install my smittybilt D-ring hitch at lunch.(Amazon.com: Smittybilt 29312B Receiver Hitch D-Ring with 3/4-Inch Shackle for 2-Inch Receivers: Automotive) I can't get it in. I could probably force it in with a hammer or a rubber mallet, but, then i would be worried that i wouldn't be able to get it out. It seems as though the top and bottom of the receiver bow inwards a little bit. Or maybe the d-ring hitch is not quite square.

Anybody else have this problem? Also, my d-ring did not come with a pin. Is this the pin i need to get? ( http://www.amazon.com/Curt-Manufacturing-21578-Hitch-Black/dp/B001GN1GLM/ref=pd_sim_auto_3)

thanks,

 

[Boaz]

I finally tried to install my smittybilt D-ring hitch at lunch.(Amazon.com: Smittybilt 29312B Receiver Hitch D-Ring with 3/4-Inch Shackle for 2-Inch Receivers: Automotive) I can't get it in. I could probably force it in with a hammer or a rubber mallet, but, then i would be worried that i wouldn't be able to get it out. It seems as though the top and bottom of the receiver bow inwards a little bit. Or maybe the d-ring hitch is not quite square.

Anybody else have this problem? Also, my d-ring did not come with a pin. Is this the pin i need to get? ( http://www.amazon.com/Curt-Manufacturing-21578-Hitch-Black/dp/B001GN1GLM/ref=pd_sim_auto_3)

thanks,

I returned my smitty built.... Exact same problem...

 

[STLDAVE]

my issue may not be as bad as the fella who posted up pics.

I purchased a smittybuilt 2" reciever hitch with D ring last week from Amazon. It arrived yesterday and I attempted to install today. The actual hitch had beautiful powdercoating on it, but the hitch itself would not fit all the way into my reciever. The hitch was not cut or shaped properly and would not go in all the way. Sucks.. I am returning it to amazon. I then tried again to install my uhaul hitch with 2" ball attached. My locking pin would only fit in from the passengerside, the drivers side it would not go all the way through. Pretty irriating to say the least. I will try a new pin for the hitch, but as of right now I would say it seems my hole for the hitch pin is slightly misaligned. Just enough to be a pain in the butt.

Mine was the same way. The problem was they didn't do the finish grinding very well where the two mold halves came together. I used a grinder and took a few thousanths off the top and bottom, then sprayed some rustoleum on them and they were fine.

As for everyone's receiver hole issues, try putting the hitch pin in without the hitch and look at it from the bottom. Is it perpendicular to the receiver? Could the problem be in the hitch instead? Just a thought.

 

[Johnny Utah]

I returned my smitty built.... Exact same problem...

Did you get another smittybilt or another brand? If so, which brand?

Mine was the same way. The problem was they didn't do the finish grinding very well where the two mold halves came together. I used a grinder and took a few thousanths off the top and bottom, then sprayed some rustoleum on them and they were fine.

Yeah, that is my exact same problem. It looks like the two halves aren't quite square and thus won't fit in the receiver. The box says "made in china"...go figure. I don't have a grinder. What should i do? Should i return it to amazon and exchange it or get another brand?

What are you guys doing about the locking pins? I read on amazon that the pins were rusting in less than a week! Would buying the galvanized pins prevent the rust?

 

[Boaz]

No I havent reordered another one. I will pick one up eventually. Right now I just keep my 2" trailer ball hitch in the receiver incase someone rear ends me!