Draw-Tite Frame Hitch Receiver Problem

[sn95joe84]

Hey guys,

Well, happy Easter. I recently installed the Class III hitch receiver from Draw-Tite. Bolted it in, torqued to spec and all looking good. However, I recently bought a Hensley Arrow Hitch, which uses a 'stinger' hitch attachment to mount to the trailer.

Here's the problem: As you can see, the hitch receiver pin holes weren't drilled symmetrically, they were only off by about a quarter inch but it made it so that my trailer pin wont go thru. It's really snug in the Hensley stinger piece, such that any error in the placement of the holes in the receiver would misalign the pin.

So me, being an impatient A-hole, I slightly expanded the hole for the pin to go thru using a drill - Shazzam!! It fits thru, but now the pin hole is bigger on one side.

My question is: would this be safe to tow with, or am I better off asking for a replacement hitch receiver?

I did contact their customer service but waiting to hear back during business hours. Thanks in advance!

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[Frenchy]

I understand you would love to use the trailer with that hitch but it would be in your best interest to contact Draw tight and see about them helping you out. If you modify it chances are they won't help at all.

 

[sn95joe84]

OK thanks for the reply - but maybe I was distracting from the issue by even motioning what kind of hitch I want to use.

Bottom line, Draw-tite's hitch receiver pin holes weren't drilled in the right place or with any kind of precision. It doesn't seem like ANY type of hitch, ball hitch, stinger, or otherwise would fit the way they have these holes drilled.

 

[sn95joe84]

now that you butchered the holes by doing your own alignment....good luck getting a replacement on warranty.
I'd see about bushing the oversized hole and go from there. Next I'd look for an oversize pin.
if it cant be done, then you might wanna consider a new hitch

I feel like a little grommet would work to keep it snug. I'll see what I can find. I did butcher it but not too badly. I took photos of the original hole size in case those knuckleheads give me any grief but yes I figured I'd be very likely voiding any warranty on the thing by drilling it. Worst case $120 down the tubes but seems like some fairly big QC issues at Draw-Tite, hoping they take the opportunity to make it right.

 

[OFC Ranger]

So... why not drill out both sides larger to make them even and use a larger pin?

I dunno, seems like a simple answer.

 

[Rinn69]

Weld the hole shut and re-drill it through the untampered hole on a drill press so it's straight/parallel/square to the world. Easy fix.

 

[Frenchy]

So... why not drill out both sides larger to make them even and use a larger pin?

I dunno, seems like a simple answer.

Clearly the pin has to fit not just the hitch but also the recover and both are the same size. The hitch not being drilled correctly is the issue here.

 

[OFC Ranger]

Clearly the pin has to fit not just the hitch but also the recover and both are the same size. The hitch not being drilled correctly is the issue here.

Thank you captain obvious lol

My idea was one of solution. You can get pins in all sizes. Just go up one size and make some holes straight through the hitch and receiver to match.

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