[idonthuff]

I have a 2004 Ody and have been starting the process of installing an aftermarket Reese trailer hitch. Everything lines up with the factory mounting holes perfectly, and after cleaning out the threads with a tap it was easy to install the bolts.

However, I realized that the hitch wasn't snugging up to the frame as I tightened the bolts. With a closer inspection I found that the frame has identical "humps" on both the driver and passenger side which are the only thing not presenting a perfectly flat surface.

I have been working on grinding them off as I can't see any purpose for being there, and I want to get this hitch installed. The photos I'm attaching show both sides. The driver side has already been ground down almost flat.

Does anyone else have these spots, or have any idea why they are there?

 

[idonthuff]

passenger side #2

 

[idonthuff]

driver side #1, after grinding

 

[idonthuff]

driver side #2, after grinding

 

[Fibber2]

Nasty looking - almost like a 'tearout' in the subframe. No, I don't remember seeing anything like that on my '02. I did have terribly corroded bolt holes, but no issues surrounding the intentional cutouts.

 

[Cantech 86]

When I installed a hitch on my 02 I noticed the same hole with the raised area. I was told, it's supposed to be a drainage hole to prevent corrosion from rotting the frame . Strange the the hitch does not have a drain hole in the same location. So I drilled a small hole in the hitch to allow water to drain out. I also have the van undercoated yearly to help prevent rotting in this area. Good luck with the install.

 

[gregersonke]

I could see that being a drainage hole that filled up over-time. Mine has been a calif car its whole life so I don't expect to see those things but I could see other areas of the country getting them.

 

[ventuje]

I'm trying to install a DrawTite hitch on my 03. The nuts inside the frame tubes were extremely rusted. I tried a rethreader but it just snapped off inside the bolt. I guess my next step is an actual tap, not sure if I can go a size larger or not. Anybody got another way if I can't get this to bolt up? I called around and nobody will just "weld" it up, all crying about lawyers and what-not. I need some advice please...
Thanks

 

[New Dad New Van]

The tap is M12X1.25 and worked for me after 9 years without trailer hitch bolts in the 4 holes.

 

[ventuje]

No joy for me... trying local trailer shop.

 

[davedrivesody]

Try slathering some rust remover gel into the nuts before you tap them.

As an aside, keep in mind that if the threads are corroded away, the bolts won't have their intended holding strength on the hitch.

 

[ventuje]

Well, 3hrs later, the local trailer shop got it installed after much turmoil and tricks. They had to put some bolt plates in there. So I just noticed their is NO HOLE for the rear a/c drain in the DrawTite hitch?! What gives? Will the water find another outlet? Or should I drill a relief hole? If so, can someone please measure it out for me?

Check that, rear a/c drain hole is clear, hitch does not block that hole.