Mopar Hitch Bumper Bolt Question

NoveskeFan · May 20, 2018

Hello all. I have a 2017 with the Mopar Hitch that has the bumper bolt that sticks about 1/2” up from the hole. It has the rubber cover, but is there a different bolt I can use that sits flush, allowing use of the “flush” plug? Hope this makes sense. Photo included of what I’m referencing.

Farmer Fran · May 20, 2018

What size bolt? You can try a round head or button head.

crash68 · May 20, 2018

That bolt is part of the main support for your receiver hitch, it needs to be a substantial size due to the forces applied to it while towing.
If you want do away with that bolt from sticking up, you have two options:
1 If you don't need your receiver, remove it and that bolt.
2 If you need your receiver, replace your current Class III hitch with a Class IV

NoveskeFan · May 20, 2018

crash68 said:
That bolt is part of the main support for your receiver hitch, it needs to be a substantial size due to the forces applied to it while towing.
If you want do away with that bolt from sticking up, you have two options:
1 If you don't need your receiver, remove it and that bolt.
2 If you need your receiver, replace your current Class III hitch with a Class IV

Ok. Wasn’t sure if I could use a flat head socket screw like some other companies use.

MADDOG · May 20, 2018

Get a Grade 8 bolt of the same thread pitch but a shorter length. You'll need a hex head bolt in order to have something to put a wrench on to torque it down.

Get some flat washers with the proper hole and overall diameters to match the bolt diameter and the recessed area the bolt & washers will be installed in. Make sure the bolt head extends beyond the washer hole.

With the proper length you can sink that bolt head down into the hole on the top of the bumper. Not sure what to do with that cover, though. You might have to carve it up a bit with a dremel to make it fit flush.

NoveskeFan · May 20, 2018

MADDOG said:
Get a Grade 8 bolt of the same thread pitch but a shorter length. You'll need a hex head bolt in order to have something to put a wrench on to torque it down.

Get some flat washers with the proper hole and overall diameters to match the bolt diameter and the recessed area the bolt & washers will be installed in. Make sure the bolt head extends beyond the washer hole.

With the proper length you can sink that bolt head down into the hole on the top of the bumper. Not sure what to do with that cover, though. You might have to carve it up a bit with a dremel to make it fit flush.

I was hoping to use the factory flush mount cover. If I’m not towing anything should it be ok to just leave the current bolt removed...as long as I remember to reinstall before towing? I don’t own a trailer and have no need to tow, unless I borrow my friends trailer for assorted needs.

Rado · May 20, 2018

, But agree with the Grade 8 hex head bolt and washer !
The flush cap you want is
https://www.ebay.com/itm/2003-2013-...017319&hash=item2c5fe476d0:g:pAwAAOSwAYtWIT6f

https://www.amazon.com/Mopar-55077311-Trailer-Hitch-Plug/dp/B00B1GEK2Q

14hemiexpress · May 20, 2018

You need to get a OEM hitch that's the full receiver that bolts to the frame. The one that bolts like you have is a after thought one. I cant see any other bolt options being good ones even if it is grade 8 as that's the main support it holds most of your hitch weight it.

NoveskeFan · May 20, 2018

14hemiexpress said:
You need to get a OEM hitch that's the full receiver that bolts to the frame. The one that bolts like you have is a after thought one. I cant see any other bolt options being good ones even if it is grade 8 as that's the main support it holds most of your hitch weight it.

Yeah, I might just pull the bumper bolt and replace it if I tow anything. I haven't needed to tow anything for several months and don't own a trailer...but am kinda attached to my hitch cover

RoadRamblerNJ · May 20, 2018

Farmer Fran said:
What size bolt? You can try a round head or button head.

Do NOT do this. No buttonhead bolt of this size is strong enough to perform what this bolt does. Failure of this bolt might very well lead to an unscheduled test of your trailers safety chains and your composure and driving skills.

14hemiexpress · May 21, 2018

NoveskeFan said:
Yeah, I might just pull the bumper bolt and replace it if I tow anything. I haven't needed to tow anything for several months and don't own a trailer...but am kinda attached to my hitch cover

I understand. I had a 2006 that I put the same style hitch on.. to the life of me I cant figure out why trucks dont just come with hitches. It drove me nuts having the bolt through the bumper.

SYKRAMMAN · May 21, 2018

14hemiexpress said:
I understand. I had a 2006 that I put the same style hitch on.. to the life of me I cant figure out why trucks dont just come with hitches. It drove me nuts having the bolt through the bumper.

Yeah I don’t get the whole bolt through the bumper bit, I understand why they did it but why did they do it like that? Boggles me.

Mopar Hitch Bumper Bolt Question

NoveskeFan

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Farmer Fran

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crash68

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MADDOG

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