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new tow hitch assembly replaced but something isn't right

Posted: Tue Jul 19, 2016 8:37 pm
by mtbpath
2005 Pathifinder.
recently I had to replace the entire tow hitch assembly due to a rear end accident.
the body shop recommended it and installed a new OEM.
the repairs went fine and everything that needed replacing was performed.
until recently I went to install my bike hitch rack, I noticed I couldn't install the hitch lock. it worked fine before but this time it wasn't right.
I noticed that the hitch lock was too close to the body making it hard to lock and insert the key in. there was not enough space between the hole where the lock goes through and the frame.
please see picture, it looks like it only 2 inches from end to the frame.
I'm thinking it should be longer. maybe some of you if you don't mind, can do the same measurement and see if mine is too short. thanks.
i will be taking it back to body shop and explaining my situation to them, but wanted some feedback so i know what i'm talking about.
thanks for your input.


https://goo.gl/photos/8KmeVDCn5dJRjBzf8
https://goo.gl/photos/y9Z4PUvk7c2Ly5ms7
https://goo.gl/photos/b5yu2nw5sFN4ctCC8

Re: new tow hitch assembly replaced but something isn't righ

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2016 7:31 am
by eieio
mtbpath wrote:2005 Pathifinder.
recently I had to replace the entire tow hitch assembly due to a rear end accident.
the body shop recommended it and installed a new OEM.
the repairs went fine and everything that needed replacing was performed.
until recently I went to install my bike hitch rack, I noticed I couldn't install the hitch lock. it worked fine before but this time it wasn't right.
I noticed that the hitch lock was too close to the body making it hard to lock and insert the key in. there was not enough space between the hole where the lock goes through and the frame.
please see picture, it looks like it only 2 inches from end to the frame.
I'm thinking it should be longer. maybe some of you if you don't mind, can do the same measurement and see if mine is too short. thanks.
i will be taking it back to body shop and explaining my situation to them, but wanted some feedback so i know what i'm talking about.
thanks for your input.


https://goo.gl/photos/8KmeVDCn5dJRjBzf8
https://goo.gl/photos/y9Z4PUvk7c2Ly5ms7
https://goo.gl/photos/b5yu2nw5sFN4ctCC8
2" here also, and the distance from the rearmost edge of the hitch pin hole to the end is 1"

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2016 12:51 pm
by smj999smj
The part number is correct for a 2005 Pathfinder.

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2016 5:57 pm
by C
A little more than 2 inches here. See this pic for the OEM hitch with a ruler pressed squarely against it, passenger side: http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q405 ... rihj8o.jpg.

This pic is from the driver's side. I was taking a different measurement here, perhaps from the center of the pin hole: http://i350.photobucket.com/albums/q405 ... ymg6ji.jpg.

In both pics, it seems as if my OEM hitch's weld is less pronounced than yours. Maybe that's causing a bit of interference with your locking hitch pin?

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2016 8:32 pm
by mtbpath
thanks everyone for replying and your input.
yes, the part number is correct.
I'm thinking that these newer hitch assemblies are slightly different than the ones that came with our Pathfinders when new.
it would appear that the pin hole is too close to the frame, making it hard to use certain types of locks.
if the pin hole was further out I will not have a locking issue.
what does it mean, I have to shop around to find a lock that will work with enough space to insert the key.


https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipM ... ZGQh8BoPG8
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipO ... hdUS0ej2gJ
https://photos.google.com/photo/AF1QipP ... HgILKyb4XI


thanks again for your input and help.

Posted: Thu Jul 21, 2016 10:22 pm
by C
I don't know how this lock stacks up vs what you're using now or others for security, ease of use in your situation, etc. I got it along with my Sparebumper when I ordered it. It's been working well for me, but I've yet to do any towing with it. It's a very good fit in my receiver.

Mine is a C112, the one pictured seems to be an RC020, but the item number in the product description is C112.

https://www.amazon.com/DuraSafe-Combo-P ... B001CJYBJO

Hope it all works out.

Posted: Fri Jul 22, 2016 12:24 am
by smj999smj
My hitch doesn't have that big weld, either. I could see why it might be an issue.

Posted: Mon Jul 25, 2016 9:50 pm
by AZ_Path
My measurement are the same. 1" to the far edge of the hole.

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