Recently we have discovered many frame mounted receiver hitches that are unsafe due to excessive corrosion. These photos are an example of the problem. The receiver depicted was towing an 18’ 7000 lb gvwr equipment trailer when it arrived at our dealership. The driver/owner had no idea his hitch was unsafe when he drove in regarding a different matter. As luck would have it, while looking under the vehicle to inspect the electric connector, the gapping hole in the torsion tube was noticed. Considering the safety chains and the brake away cable are usually connected to the receiver, this is a very unsafe situation.. If your receiver is more than 2 years old, I urge you to get under the back of your vehicle and inspect it and all of its attaching bolts. Use a hammer to check for excessive rust flaking and the overall condition of the tube and brackets. If you would like Mike, Dave or myself to check your hitch, we would be glad to do so at no cost to you. Just drive in at your convenience. |