Hitch detail on a 2004 XC90 AWD

brunocerous · Post by **brunocerous** » 23 Oct 2020, 19:40

Today I installed a used U-Haul tow hitch on my ’04 XC90 and realized that the “safety loops” (or whatever they’re called) are oriented vertically instead of horizontally, making them push into the bumper cover.

I hadn’t realized this when looking at trailer hitches and now see that some hitches are designed to clear the bumper cover.

Does anyone have a recommendation on how to trim the plastic bumper cover neatly? It’s either that, leave it alone or get a better hitch.

The hitch also seemed to be slightly bowed since I could only install five of the six bolts. Thankfully, I’m not towing anything anytime soon; it’s only for a bike rack!

: U-Haul trailer hitch on a 2004 XC90 AWD

Post by **jimmy57** » 23 Oct 2020, 20:29

Utility knife repeated passes or a straight piece of metal held by clamps and then use a drill held against edge and pushed sideways to nubble plastic are ways I do it.
That bolt and fender washer looks scary. Hitch pin or 5/8 bolt 3 inches long with nut and lock washer are secure.

brunocerous · Post by **brunocerous** » 24 Oct 2020, 02:22

Thanks. I like the straightedge idea.

Agreed on that thin bolt. I bought a proper 5/8 hitch pin, but the Thule rack has an opening that is both too small and threaded.

brunocerous · Post by **brunocerous** » 24 Oct 2020, 19:08

Thule apparently uses its own design in hitch pins: threaded on the side with the bolt head, tapering to a smaller diameter on the other side that connects to the locking mechanism. It costs twice what I paid for the used bike rack.

Post by **abscate** » 24 Oct 2020, 19:30

Just drill it out and put a hitch pin in

We can trim that cover nicely with a Dremel tool.