crooked hitch (update) due to incompetence

[k757]

Hmmm... my U-Haul hitch is crooked. yes, it is crooked. I noticed it when I put on my hitch step and one end nearly touched the bumper on the left while the other side was over an inch away. This is my first time really looking at the hitch since the install. I took it to the local U-Haul place today and they crawled under and took a look. They said it was ok. Right then, I knew it had to go.

On a different thread discussing the number of connecting bolts:

Originally Posted by Kodiak

Run away from the U-haul hitch - buy a Reese or Hidden Hitch if you are not going to buy the OEM.

I am going to take this advice and take the financial hit and just drop the U-Haul hitch in lieu of a Hidden Hitch. Just not worth the risk of something happening when towing.

I will try to get my money back from U-haul or a portion of it, but I don't have high hopes. Any advice is welcomed on my aproach to U-Haul.

[dbb]

Keith I assume you verified it's the hitch and not the hitch step that has the defect?

[k757]

Originally Posted by dbb

Keith I assume you verified it's the hitch and not the hitch step that has the defect?

Oooo, excellent point.

So I went outside and measured multiple times at multiple points. Both sides are equal (within 1 cm) to the center, which I am attributing to my measuring in low light.

[5S Dude]

Originally Posted by k757

Oooo, excellent point.

So I went outside and measured multiple times at multiple points. Both sides are equal (within 1 cm) to the center, which I am attributing to my measuring in low light.

That's weird! it sure looks straight in your photos. I hope they refund your money and you get a good hitch.

[dbb]

Another test would be to find an RTX at a local dealer and try your step in its hitch. If it's ok there then you know it's your hitch and not the step.

[Blue_Ridge_Bob]

Can't you also just install your hitch step upside down and see if the clearances change from the right side up install?

[Mtnman]

It may be centered , but is it square?
I don't recall how the fits to the cross bar. You might be able to use a combination square or framing square to check for alignment.
If you do like B.R.B said that will show that the step is not square to the insert that fits in the receiver. If the clearance is the same the receiver may not be square to hitch cross bar. If you can put a longer bar in the receiver you will be able to see the error more clearly.

[Blue_Ridge_Bob]

Any progress on this K757?

[k757]

Originally Posted by Blue_Ridge_Bob

Any progress on this K757?

During the holiday weekend, I did nothing about this possible issue. I did call an out-of-town (Baton Rouge) Uhaul store and asked them to examine my hitch. They asked if I have the lifetime guarantee, which I do, so I'll see what develops.

[k757]

I took it to a local U-Haul this afternoon. The GM was serving me and had an odd look on his face when I told him about my crooked hitch. So we go out there and look at my hitch step and (the "hmmm, it's crooked" look is on his face) he has me back up the incline ramp. He looks at the bolts and it all appears ok, so he unbolts the hitch and takes a look.... and a gasp . The hitch holes for the bolts are manually drilled larger, he guesses to fit the hitch. so he orders me another hitch and charged the installing store for his labor (hahaha). I ask him to check my 4 pin electrical... it's FUBAR. So when my hitch comes in, I'll be getting new wiring as well on Jacksonville's dime. I may have him not do the 4 pin at all and just get the Honda 7-pin installed since I'm having a re-do anyway.

The original installing U-Haul store was in Jacksonville, FL on Southside Blvd at Beach Blvd.

I had him take off the current hitch as it's useless. So my truck will be a few pounds lighter for the next week or two.