This weekend I removed my trailer hitch from my 2000 4runner to sand off the rust and repaint it. Long story short I snapped the head off the driver side rear bolt one of 4 on that side. I have tried to remove it to no avail. I don't tow allot maybe once twice a year a small trailer just to get some dirt mulch what have you and a uhall from time to time 300+ miles. Can I run with three bolts on one side and all four on the passenger side. Any thoughts will be appreciated.

 

First off, June join date and this is your first post? Welcome!

This is a tough question to answer because no one wants the liability of saying "sure tow whatever you want" and then have the hitch fall off on you.

If it was me I would either drill it out or drill a new hole near it, add a new grade 8 bolt and forget about it.

Back to your question. It's a shame that it's the rearmost bolt. Will it hold while towing 2000#, 3000# or 4000#. Probably. What are the rest of the bolts like? Can you replace them with new grade 8s?

Now for a little story. I drove a F350 pulling a 12,000# trailer 2,500 miles. After I got there I unhitched for a drive w/o the trailer. While rehitching I noticed the hitch sinking/pulling away from the truck frame. Apon further inspection I found that the moron that mounted the hitch used 8- 3/8" carrage bolts (grade 2?). At this point 3 bolts were gone! the rest were loose, or stretched! I drilled out all of the holes and remounted the hitch with 8- 5/8" grade 8 bolts.

With that said. Bolts are incredibly strong!

 

personally, i wouldnt, even if i knew for sure it would hold. i wouldnt want to take a chance on being responsible for a big wreck and possibly have other people and kids being hurt, you know? do it right the first time.

 

Have someone spot weld it on for you...thatll solve the missing bolt problem reall quick

 

All of those bolts are there for a reason...sure you might be able to tow, but could weaken the other bolts in the process. Drill out the old bolt, and retap.

 

I finally got it out took a couple hours and a few drill bits there is almost nothing left of the bolt but its out and it didn't even harm the threads. Thanks for all your help.

 

Way to go! Smart decision.