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wizards8507's avatar
wizards8507
Explorer
Oct 10, 2017

Bumper Problems - 2016 Grand Caravan

When I purchased my 2016 Dodge Grand Caravan a few months ago, I had the dealer install the OEM hitch and wiring with an eye towards a future trailer. I never looked too closely back there since we weren't quite ready to pull the trigger on the camper purchase, but my wife was recently involved in a collision that required the bumper to be removed and repaired. Looking at it now, it appears that either the bumper or the towing equipment were not installed properly. I'm not sure if it was the dealer who installed it wrong in the first place or the repair shop who didn't reinstall the bumper correctly.

https://i.imgur.com/QINLUdq.jpg

There are two issues. First, the bumper doesn't appear to be fastened to the car the way it should. Second, I can't open the door to the wiring connector socket because the lip of the bumper itself is in the way. Does anyone have any advice here?
Tow Vehicles

16 Replies

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  • Fast_Mopar's avatar
    Fast_Mopar
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2017
    Looks like the person doing the work did not care what they were doing. I installed the hitch on my 2013 Grand Caravan myself, and my light plug is under it, so it looks different from yours. Draw Tite instructions will not help if it was originally a dealer item. The best bet is to go back to the body shop and have them fix it.
  • Ron3rd's avatar
    Ron3rd
    Explorer III
    Oct 11, 2017
    Can't tell anything from your picture but I suspect your Caravan has a unibody construction. Installing hitches on these vehicles is not like a pickup and a completely different ballgame. Did one once on the wife's old 1988 Ford Taurus Wagon.

    Have somebody look at it that knows what they're looking at; probably a shop that specializes in installing hitches. Or, download the instructions from Drawtite or some other mfg and see how it's supposed to be installed.

    At a minimum, contact your insurance company and let the know. Normally they will want to follow up on these types of issues for safety reasons.
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Oct 11, 2017
    2016 Dodge Grand Caravan? Look for a small, light trailer when it’s fixed.
  • Tyler0215's avatar
    Tyler0215
    Explorer
    Oct 11, 2017
    If the body shop messed it up: TAKE IT BACK!
    If the dealer installed it wrong you should have noticed it before you accepted the install.

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