Hey Guys,Last week my 2014 Expedition EL was rear-ended. Good news no one was seriously hurt. About $3000 in damage. The repair shop looked at the hitch and said it doesn't need to be replaced. It was hit more on the right-hand side the on the hitch. Should I be concerned at all if they don't replace the hitch? Towing in two week and I don't want to have any problems going 65MPH down the highway.Thanks!Deano

I would demand a new hitch! It is possible there is hidden damage that will be revealed when towing. If the ins co won't/ body shop won't replace it, tell them you want it in writing the hitch is structurally safe for heavier towing!!!Glad no one was seriously hurt!!!

Do you have a one of those bigger carpenter squares ? If not borrow one. Take it with you. Have them show you it AND the bolts that hold it on, were not damaged.Remind the insurance company about their potential liability and if that if the hitch is still square and undamaged, that you would like the bolts to be replaced.Even though it sounds like the hitch didn't suffer any impact damage, the bolts themselves could have suffered inertia damage and could have been stretched.Just my opinion.

I agree with both positions stated. I bought a new '05 F150 for towing in '05. Was rear-ended, bumper folded under. They did not replace hitch, said it was fine. Two local camping trips later, found stress cracks and bolt stretch....my stomach sank. And, the TT was only 4500 lbs. (small) vs larger TT we have today (different truck now).

Did the hitch even get touched? If the body shop looked at it and said it doesn't need one, then it must not have gotten touched. I wouldn't worry about it. Especially considering it was an offset hit.

dodge guy wrote:Did the hitch even get touched? If the body shop looked at it and said it doesn't need one, then it must not have gotten touched. I wouldn't worry about it. Especially considering it was an offset hit.This is my thought also. Do you have pictures of the damage? it doesn't take much to get to $3,000 in repair work anymore. Was the hitch even hit, was there frame damage (not likely at only $3,000 in repair cost). Without pictures it is hard to determine if the impact would damage the hitch.

Rear-Ended | Good Sam Community

drcook
Explorer
Sep 24, 2015
Do you have a one of those bigger carpenter squares ? If not borrow one. Take it with you. Have them show you it AND the bolts that hold it on, were not damaged.

Remind the insurance company about their potential liability and if that if the hitch is still square and undamaged, that you would like the bolts to be replaced.

Even though it sounds like the hitch didn't suffer any impact damage, the bolts themselves could have suffered inertia damage and could have been stretched.

Just my opinion.
Need-A-Vacation
Explorer
Sep 24, 2015
I would demand a new hitch! It is possible there is hidden damage that will be revealed when towing. If the ins co won't/ body shop won't replace it, tell them you want it in writing the hitch is structurally safe for heavier towing!!!

Glad no one was seriously hurt!!!

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