Uhaul Hitch Installation Issues

[PGHMurano]

Hi All,

Hoping someone has had a similar experience. I have an 05 Murano AWD that I need a hitch on to tow a boat.

Long story short, I called Uhaul, who said they had it in stock (Part# 78571) and were going to install today. I arrived this evening to find the car in the lot, with no hitch installed. Terrible customer service aside, I finally had one of the employees get in touch with the manager, who explained that the "Hitch didn't line up right." and that he "was going to find a different one tomorrow."

Now, I've checked online, and even called a few other stores. Everyone is recommending the same hitch. I'm hoping it's an issue with that specific hitch.

So questions - has anyone had the same experience with a Uhaul hitch? Is there another hitch that also fits an '05?

I appreciate any feedback.

[BillArf]

Curt Mfg. says the Uhaul hitch (#78571) used on the 2003-2007 Murano is provided by Curt. Mfg. and is the same as the Curt Mfg. hitch (#12571). Also, that the Curt Mfg. hitch #12571 is the same as the Curt Mfg. hitch #13571.

Anyway, you see often mentioned on the forums that all these hitches are are poorly packaged when shipped from the manufacturer. Very often they get a little lets say bent out of shape during shipment. Basically, whoever does the install needs to bend/tweak them back into shape so the mounting holes line up, etc.. Doing this is no big deal by the way and then you proceed with the install of the hitch. So, your Uhaul place had the correct hitch (#78571) but it needed some tweaking prior to install. They just assumed holes did not line up so it was the incorrect hitch. Here is the install sheet for the #13571: http://sitepro12.sitepro.com/masterl..._13571_INS.pdf
Note install sheet clearly indicates it is for the 2003 - 2007 Murano. I can tell you in fact the Uhaul #78571 hitch is absolutely without question the correct Uhaul hitch for your '05 Murano.

[hokey777]

I had to bend mine a bit to make it line up too when I installed it. eTrailer tech suport said it was common and ok to do.

[njjoe]

PGH-

Welcome to the forum!

I had a similar issue with a Valley Industries hitch. It arrived via UPS in perfect condition (or so I thought). When I went to install it the holes did not line up. It was impossible to bend it back into place while under the car, so I removed it and used a hydraulic jack and a 4x4 to bend it back in shape. After that it was a simple installation.

Your hitch may also have been bent. However, it is plausible the hitch your U-Haul guy had may have been mis-drilled. Give them another chance to make it right.

-njjoe

[PGHMurano]

Thanks for the feedback. The shop opens in a few minutes...hoping it all works out.

These forums are fantastic...so glad I found them!

[JayS]

Guess I got lucky because my uhaul hitch lined up perfect and bolted right up.

[Bumper]

I'm sorry but receiving a trailer hitch that is not ready to mount is unacceptable. Better packaging is needed to ensure that the product purchased is in safe and proper condition prior to mounting.
Uhaul performs subpar service and installation on vehicles, speaking from personal experience on one of our company vehicles requiring a new hitch. We experienced problems at two different Uhaul locations. And again, the folks at Etrailer have the nerve to sell hitches in poor condition and knowlingly admit this is common and expect the customer to fix it so it can be mounted. Their customer support was unprofessional and unresponsive to my concerns. They do not project any service after the sale at all.

[lipcio]

I had the same issue. Look at the pictures under link below. I bought mine at Amazon.com and they send new one next day (perfect customer service).

http://imageshack.us/g/837/img0327su.jpg/

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by Bumper

I'm sorry but receiving a trailer hitch that is not ready to mount is unacceptable. Better packaging is needed to ensure that the product purchased is in safe and proper condition prior to mounting.

This may be true, but when you're talking about something as heavy as a hitch, packaging it so thoroughly that it couldn't get banged around would mean adding so much bulk to the packaging that the shipping cost would shoot upwards. The shipping cost would be unacceptable.

It's a hitch, and it's not made of glass. If it needs a tweak, grab a 5-pound BFH and adjust it with a few swings.

[BillArf]

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

This may be true, but when you're talking about something as heavy as a hitch, packaging it so thoroughly that it couldn't get banged around would mean adding so much bulk to the packaging that the shipping cost would shoot upwards. The shipping cost would be unacceptable.

It's a hitch, and it's not made of glass. If it needs a tweak, grab a 5-pound BFH and adjust it with a few swings.

..X2

[njjoe]

Originally Posted by Bumper

I'm sorry but receiving a trailer hitch that is not ready to mount is unacceptable. Better packaging is needed to ensure that the product purchased is in safe and proper condition prior to mounting.

You are right. All they would have to to do is add a wood spacer between the two arms, securing it with strapping tape, place it in a triple-walled box with wood-reinforced corners and fill it with packaging foam. That would ensure the hitch would arrive in perfect, bolt-in condition.

It would also ensure your $125 hitch would cost $250.

-njjoe

[FLfinfan]

I just installed a Curt Hitch and one stinking hole would not line up just right. It was off by a tiny bit, not allowing the last bolt to go in straight. I tried jiggling it around and no matter how I tried to shift it around either one side or the other would have one hole not match up right, but just barely.
After many curse words I decided to fix it. I was afraid bending it would mess up the other holes and how they lined up, so I broke out the dremel and shaved off a tiny bit of the hole that was just a bit too short.
Worked fine after that.

Now, if I can get the wiring done without breaking interior plactic, I'll be good to go.