GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I bought and installed a hitch on my 2008 vibe. The holes were already there and since the car has been through Midwest winters for the last ten years a bought a tap to clean rust out of the holes. I torqued three out of the four bolts to spec. The threading on the fourth hole stripped out and the bolt would only go so tight before slipping.
My major question is can I use the hitch for a bike rack with only three bolts. This would be the rack its self and two mountain bikes. 150 pounds total is a safe number( more like 60- 100 most of the time). I would never use a trailer or something with more weight on this hitch.

Plan B is to drill the hole out, use a tap and new bolt to install the fourth bolt.

Just trying to gauge if I can use my bike rack on the hitch or if I should hold of and install the fourth bolt is installed.

Thanks

-Miles

Welcome to GenViber Miles I'd say you'll be fine with three good bolts seeing how you'll have minimal weight on it. As a precaution, check it after each use to verify that there wasn't any additional stress on the one good bolt. I think you'll be OK

I agree with Tim. For good measure though, I'd end up tapping that 4th hole and installing the new bolt. If you were ever to sell the car, next owner might try to tow something with it and end up with a headache

Is there access above the threaded hole where you could feed a nut up there, or drop a bolt through the hole from the top? That would spare you from having the cut new threads.

hogdoctor wrote:Is there access above the threaded hole where you could feed a nut up there, or drop a bolt through the hole from the top? That would spare you from having the cut new threads.

There is not. It threads into the unibody.

perhaps an access hole could be made just large enough for a nut to pass through, a safe distance from the loaded area, and then plugged or sealed over afterward...

I agree with Tim.
If it worries you anyway you could drill out the hole and tap it for a fatter bolt.