2022 Badlands Curt Install Issue

[BadlandsMugs]

I picked up my 2022 4D Badlands a week ago. I ordered the Curt hitch from etrailer, and made the mistake of assuming (I know) the 2021 kit would fit. The bolts are too long to insert between the muffler and the hitch/frame. I can get the furthest passenger side bolt in at an angle, but then it bottoms out against the bumper frame.

Before I send it all back to etrailer, has anyone run into this and had success with shorter bolts?

Everything else lines up, and there's a review on Curt's website that says the bolts are 1/2" too long, so I'm wondering if they had the same issue. I'm just using it for a bike rack, not towing.

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[shoelessjoe]

I picked up my 2022 4D Badlands a week ago. I ordered the Curt hitch from etrailer, and made the mistake of assuming (I know) the 2021 kit would fit. The bolts are too long to insert between the muffler and the hitch/frame. I can get the furthest passenger side bolt in at an angle, but then it bottoms out against the bumper frame.

Before I send it all back to etrailer, has anyone run into this and had success with shorter bolts?

Everything else lines up, and there's a review on Curt's website that says the bolts are 1/2" too long, so I'm wondering if they had the same issue. I'm just using it for a bike rack, not towing.

 

[Herbie]

I picked up my 2022 4D Badlands a week ago. I ordered the Curt hitch from etrailer, and made the mistake of assuming (I know) the 2021 kit would fit. The bolts are too long to insert between the muffler and the hitch/frame. I can get the furthest passenger side bolt in at an angle, but then it bottoms out against the bumper frame.

Before I send it all back to etrailer, has anyone run into this and had success with shorter bolts?

Everything else lines up, and there's a review on Curt's website that says the bolts are 1/2" too long, so I'm wondering if they had the same issue. I'm just using it for a bike rack, not towing.

Denny @Denny3297 just installed his Curt hitch on his 2022 Badlands a couple days ago and had no problems. See below:

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/self-made-diy-tow-package-if-7-pin-not-needed.35737/

 

[Denny3297]

Denny @Denny3297 just installed his Curt hitch on his 2022 Badlands a couple days ago and had no problems. See below:

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/self-made-diy-tow-package-if-7-pin-not-needed.35737/

I had heard about that problem, but mine went right in. No issues at all.

 

[Laidbackduner]

I had the same issue, I used washers on the bolt side to space it out so it didn’t touch on the opposite side.

 

[Herbie]

I had the same issue, I used washers on the bolt side to space it out so it didn’t touch on the opposite side.

I think he is suggesting he can't even get the bolts in the holes between the muffler and the hitch because of the cramped nature caused by the muffler. Not that the bolts are hitting the bumper once in.

 

[Herbie]

I picked up my 2022 4D Badlands a week ago. I ordered the Curt hitch from etrailer, and made the mistake of assuming (I know) the 2021 kit would fit. The bolts are too long to insert between the muffler and the hitch/frame. I can get the furthest passenger side bolt in at an angle, but then it bottoms out against the bumper frame.

Before I send it all back to etrailer, has anyone run into this and had success with shorter bolts?

Everything else lines up, and there's a review on Curt's website that says the bolts are 1/2" too long, so I'm wondering if they had the same issue. I'm just using it for a bike rack, not towing.

Chase do you have the 2.7 or the 2.3?

 

[Kmcran]

I would try unbolting one if not both exhaust hangers and see if you can flex it out of the way enough to get the bolts in. Mine is a 21 but I didnt have any trouble getting the bolts in.

 

[BadlandsMugs]

It’s a 2.3. I could add spacers easily, but yes, no clearance to insert the bolts.

I’m going to get shorter bolts tomorrow and see if they clear.

 

[Midlife Crisis]

Why not take the bumper off and install the bolts from the back to the front instead of using extra washers?

 

[nic]

FWIW, it’s a super tight fit on the ‘21 too. I would think it’s the same sizing for ‘22. You have to go in at an angle just jiggle the bolt until it slides a portion of the way in.

 

[Herbie]

FWIW, it’s a super tight fit on the ‘21 too. I would think it’s the same sizing for ‘22. You have to go in at an angle just jiggle the bolt until it slides a portion of the way in.

Nic, are you also a 2.3L, I'm wondering if that is the tight fight issue, 2.3 v.s. 2.7.

 

[nic]

Nic, are you also a 2.3L, I'm wondering if that is the tight fight issue, 2.3 v.s. 2.7.

Yah. 2.3 Badlands non-squatched.

 

[Herbie]

Yah. 2.3 Badlands non-squatched.

Roger that, that's what I have coming (Squatched), but if you got it done then I will be able to as well. Thanks.

 

[Broncola]

Muffler has a bunch of play in it if you push/pull/yank on it. You maybe able to get them in that way. Bumper removal is also super easy. The bolts are too long though, they need to update their kit.

I did the bumper removal to save a trip to the hardware store. Check it out.

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