Installing a Trailer Hitch on my 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV (Draw-tite)
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- Опубликовано: 6 фев 2025
- In this video, I go through the step-by-step process of installing a Draw-tite 76525 Trailer / Receiver hitch on my 2022 Chevy Bolt EUV. I purchased this from etrailer.com and they list the installation difficulty as 10 out of 10. I'm not sure the installation is actually that difficult, but I'll walk through each step of the process.
As mentioned in the video, the Bolt EUV is not rated to tow anything, but that does not mean that it cannot tow anything. The hitch is rated for a 2,000 lb trailer with 300 lbs of tongue weight. The process of rating a vehicle for trailer towing is strenuous and expensive, so it isn't surprising that a small electric car is not rated to tow, but as long as you don't tow more than 2,000 lbs, drive long uphill (or downhill) grades or drive at excessively high speeds, I don't see where towing a small trailer would be an issue at all. I plan to test this out myself in a later video.
This receiver hitch can also be used for a bike rack or a small cargo box, which is probably how it is more likely to be used. Just make sure that your combined cargo and passenger weight does not exceed what the vehicle is rated for (I believe around 860 lbs) and make sure the weight is evenly distributed.
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Thanks for the video. It gave me the confidence to do mine. I just completed it a couple days ago. I'm 76 and don't move very fast but I had the trailer hitch on inside of two hours. While I had the bumper fascia off, I went ahead and installed the wiring kit, following your experience in your video on that subject. The wiring took me far longer, but I pretty much followed all your examples. I got everything back together with no left-over parts. Everything works. Thank you so much for sharing your experience.
watching this video gave me the DIY confidence I needed to skip the Uhaul installation. worked perfectly for my 2023. many thanks!
This is the most informative DIY walk through video I've ever seen. I'm going to skip a pro install on mine and DIY. Thank you for the video, I wish everyone were as thorough as you.
I used the same parts and procedure you did to install the hitch and wiring harness. You are right, I installed both at the same time and it made the process more efficient. Thank you!
I installed on 2023 Bolt EUV. THANKS THANKS for the video, gave me the confidence (and a number of hints) to tackle it!
I'm a middling backyard mechanic. Once I assembled all the tools - took 2 hours.
- I didn't jack up the car. No need.
- To make the clearance between wheel and the T15 screws inside fender, I got a 1/4" ratcheting combination wrench so my (1/4") T15 bit would fit in the space. There's only enough space for the bit between wheel and screw. $6 for the combo wrench vs. the power right-angle nut driver you have.
- As you say, those 3 fasteners at top (just below the taillight) are crux. I pried and yanked (carefully), no luck. My success was creeping up the inside along the rear gate molding to first break free the inside fastener. Once that was freed, it opened the way.
Thanks for posting!
Thank you for the video, it greatly helped me install it on my 2023 EUV. As a side note, you seem like a very nice person. Great job !
I followed your video and installed the draw tite on my euv in about 1.5hrs. I watched and zoomed and rewatched to get a good grasp on where the bumper clips were. Getting the clips by the lights to disengage was the hardest part. I recommend getting those plastic car part removers to assist with the wheel well clips. Thx!
Excellent video. Was able to install this hitch on my car in less than 90 minutes following your instructions. Well done, and thanks!
Great video, I didn't even bother looking at the instructions, just followed your video.
So glad you put this vid together. Easy peasy with your walk-through. 👍
About to install one on my 2023. Super helpful video- Thanks!
Your instructions were great. I just installed a hitch from CURT/U-Haul and it was the exact same. My tips would be: When pulling the bumper off, be sure to pull perpendicular to the body. Also, the T15's by the wheels were the trickiest for me since you don't have enough room to get a socket wrench or driver in there.
I've been using my weller butane soldering iron to cut plastic lately... They've got a v-shaped tip... Originally for cutting synthetic rope, i think, but it works on plastic... I usually do it in several passes, sometimes finishing with a blade once the melted area is thin enough. One nice thing about this is you can put radiuses on those corners tor reduce the possibility of cracking.
Thanks for the video!
Hi Kevin, great video! Thanks for sharing your installation with everyone!
Excellent video...thank you for taking the extra time and energy it takes to make it! You are a great person :)
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for this! After my dealer refused to do the installation, this is a big help.
I'm looking forward to the wiring vid - installing the wiring on a 2020 EV was a big PITA.
I was finally able to get the hitch and install it. As an avid DIYer (mostly on things other than cars), I would say maybe 5-6/10. Plastic trim tools definitely helped around the tail lights and wheel arch trim. I'm still looking forward to the wiring segment.
Glad it helped. Wiring video is uploading now. Should be finished with RUclips's slow processing in the next day or 2.
Great video. Thank you. Just got a Bolt EUV and want to carry bikes with it. I would definitely rate this a 10/10 having put hitch receivers on several of my cars. I have never had to remove any parts to attach one of these things. Not looking forward to this.😬
Excellent step-by-step tutorial. Thanks so much, @WrenchingFool
I am reasonably handy, and it took me about 1.5 hours to do the install. I pre-ordered these clips [1] from Amazon in case I broke one of the fender trim clips. I didn't compare, but they looked like the correct replacement had I needed one. I also ordered these tools [2], and they were really helpful in prying back the fender trim piece.
I didn't lift the Bolt EUV to do the work. Getting out the wheel well screws was a little tight, but I used some bike Torx tools, and it was fiddly but fine. Accessing the push pins at the bottom of the bumper was not an issue.
A second set of hands was helpful for removing/moving the bumper and putting on the hitch.
All in all, I'm glad I did it myself. No local hitch places were willing to do a hitch install that involved removing the bumper. I didn't do a perfect job - there are a couple tiny scuffs on the fender trim piece if you look _really_ close - but no one but me will ever notice them.
[1] www.amazon.com/dp/B0040CTUZ0
[2] www.amazon.com/dp/B07R44VJHN
Thanks for the video. I'm not installing a hitch I am replacing the rear black bumper cover as my wife cracked it backing into something. This was quite helpful. I'm hoping the proximity sensors and reverse light aren't to difficult to remove as they have to be removed and reinstalled into the new cover.
I believe the reverse light is held in with screws and the parking sensors snap in. Both should be pretty simple to swap over. Thanks for watching!
Ditto JailbreakEvo. I would be bragging so won't say how quickly the hitch went on. Let's just say way faster than I planned for. I will credit your video over my "mechanic skills" for that speedy install. WOW, very nice video! Incidentally, your video calls for 38 ft.lb. torque on the 15mm nuts as does the instruction sheet that comes with the hitch. However, the pdf instructions from etrailer indicates 32 ft. lb. I split the difference.
Very nice detailed walk-through of the install. Looking forward to your wiring harness!! Thanks
Same, I couldn't find a good video on the wiring
Thanks! Wiring harness video is uploading now. I just have to wait for it to get through the slow RUclips video processing.
-lease send me the link to wiring video
@@derylhunt4494 click on his channel name, it's the latest (I don't think links work in comments)
Thanks, that was very helpful. I did the job on my own in less than 2 hours
Glad to hear it, thanks for watching!
great video. the problem with the receiver being so low is not clearance, but getting a normal stance with the trailer. finding an insert which raises the ball up is difficult
I installed a trailer hitch on my 2017 Bolt (Curt 11457), it went "without a hitch" :)
My use is a bike carrier and it handles it fine, don't worry about it not being 'rated for towing'.
I've gone "off roading" once so far, just ordered my hitch so I'm pretty excited to go on a little road trip once I have the money for a used popup, thanks for the video
As a backyard mechanic I wouldn't say this is a 10/10 at all it's a bolt on design, the wiring is a bit tedious but even that I'd say is a 6/10 -7/10 max
Thanks for watching!
I would really like to see the wiring harness install part.
It is filmed, I just need to find some time to edit it. Sorry it had taken so long.
Great video. I just got a '23 euv and need to do this. I have a '19 EV that the hitch was much easier and bolted on from below. Keep the EUV videos coming!
Thanks for watching!
Great video..saved me time did it an hour and a half. 2023 bolt euv
Great video. This looks way easier than I expected. My only question is how did you wire trailer lights, or did you bother with them?
Just did mine... super easy. Took about 1.5 hrs or so. The fender trim clips tend to fall out. The round one with the rubber gasket is the 3rd one. A deep socket is useful for the aluminum bumper bolts.
I want to add a small trailer for when I go to Southern States or home Depot. I haven't had a new car in over 20 years, so I'd like to keep this one nice on the inside. Was wondering how tricky it would be to add a hitch to my EUV that I should get near the end of the month.
Had a Chevy S10 many years ago, and my first experience when younger than the wonderful young man here was towing a U-Haul. The one axle ones. I was towing it with a simple bumper mounted 1 3/4" ball, with that step down so it's a little bit lower. It was four-wheel drive with a heavy duty suspension. My workplace was a small airport at the top of a WV mountain, and I was required to show up to work no matter how bad the weather.
I didn't have that much in the U-Haul. I got going on the highway and didn't notice that I had sped up to just a touch over 50 (it said max speed 45 mph). There was a gusty crosswind that night, and suddenly the trailer started viciously oscillating left and right. I had just started slowing down carefully (foot off gas in 5th gear) when I realized I was a touch over 50 which saved me. The trailer popped forward and then pulled back, with the safety chains stopping it. Since I was already stopping, this did not prove the disaster it could have been otherwise.
I went and back and suddenly discovered that they had not tightened down the ball retention nut, or they simply had failed to lock it properly (there's a lever). So the lock system had come completely loose, followed of course by the trailer.
My bumper had almost been torn off. The ball had actually warped probably 20° off vertical, and you could see the crack in the metal of the bumper where it had tried to pull loose. If I had let my speed creep up to 60 (It was a 70 mph road, and other drivers were justifiably grumpy) I suspect I would have lost the entire bumper once it started oscillating. I have also never, ever trusted anyone else to attach a trailer to my vehicle. I'll let them do it, but I will double check EVERYTHING.
And he's RIGHT. Those maximum safe towing speeds are gospel, not guidance. BTW The cause of the accident was not my opinion, I called U-Haul immediately afterwards and they sent someone out. When he discovered it had not been properly tightened down, he showed me exactly what had happened. He was also pissed, and kindly showed me everything the rental place should have. In the dark, at the side of an interstate. God bless him for his patience.
That was great! I got the eco-hitch, so slightly different, but Torklift's video is not as through or approachable as yours. Glad to see otherwhere in the comments that you have one for the wiring harness.
Thanks for watching! Yes, there is a separate video for the wiring. I’d say the wiring is a little more complicated since it requires interior panels to be removed, but it’s still within the realm of a competent DIYer.
I have the same hitch on my EUV. I tried to install, the instructions are horrible, and had a very hard time removing the rear put everything back together and had a pro install, my score is 11 out of 10 yes 11! Liked the vid.
I agree, the instructions were bad. I have experience on my side, but after talking with some others, I agree this might be out of reach for those who don't regularly DIY.
Thanks for the video, I have owned the bolt for three months and have a bike rack from my old van that uses a hitch. Thanks for the information, my decision is quite simple.....install one! Question two was also answered, Easy....anyway for me...just mechanicaly inclined...Thanks !!!
If you're mechanically inclined and have any experience with the plastic trim/panel clips on modern cars, you'll have no issue. Thanks for watching!
Thank you for the video. I would like to see how the new hitch electrical plug ties in with the car.
Coming soon! Video is uploading now, just needs to get past RUclips's slow processing.
Thanks , this is the deciding fact of me purchasing the bolt !!! Chevrolet should be sending you a check for helping them sell me the bolt !!!
Thanks for watching!
Excellent tutorial, better than etrailer! I only broke a tiny clip under the taillight, where it says RH C121. Otherwise, I felt like I had already done it before I started. Thanks!
Thanks for watching, I’m glad it helped. The clip material is very cheap plastic, so they sometimes break even if you do everything right.
Thanks for the great video! I'm doing my install this weekend. Looks easy enough. Definitely not a 10/10. Maybe a 5 in my opinion. I guess it all depends on your experience working on cars! Possible to do the cutout before bumper removal, and then avoid disconnecting the wiring harness just to speed things up a bit? I may try this approach. Thanks again for taking your time to help others.
I'm doing this hitch, for the purpose of bicycle carrier but the stoplights probably gonna be obstructed by bicycle carrier, so stoplights mod needed here, plus trailer lights, I already watch your wiring video, any ideas how to combine the trailer lights and stoplights mod thanks
Camp-Inn has a very lightweight (less than 500 lbs dry weight, 1000 lbs max weight) tear drop camper called the Road Toad and I’m thinking it would work perfectly with this hitch. I’m considering it. Thanks for the demo!
The Bolt is quite capable of towing light weight things since it weighs about as much as a compact crossover and has more power/torque than most of the non-turbocharged options.
@@wrenchingfool5284 But your mileage will tumble with any wt at all. Adding a Bolt hitch is best for purposes of carrying bike or other such objects.
@@wrenchingfool5284 How much range do you lose with this attached?
It looks the same as the 21 trailer hitch, which I have done several of. The only difference is it seems a lot lower and will scrape on the driveway. They had to go lower I guess because of the reverse light. By the way, some of us technicians are cringing, watching you use a metal screwdriver in Lou of a plastic trim tool… Lol.
I hear you on the metal screw driver. I used to have a plastic trim tool, but one of my coworkers apparently decided they needed it more than me…😒 thanks for watching
Great video Kevin! I had my '23 Bolt EUV hitch installed at U-haul and it resulted in censor(s) failures. These appeared on my dash screen notification: (1) Service side-vehicle-detection (blind spot during lane changes) view blocked; (2) both rear left/right turn signal failure. After these failures appeared on my dash screen, I took the vehicle to the dealership for service. They said that during hitch install a " censor was pinched up against the new hitch", causing the failures. After watching Kevin's video, I can't tell where the important safety censor(s) on the EUV is located. Does anyone know the location of the censor(s)? After reporting the failures to U-haul installer, he wanted a picture of the pinched censors for reimbursement and future trouble shooting. Thanks in advance for any replies.
I’m sorry that happened to you. There is a wiring harness that runs under the bumper cover (the one I disconnect in the video) that runs all the lights and blind spot sensors on the back of the vehicle. The blind spot sensors are located at the sides of the rear bumper. Roughly the same spot as the forward edge of the brake lights in the bumper.
I am all for having censors pinched (hopefully between a 1 ton rock and the ground). As far as sensors, one has to be careful with the wires when installing the bumper.
Hey, what a great idea. They did that on a Ford Lightning truck (EV). After pulling a very small trailer, it's 350 mile range had dropped to 82 miles! So, good luck!
Great video
Can you share about installing the light kit!
Yes, there is another video on my channel that covers this.
So helpful, thank you for posting this!
I see a lot of people doing this. Problem is, if you have any drive-train issues, Getting chevy to honor your warranty might get interesting.
The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act states (among other things) that a vehicle manufacturer has to prove that an aftermarket part or accessory caused the failure to occur in order to deny warranty coverage for that particular failure. Stating that simply having a tow hitch on a car caused a drivetrain failure (without any proof of how it was used) is a pretty big leap. Of course, if you use the tow hitch with no common sense (like doing TFL’s Ike Gauntlet with the Bolt), then you probably deserve to pay for any damages you cause.
@@wrenchingfool5284 Interesting... However, my point is, there might be one or two unscrupulous Dealerships who will "try" to void warranty repairs because of aftermarket installs like this. Could turn into a headache is all I'm saying.
Interesting video. Weird that it's "unlisted" on your channel and only comes up when I clicked on the playlist for Bolt EUV
It was unlisted at that time because I hadn’t intended for it to be viewed at that time lol. I’m still learning the quirks and features of RUclips. Thanks for watching!
Thanks for sharing, great video!
The 10/10 installation difficulty is a backwards scale. The easier installs are 10/10.
Good Job 👍🏼
Thanks!
The Curt hitch, installed in exactly the same way, lists the install as “easy.” And it was. So yeah, not sure why the Draw-tite instructions say 10/10 difficulty.
Yeah. I would have to call that a 10/10 rating for difficulty for the average person. Difficulty being the part where you have to get over the fact that you are dismantling a brand new car.
So stupid that Chevy doesn’t offer this an an option (with strict disclaimers ;-)
You make it look easy. Possibly instilling confidence that shouldn’t be there. Lol
Thanks for sharing this with all of us!
Thanks for the feedback. I’m realizing more and more that my perceived difficulty on automotive stuff is very different than the average person. Not because I’m better in any way than the average person, but just because that was my life for so long.
Thanks for posting this. Is there any tips on how to put them on jack stands? I think the Bolt EUV has a circular lift point like the Tesla Model 3 … so can you use regular jack stands or do you need something special?
The EUV doesn’t have any special requirements for jacking it up. Position your jack stands at the pinch weld running down each side of the car and you’ll be totally fine.
Hockey pucks with a groove cut into them work great to protect your paint
Very through. Thanks for that!
You are brave....and good! Bravo!
Thanks for watching!
Hi, do you know if it can fit on a 2019 Bolt premier ?
I’m not sure, but I would guess probably not since the 2019 Bolt is a different body style. There should be trailer hitch options for that body style though.
Magic wire connection not shown?
If you mean the trailer light wiring harness, that video will be live in the next couple days. Sorry for the delay, life happened.
So sad that Chevy decided to complicate things to this level. The install of the same hitch on the Bolt EV was a breeze and did not involve taking half a car apart... Thanks for the nice video.
I didn't install a trailer hitch on my old Bolt, but that is surprising that it would be a lot more difficult considering they're very similar cars.
@@wrenchingfool5284 They are quite different. In the EV, you just pull two plastic plugs to loosen the bumper, then two bolts under that bumper. Having said that though, this isn't really on Chevy either. They never intended for a tow hitch to be attached to either the EV or EUV. This is an aftermarket "modification" with 3rd party parts.
@@JuanBeegAhs Other than the outrageously pricey Eco Hitch (which installs just like the Draw Tite hitch here) there is no Class III hitch for my 2020 Bolt. The only Draw Tite and Reese hitches for it are Class I and do not attach to the Impact Bar bolts like the one WFool put on here. Cannot figure that out. It's important because Class I hitches do not have the tongue wt rating I need! BTW Reese and Draw Tite have common ownership but the Reese #84525 is $176 at O'Reilly while the Draw Tite #76525 is $227; they appear to be the same!
Great Video. Thanks for the clear explanations. I used the video to help my friend REMOVE the hitch installed on his 23 EUV. Great car, but as we know, the manual specifically mentions not to tow anything. The dealer had this already pre installed without a wiring harness, which makes towing not really possible. Although the hitch could be used as an interface to attach a bike rack or luggage carrier etc. I assume that was the dealers intend. One comment on the tow rating.... You are correct in the effort that it takes to certify vehicles for towing. Generally tow ratings and CGVWR (Combined Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) is based on the braking capacity of the vehicle. The more power the brakes have, the more tow capacity you have. In the case of EV's in general, the vast majority of braking is done during regen phase, which is not really suitable to deal with the additional surge the trailer would provide during a decel event. Therefore the hydraulic brakes, meaning calipers and pads and disks are acting as a back up of sorts and are not designed to have over capacity. Just additional information. Again, thanks for a great video!!
Great video. How'bout a roof rack?
I personally have no use for a roof rack, so I won't be buying one. If someone wants to sponsor one, I'd be happy to install it. :) Thanks for watching!
@@wrenchingfool5284 There are some on AMZ, but beware that they are tricky to secure securely.
Hey Kevin, awesome video! I had a separate question. I just got my 23 EUV and am in Salem. Now with EV and your experience is it worth getting the extended warranty (say CNA). If so why? How many miles? Or not, why not? Would love to know what you think.
I would say that extended warranties are hit or miss. You really have to read the fine print and see what exactly they cover. I’ve worked with several as a technician. Some are fine and end up saving you money. Others have weird stipulations that they’ll substitute used parts instead of new ones (which can be quite sketchy unless you can guarantee the used parts are in good shape because the warranty company will usually source the used parts themselves) and some will only cover parts that are highly unlikely to fail. Some also require completely unrealistic maintenance records to be kept and will deny any claims if those records aren’t available or if you miss a service, even if it is completely unrelated to the part that failed. Some will delay the repair of your vehicle by days or weeks while they insist on sending out inspectors, haggling with the repair shop and trying to find the cheapest used parts. So, your experience is really dependent on the company you go with and the specific plan you get.
@@wrenchingfool5284 yikes. Seems like this could get so complex. I’m sure with EVs being so knew it will only get even more complicated. My assumptions is the infotainment and computer systems would be covered. I have CNA automotive preferred care+plus. I’m in the period of a full refund. So who knows. Thanks for the insight. Not trying to get too screwed. EV is saving me tons on gas money
Thank you for the video. Is the wiring harness install online?
Harness install is uploading now! Just need to wait for RUclips to process it.
You did not deal with the wiring Har ess?
Sorry for the delay, I just finished editing that video and it should be live in the next day or 2.
We have an EUV on order. Will installing a hitch void your warranty?
Nothing will automatically void your warranty. If there is a failure that GM is able to conclusively prove was a direct result of the trailer hitch, then they could choose to deny that particular repair. That's pretty unlikely to happen if you don't overload the vehicle.
Привет.Сколько стоит прицепное??
Nice video!
Fantastic video ! Especially great job with the camera work and the close-ups. So much better than mini DIY videos.
One thing kept coming to mine and in the end when I saw a model three in your driveway I knew I could ask the question
I had a hitch installed on my model three, for bicycles. Pretty sure it was the same brand. I did notice that sometimes the clearance was such that I inadvertently scraped in certain driveways etc.
Any idea how this clearance compares to the same install on a model three? I sold mine so I can’t check, And I’m getting an EUV soon
I don't have a trailer hitch on the Model 3, mostly because they're quite expensive. But, because the Model 3 generally sits lower than the Bolt and the rear tires are further from the bumper than the Bolt (hurts departure angle), I'd expect the clearance to be better going in and out of driveways on the Bolt than on the Model 3.
Most people just want a hitch for a bike rack....not for a trailer.
Are sure? There’s a reason why it’s usually called a tow or trailer hitch. Not a bike hitch.
The bolt euv has no towing capacity as manufacturer's recommendations.
Hey, when they put a hitch on a Ford Lightning EV and tried to tow something, the mileage dropped 75%. So, good luck on this venture.
They had a 6000# trailer on those tests. Personally, I'm just putting the receiver on so I can attach a bike rack. And maybe bring two kayaks in a small utility trailer to a local lake. I have a pickup for anything that calls for it.
@@williamgoldman5248 Great. Now will someone explain to me why 93% of those who drive a truck, NEVER use the bed of the truck. I know who benefits here. Not the buyer who pays a ridiculous price for the truck or has to feed it gas all the time. Not the pedestrian or child who gets run over by one because the stupid thing is so high up. Oh, who do benefit are the car dealer which marks the over sized, gas guzzling thing up 20 to 50%. Also, the oil companies benefit, who sell their gasoline to those gas guzzlers.
I do very little towing outside of maybe a 30 mile radius, and I have a truck to take care of any other towing needs that may pop up (which only happens once every 2-3 years). The Bolt would be fine to do short trips with a small trailer, or even longer trips if you are very patient.
@@wrenchingfool5284 You are correct. However, don't forget the problems with EVs and their lithium batteries. Stress from towing may cause that problem of "run away" in the battery. Then, the big burn can happen! Those Chevy dealers still have their new Bolts sitting on their lots because of the burning problem!
@@johncipolletti5611 I'm not sure you're aware of how EVs work at all outside of your catch-phrases.
Bolts sitting on lots?! I wish that was a reality when i ordered mine!
Maybe not 10 out of 10 but up there, 7-8 out of 10 maybe.
Seven out of 10 my first one, four out of 10 my second one, and 1 out of 10 my third one…
"Nobody takes their bolt off-road"
Mwuhahahahaha!
I would not recommend it. The ground clearance on my 2020 EV is zilch.
Why would you even put a hitch on a small ev???
Bike rack!
Bike Rack
Bike rack is the main reason many would want it, but you could also tow a small cargo trailer with it (less than 2000lbs). The Bolt has more torque and weighs about the same as many older compact trucks, so its perfectly capable of towing a _small_ trailer.
Bike rack of course. Also one of those hitch trays is very nice for camping to hold a bunch of stuff.
Motorized Scooter/Wheelchair