Trailer hitch removal - can I just slide out the hitch thru-bolt without causing issues - 2022 RT Limited?

[1Vetteman]

I want to remove the trailer hitch that was on my recently purchased 2022 RT.

Can I slide the through bolt (axle) that holds the hitch in place without some kind of support to keep the rear wheel in place and not cause belt alignment/tension issues? I don’t want parts to go flying because of ignorance on my part.

After 53 years on Harleys I’m pretty well versed on them, but the Spyder is new territory for me.

 

[Knizar]

I want to remove the trailer hitch that was on my recently purchased 2022 RT.

Can I slide the through bolt (axle) that holds the hitch in place without some kind of support to keep the rear wheel in place and not cause belt alignment/tension issues? I don’t want parts to go flying because of ignorance on my part.

After 53 years on Harleys I’m pretty well versed on them, but the Spyder is new territory for me.

Yes, remove hitch is easy, rear wheel will not move if you don't loosen the 36mm nut on the main hollow axle.

 

[Snoking1127]

And move the carter key back to the main axle.

 

[1Vetteman]

Yes, remove hitch is easy, rear wheel will not move if you don't loosen the 36mm nut on the main hollow axle.

Thanks for your reply. When the hitch was installed it comes with a longer bolt which is also the axle to compensate for the additional width of the hitch.

I have the original hollow axle to replace the longer bolt/axle.

There are a series of photos on the LaMonster website showing long bolt removal but I don't see anything being supported in any of the photos.

 

[Snoking1127]

Thanks for your reply. When the hitch was installed it comes with a longer bolt which is also the axle to compensate for the additional width of the hitch.

I have the original hollow axle to replace the longer bolt/axle.

There are a series of photos on the LaMonster website showing long bolt removal but I don't see anything being supported in any of the photos.

OK the hitch must be different for the earlier Spyders up to 2019.

 

[Snowbelt Spyder]

Thanks for your reply. When the hitch was installed it comes with a longer bolt which is also the axle to compensate for the additional width of the hitch.

I have the original hollow axle to replace the longer bolt/axle.

There are a series of photos on the LaMonster website showing long bolt removal but I don't see anything being supported in any of the photos.

No, you have that incorrect. The hitch bolt is NOT the axle. The main axle is hollow and is already there hidden by the hitch. The hitch bolt simply goes through the center of the axle. The axle pulls the hitch bolt, which in turn pulls the hitch. Remove the hitch bolt nut. Pull out the hitch bolt from the left side. Right now, the 36mm nut holding the axle is hiding behind the hitch on the right side. It is untouched. Slide the hitch off of the swing arms. Then you’ll see how it works. That other hollow axle you have must be the one with the hole that was too small.

 

[Knizar]

Thanks for your reply. When the hitch was installed it comes with a longer bolt which is also the axle to compensate for the additional width of the hitch.

I have the original hollow axle to replace the longer bolt/axle.

There are a series of photos on the LaMonster website showing long bolt removal but I don't see anything being supported in any of the photos.

Around the year 2022-2023 BRP was sending out there new machines with axles that would not allow the hitch bolt to go through, so a new axle had to be gotten to have the hitch attach properly.

"YOU DO NOT HAVE TO EXCHANGE THE AXLE "

 

[1Vetteman]

No, you have that incorrect. The hitch bolt is NOT the axle. The main axle is hollow and is already there hidden by the hitch. The hitch bolt simply goes through the center of the axle. The axle pulls the hitch bolt, which in turn pulls the hitch. Remove the hitch bolt nut. Pull out the hitch bolt from the left side. Right now, the 36mm nut holding the axle is hiding behind the hitch on the right side. It is untouched. Slide the hitch off of the swing arms. Then you’ll see how it works. That other hollow axle you have must be the one with the hole that was too small.

Thank you for setting me straight, it’s very much appreciated!

Around the year 2022-2023 BRP was sending out there new machines with axles that would not allow the hitch bolt to go through, so a new axle had to be gotten to have the hitch attach properly.

"YOU DO NOT HAVE TO EXCHANGE THE AXLE "

Thank you for your reply, there was a hollow axle, 2 flat washers, a nut, and 2 plastic caps in the right saddlebag. So I assumed wrongly that the long hitch bolt replaced the hollow axle. I’ll be listing the hitch in the for sale section.

 

[Knizar]

Those plastic caps should fit on the bare axle after the hitch has been removed.

Good Luck, Bill

 

[1Vetteman]

Today the hitch comes off. Thanks to all of you who replied, your input is highly appreciated.

 

[Snoking1127]

Those plastic caps should fit on the bare axle after the hitch has been removed.

Good Luck, Bill

The one with the long slot on the back goes on the passenger/right side. The longer slot is because of the carter key.