Hey experts - hope all is well. I just bought an upgraded hitch - a Curt 45144 (https://www.curtmfg.com/45144) "cushion hitch. I greased it up according to instructions and when I went to remove the existing hitch, it was not easy - took some banging with a nine pound hammer, like Merle Travis. Anyway, got it out and inspected, and the receiver tube opening is a bit rusty but not dangerously so. The new Curt hitch does not slide in easily. Also, the new hitch has an included "anti-rattle" thing that the bolt runs through (through the receiver, the embedded bolt and hitch) which if anything, will make an even tighter fit. This is on a 9 year old Honda CRV that I installed the hitch on maybe 7 years ago. So: dilemma. First, before anyone reads me the riot act, given the virus and so forth, I'm only planning to do 2-3 hour trips for the remainder of 2020 - all local in New England. I've been sort of thinking of a vehicle upgrade - perhaps a Tacoma - but it feels stupid to say, "yeah the new hitch is a tight fit so I'll get a new/used car."
One thought I had was perhaps using lube grease on the inside of the receiver tube? I could clean it up a bit first with a screwdriver or putty knife - just to take off any surface bumps. It all seems silly because I just finished off my trailer and even found a hatch rainfly that'll work great for under a hundred bucks, so now I actually want to go somewhere.
Worst case, I guess I can put the old hitch back in and save the new one for the next vehicle but I was really liking the reviews about a smoother, more cushioned ride with this new Curt hitch.
Any feedback greatly appreciated.