Check your hitch ball torque - New Check List Item

[deblas]

Hi all,

I thought I would share a recent experience we had when we recently we changed motorhomes. Part of the process in setting up the, new to us motorhome, was re-configuring our hitch arrangement.

I have never, and maybe shame on me for it, checked the torque of the hitch ball we have used in the past 7 years pulling our enclosed trailer. I have never read any discussion of it or anything or the sort. Kinda a set it and forget it thing.....that has changed.

As I was relocating the ball from the prior draw bar, it took very little effort to spin off that nut using my 3/4" torque wrench....just a bit more pressure that placing my hand on it....damn!

So after a long thank you God prayer......I removed the nut and proceeded to reinstall on the new bar to the 450 ft lb the mfg calls for on this 1-1/4" shank.

It is now a check list item for me. Doesn't take much time or effort....just never thought to do!

[fcbbob15]

Never thought to torque it in the first place, just put it on and tightened it. Doing maintenance tomorrow so will torque it. Already have 3/4 torque wrench for the wheels. Thanks for the heads up.

[gmc70]

I always buy a ball with a hole for a cotter pin or drill and install one myself. that way the nut can't loosen enough to cause the ball to fall out of the bar.

[HDGoose]

Locktite. Never had one loosen. Have to use heat to release.

[deblas]

Originally Posted by HDGoose

Locktite. Never had one loosen. Have to use heat to release.

Sounds like a hood tip.
Thanks

[jerome951]

Put a dab of colored finger nail polish where the edge of the nut meets the threads of the stud. You'll be able to quickly see if the nut has unscrewed at all.

[twinboat]

Paint where the ball sits on the adaptor. If the nut is loose, the ball will move.

That way its easy to see.

[deblas]

Thanks guys....good tips!