Toad Check Surprise

[cruizerEd]

My truck PM specifies checking chassis bolts for torque every few years. The shop did the bolts that hold the hitch to the frame and said they were loose, not finger loose but not torqued to spec. Might want to check those to.

[willurt]

I was told once to put a light coat of grease on the ball, because a dry ball could slowly loosen it self while turning.

[Mark 7]

Drawbars are cheap... By a good quality ball, cinch it down tight with the nut and spring washer, then weld the ball to the drawbar. Could even put a spot weld on the nut to keep it from turning off. Never have to worry about that component again!

[tremor2014]

Take a trip through NE in the winter when there is salt on the roads. In the spring you will have to torch cut the ball off because it is so rusted.

[RETPS]

I'm really surprised no one mentioned ball torque. Proper torque is determined by the shank size, not the ball size. The general rule is for a 3/4" shank, tighten to 150 ft/lbs. For a 1" shank tighten to 250 ft/lbs, and for a 1-1/4 inch shank 450 ft/lbs. That's not something you're going to do by yourself with a single hand held wrench. It takes a long handled torque wrench capable of handling high foot pound torque and another wrench to hold the ball during the process.

[bigb56]

Originally Posted by RETPS

I'm really surprised no one mentioned ball torque. .

It was brought up in the 3rd post, complete with image.

[Bonron]

Originally Posted by ChrisDParise

What kind of a toad setup uses a ball on the hitch receiver? Looks like your toad is a trailer? What towbar equipment are you using?

Inquiring mind wants to know.

Thanks

Chris

Also, is that the correct ball for that hitch?? Looks like it’s loose and maybe the wrong diameter for the hitch.

[TXiceman]

Originally Posted by ChrisDParise

What kind of a toad setup uses a ball on the hitch receiver? Looks like your toad is a trailer? What towbar equipment are you using?

Inquiring mind wants to know.

Thanks

Chris

There are a number of tow bars that use or have used a ball hitch connection. Nothing new about that.

Ken

[saddlesore]

Originally Posted by bigb56

These are also available

THIS would be My Suggestion as well..

[Todd8]

Originally Posted by RETPS

I'm really surprised no one mentioned ball torque. Proper torque is determined by the shank size, not the ball size. The general rule is for a 3/4" shank, tighten to 150 ft/lbs. For a 1" shank tighten to 250 ft/lbs, and for a 1-1/4 inch shank 450 ft/lbs. That's not something you're going to do by yourself with a single hand held wrench. It takes a long handled torque wrench capable of handling high foot pound torque and another wrench to hold the ball during the process.

I agree, a dry 7/8"-9 grade 5 fastener with dry threads requires about 430 ft-lbs of torque to generate full clamp load. A 7/8" fine thread would require even greater torque. It takes a good deal of effort to achieve this torque with a 4ft long torque wrench, let alone a 2 ft long box end wrench.

[Mile Marker 42]

Originally Posted by ChrisDParise

What kind of a toad setup uses a ball on the hitch receiver? Looks like your toad is a trailer? What towbar equipment are you using?

Inquiring mind wants to know.

Thanks

Chris

Old school tow bars.

[Tindalsj]

I'm with bigb56- at least if I understand his posts correctly. From your photo the ball is at a significant angle. It looks like the shank diameter is too small for the size of hole in the receiver. If so the ball will work back and forth until it finally loosens itself. Buy a new ball with a shank size that matches the hole in the receiver. It the receiver hole has worn and allows play, buy a new receiver. Torque it nice and tight per specs if they are given on the ball instructions. Sure- you can use blue Loctite so you can get it apart later.

And yes- I tow a Honda Accord using a Stowmaster 5000 with a ball hitch.

[watking]

I had the same thing happen, tightened the ball and after a few days it would become loose again. The issue (as stated above) was that the ball shaft is too small so it always works itself lose. The receiver hitches come in more than one size. Once I found the correct size it now always stays tight.

[jgbram]

As a young man I had a 2" ball hitch shear off while towing a trailer. The safety chains held for a few seconds then broke as well. It was unnerving to watch my trailer pass me by on the freeway.

Do your pre trip inspections, for everyone's safety!