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11-30-2006, 11:26 AM
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#1
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Deltona
Posts: 112
M.O.C. #4200
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Hitch problems
Just wondering if anybody has ever had problems with missing nuts that hold down the hitch to the bed? I just was looking at the bottom side and saw that I am missing 2 nuts and one nut is hanging by a thread. Lucky for me that all the nuts are in different areas. I guess I can not pull until I have it checked. Would I need an impact wrench or just a regular socket set?
Richard
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11-30-2006, 11:56 AM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Arroyo Grande
Posts: 504
M.O.C. #6460
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Richard,I don't know where you are,nor which hitch, but definitely have it looked at,most likely the bolts are too damaged to be reused. Now may be a good time to replace all of them with new bolts, lock washers, and nuts.Good luck, Bill
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11-30-2006, 12:01 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Hebron
Posts: 675
M.O.C. #433
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If you do replace them make sure you use bolts etc rated the same. There is a thread, probably in the archives which said what the ratings were supposed to be. I can't remember what though.
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11-30-2006, 12:07 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Haysville
Posts: 4,261
M.O.C. #3085
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Just speaking for Reese hitch rail and frame bracket torque values ... installation manual states 72 ft/lbs for 1/2" bolts and 100 ft/lbs for 3/4" bolts. Unless the threads are damaged beyond use, I'd say just go with new flat washers, lock washers, and nuts. If new bolts are needed be sure to go with grade 5 or better. If you don't have access to a torque wrench, 75 - 100 ft/lbs is about how much you'ld tighten your car lug nuts with a break over bar or 1/2" ratchet.
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11-30-2006, 01:03 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2006
Location:
Posts: 1,700
M.O.C. #5751
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I agree with dieselguy...if you don't have a torque wrench, get one. Harbor Freight has (or maybe 'had') a sale...1/2" drive, torque to 150 ft lbs for $15, guaranteed for life. My Husky (made by RBW) says 65 ft lbs for all bolts.
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11-30-2006, 03:22 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Oceanside
Posts: 20,028
M.O.C. #20
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This almost sounds like the installer snugged or hand tightened all the nuts and then forgot to go back and finish tightening them. I'd examine the threads to make sure they're not damaged.
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12-01-2006, 06:33 PM
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#7
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Bakersfield
Posts: 214
M.O.C. #3933
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A little late on this response, but since I had bolts long enough to accommodate a second nut I added one to each bolt, then tightened this second nut down as hard as I could against the first one. Never had a problem after that. Mike
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12-03-2006, 05:34 AM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Arnold
Posts: 1,200
M.O.C. #2586
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On the advice of a fellow fiver in AK, I check hitch nuts same as lugs...regularly. Ounce of prevention!
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