Lifetime of hitches

[Mynabird]

How do you measure the life of your hitch? By years? By mileage?

I did do a search, including the archives, and did not show any results for how long the hitches usually last.

[mlh]

I would watch for any wear in the bolt holes, moving parts and things like stress fractures. I wouldn't be too worried unless you have 7 figure mileage on the hitch. I guess you could wear one out but it would take a long time.
Lynwood

[Artemus Gordon]

My Curt Hitch at 4 years looks new. I guess with I see a better "mousetrap" I will change. I have mine serviced yearly and replaced the decals this year, the only thing that looked worn!

[1retired06]

When I replaced my 11 year old Reese with a 24K Curt, stress cracks were found in the Reese during installation. In discussion with the tech, he indicated too many variables to draw a line in the sand, ie usage, age, road conditions, weight of rig, speed driven etc. Obviously for my Reese, 11 years was too long.

[RichR]

Had hitch installed when truck was new, still there.

[1retired06]

quote:Originally posted by RichR

Had hitch installed when truck was new, still there.

You have bad luck on holding tanks, but great luck with hitches !!!

[richfaa]

Have had my 16K reese hitch on two Montana's over 10 years and at least 80K miles. We did have it serviced twice at the fall rally by a company in Goshen. They said it was good both times.

[Mynabird]

The Husky 16 we had put on in 2008, has seen a minimum of 150,000 miles, two trucks and 2 Montanas. Oh, and 6 years. I think it has served us well....

Bob noticed hitch seemed loose and bent in a shape he was not comfortable with to hook up again. . So we went to an rv place here in Rapid City and had them look at it. Bushings on the bolt that hold the head in place were worn out. Consequently making it extremely loose and a lot of play! The repair kit did not include bushings or any parts to be purchased individually.

Come Thursday or Friday our truck will proudly carry a Reese 20K Pro hitch. Was told it is one like what transporters use in their trade.

[TLightning]

To answer the OP's question...miles. If the hitch is not being used, no wear and tear.

[Slufoot733]

I use an old Reese 15K slider that we bought new in 1999 and it's in good condition. The key is to take good care of it. Each year after camping season I disassemble the hitch, clean it, inspect it and then lubricate it and reassemble it. I also paint it with rust resistant black paint. I make periodic checks for loose bolts, etc. I also make a close check after any unexpected rough roads on our journey. I hope the hitch will last me another 15 years.....if I last that long .