I just returned from dry camping for 14 days in the Arizona desert. While on this excursion, I attended the Quartzsite GDRV rally. There were quite a few travel trailers in attendance, and I offered to check the hitch ball torque for any owners who were interested. A 2-5/16" hitch ball typically requires 450 ft-lb of torque. I have a torque wrench that can achieve this torque level. During the rally, I checked the torque on seven tow vehicles. Here is what I found
Properly torqued to 450 ft-lb - 2
350-450 - 1
250-350 - 1
150-250 - 0
100-150 - 1
Finger tight - 1
Loose - 1 (On this hitch ball, the nut was two threads away from falling off)
This is a small sample size, which may not be indicative of the general population, but I found it to be quite alarming. None of the owners I talked to had ever checked the torque on their hitch balls since purchasing their travel trailer. If you own a travel trailer, it's imperative that you check your torque on a routine basis. Torque wrenches that can measure the proper torque can cost $200-$400, but it's much less expensive than having your trailer come loose. If you don't want to invest in a large torque wrench, you might be able to find a dealership or hitch retailer who can check it for you.
Jim
Properly torqued to 450 ft-lb - 2
350-450 - 1
250-350 - 1
150-250 - 0
100-150 - 1
Finger tight - 1
Loose - 1 (On this hitch ball, the nut was two threads away from falling off)
This is a small sample size, which may not be indicative of the general population, but I found it to be quite alarming. None of the owners I talked to had ever checked the torque on their hitch balls since purchasing their travel trailer. If you own a travel trailer, it's imperative that you check your torque on a routine basis. Torque wrenches that can measure the proper torque can cost $200-$400, but it's much less expensive than having your trailer come loose. If you don't want to invest in a large torque wrench, you might be able to find a dealership or hitch retailer who can check it for you.
Jim
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