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**TucsonJim** · 05-08-2021, 11:03 AM

Chipster - It's very common for fasteners to come loose, especially after initial installation. I made a post on here a while back that detailed the results of torque checks I did on owner's hitch balls during a rally. Only two out of seven were properly torqued. A couple were so loose, they were at risk of falling off. I'll put a link to that post below.

There are many fasteners which should be checked on a routine basis. I check all my hitch fasteners every 3000 miles with a torque wrench. Items like wheel lug nuts, suspension fasteners and other items should be checked on a routine basis also. If you get a chance, I'd get someone with the proper tools to check the torque on your hitch ball too.

https://gdrvowners.com/towing-and-hi...-alarming-data

Jim

**RJAPCOK** · 05-08-2021, 11:47 AM

Originally posted by Chipster View Post

Hello
We are 'new' to RV, and trailers, so I appreciate your feedback at that level.

The dealer installed our Hitch System onto our Truck and RV.
(I can dig that info out, if it will help)

We have been traveling for 40 days, with about 15 stops
At our last stop, we noticed that on the drivers side, these two bolts were very loose.
Using the 'bar' which came w/ the setup - we hand-tightened as much as possible those two bolts.
We checked the passenger side, tried to tighten, but these did not need it at all.

Is this 'normal' for these types of screws, or Is it indicative to something we shouldn't be doing?
((Being new, our 'backing up' is a work in process and we take VERY sharp turns, to the point of some close jackknifes)

We've checked the other bolts and they are all 'set', no wiggle at all.
(anything else to look out for?)

We just added this to our list of 'Be Sure to check" before we leave each spot for the next.

Thanks in advance for any feedback,

(Note: The image I uploaded is not my hitch.)

Those bolts should not be loose. They should be checked for proper torque on a regular basis. The owner's manual for the hitch should tell you the proper torque for each of the bolts.

I hope this helps.
Bob

**Petrovsky** · 05-08-2021, 08:06 PM

Torque is 45-55 ft lbs according a manual I found online, check your manual if the same it is item 15 on page 14. I had a partial hitch failure due to an incorrectly installed hitch by the dealer many moons ago so I, as suggested above, have invested in a torque wrench and regularly check most nuts/bolts on rv.

**Petrovsky** · 05-08-2021, 08:13 PM

Backing a trailer is the worse nightmare ever. Google the following, "swoop method of backing up". After so many years of backing trailers only about 6 years ago did I adopt this method. Takes a bit of practice but you already start with the trailers rear end pointed in the right direction.

**Chipster** · 05-08-2021, 08:58 PM

Originally posted by Petrovsky View Post

Backing a trailer is the worse nightmare ever. Google the following, "swoop method of backing up". After so many years of backing trailers only about 6 years ago did I adopt this method. Takes a bit of practice but you already start with the trailers rear end pointed in the right direction.

Yea - I've seen that 'swoop method', and currently give it a shot each time..
I also saw a video of a guy who uses clear plastic over his rear view mirror, to show key "Lines" and how to control the backup using those lines. Very helpful.

Thank you for your post, BTW. Much appreciated.

**Chipster** · 05-08-2021, 08:59 PM

E

Originally posted by TucsonJim View Post

Chipster - It's very common for fasteners to come loose, especially after initial installation. I made a post on here a while back that detailed the results of torque checks I did on owner's hitch balls during a rally. Only two out of seven were properly torqued. A couple were so loose, they were at risk of falling off. I'll put a link to that post below.

There are many fasteners which should be checked on a routine basis. I check all my hitch fasteners every 3000 miles with a torque wrench. Items like wheel lug nuts, suspension fasteners and other items should be checked on a routine basis also. If you get a chance, I'd get someone with the proper tools to check the torque on your hitch ball too.

https://gdrvowners.com/towing-and-hi...-alarming-data

Jim

Excellent, Thank you for your post. Much appreciated.
I'll also check out your other posts that you linked too.

**Chipster** · 05-08-2021, 08:59 PM

Originally posted by RJAPCOK View Post

Those bolts should not be loose. They should be checked for proper torque on a regular basis. The owner's manual for the hitch should tell you the proper torque for each of the bolts.

I hope this helps.
Bob

Thanks, for the info.

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