Another option is to drill a hole thru the bolt and use a cotter pin.
The OP's experience confirms my initial intent to lock the nut by welding it onto the bolt. Worst case, it would have to be cut off, but balls are cheap enough (the hitch kind anyway -sorry, I couldn't help myself).
It's been years since I had to buy a hitch ball, but I do remember when U-Haul installed it on the ball mount they used a torque wrench. I have zero clue how many foot pounds, but I know I can't just use my fingers to loosen the nut. In fact, I might have a hard time getting it loose with a big wrench and a breaker bar.
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Donna D.
Ten Forward
2014 Escape 5.0TA
Location: Parksville (Vancouver Island), British Columbia
Trailer: 17B
Posts: 37
Quote:
Originally Posted by Donna D.
It's been years since I had to buy a hitch ball, but I do remember when U-Haul installed it on the ball mount they used a torque wrench. I have zero clue how many foot pounds, but I know I can't just use my fingers to loosen the nut. In fact, I might have a hard time getting it loose with a big wrench and a breaker bar.
Recommended torque is in the 250 foot pounds range, I believe. I don't have a torque wrench with that capacity but used a blacksmith's vice and a big wrench and cheater. Adding a couple of tack welds as someone suggested seems like a really good idea.
-sorry, I couldn't help myself).
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