Torque on Trailer Ball?

[rblomquist]

Guys,



I have a Husky weight distribution hitch with a Husky ball for it. I've noticed that there's movement between the shank of the ball and housing.



I've checked the instructions that came with the load distribution hitch and it says that a spacer is only needed when using a 1" shank. The shank on my trailer ball is 1 1/4.



What I'm wondering is if I don't have the nut torqued down enough so I'm seeing movement when I'm dropping the tonque down on the ball. I've used this hitch for about a year and a half/2 years, don't know if I just never noticed the movement before or it's wearing out and making more clearance than it should have.



Thoughts?

 

[B.G. Smith]

Make sure the nut is not running out of threads on the shank, might need to add a washer. I like to use a flat washer and a lock washer. bg

 

[Joseph Donnelly]

About 350 ft lb for most 1. 25" shank nuts. I use 3/4" drive, 1. 875" socket, 4' cheater pipe.

 

[bmoeller]

Originally posted by B. G. Smith

Make sure the nut is not running out of threads on the shank

Or good threads. They generally get messed up after a while, where they are in the hitch hole.

 

[Detroitiron]

I use a grade 8 self locking nut, a thick flat washer... and a pnuematic impact wrench with 90psi on the gauge.
Also, I tow for a living, have 3 different size hitch balls on separate draw bars (2x2 inserts), and have never had one come loose. My impact wrench develops 350-400 lbs. ft at 90psi. I do check each one before I use it, and after dozens of trips with each, I have yet to find one that needs tightening. Now, removing one to change or replace it when I'm on a trip and not having my impact available... well, that won't be easy. I carry a length of pipe and hope I won't need it.