Grade 8 Hitch Bolt Upgrade July 12, 2021, 08:24:07 pm I've been reviewing this thread in preparation of upgrading my hitch bolts but am wondering if the bolts had already been upgraded by the previous owner since he towed a car. How can I tell which grade is installed? Here is a photo.Grade 8 Tow Hitch Bolts
Re: Grade 8 Hitch Bolt Upgrade Reply #1 – July 12, 2021, 08:40:53 pm Never mind, just found the answer. Looks like they have been upgraded so just need to check the torque values.https://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/Materials-and-Grades/Bolt-Grade-Chart.aspx 3 Likes
Re: Grade 8 Hitch Bolt Upgrade Reply #2 – July 12, 2021, 08:53:27 pm Make sure all the washers are good and none are dished out. When I upgraded to grade 8 there were some bolts too small for the wholes so I replaced everything, Bolts and washers. Yours look good to me.Jon 2 Likes
Re: Grade 8 Hitch Bolt Upgrade Reply #3 – July 13, 2021, 03:41:35 am Hi Greg. In addition to grade 8 bolts, there are also grade 8 nuts, washers and lock washers. One problem with grade 8 bolts, is that they are so strong they will 'pull through' soft steel bumpers. So On the 3/4" bolts I doubled up the washers for the bolt heads inside the bumper, and outside the bumper. I also used a lock washer.. Tightened as tight as possible with a 1/2" x 18" 'cheater' bar and an air wrench. It better not loosen up! (I check it for tightness about once a year) All of the hardware has the golden (edit) zinc with dichromate coating. (not cadmium). In my TK with the bumper mounted on the extension, I reinforced the extension with additional steel channel and grade 8 hardware also. (reply#7 Thoughts On Towing and Hitch Hardware ReinforcementThat was 5 years ago, still tight. If they had loosened I was going to use red Locktite. RonB
Topic: Grade 8 Hitch Bolt Upgrade (Read 162 times)
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Topic: Grade 8 Hitch Bolt Upgrade (Read 162 times)
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