Tightening Torque of ball mount ?

[Gaël]

I didn't touch the ball, only 2 screws.

When I received the ball mount, the ball was already on place, it seems tight correctly but I haven't check it.

[Bob662]

Actually, for the 1-1/4" shank tow balls, the torque is 450 lbs. ft. (according to Curt).

[Gaël]

I've already tow a caravan with this ball mount without check the tighting of the ball.

I hope it's ok ! I'll check often...

[GCinSC2]

Originally Posted by Gaël

I've already tow a caravan with this ball mount without check the tighting of the ball.

I hope it's ok ! I'll check often...

Looks like you have more than enough of a torque wrench, good job.

It's not an accurate check but it quickly shows an incompletely tightened ball is to look at the lock washer. ANY gap above or below is immediately suspect.

[Gaël]

Thanks,

The lock washer is perfect, no gap.

I'll make a mark on the nut and on the screw

[Gaël]

Originally Posted by eubank

I use this method: Use your biggest wrenches and tighten as much as you can with the strength you've got. Which will probably turn out to be somewhat less than what is called for in the specifications.

Lynn

Lynn,

Sorry, I haven't seen your message before now...

Thank you for your advize but I'm afraid to loose my ball mount during the towing...

grrrrrr... it should be a nightmare

And a colleague lent me its torque wrench

[Gaël]

Originally Posted by GCinSC2

It's not an accurate check but it quickly shows an incompletely tightened ball is to look at the lock washer. ANY gap above or below is immediately suspect.

[GCinSC2]

Gael,

The torque wrench is the final tool, you have a very capable one by the pic.

The gap inspection is just that a quick look that doesn't replace checking with correct tools but it quickly proves it needs attention. Often dramatically. I have used dollar bills to show to the non mechanically inclined.

Did you see your selfie in the chrome?

Nicely done.

Gary

[Gaël]

I agree Gary, I have to check the tightening sometimes. It's more safe.

For the selfie, it's because you tell me but I had not seen before!

[paiceman]

I turn the hitch sideways in the receiver, us a 3/4 inch socket and stand on the bar and bounce up and down to tighten the ball for the other bolts I simply leave it in its correct position and do the same bounce technique. It does tighten a little most of the time I do this, once a year or on a long extended trip of 10,000 miles or more I do it about halfway thru the trip.

Bud

[GCinSC2]

Ok Bud,

Fess up how much do you weigh and how long is the breaker bar? Don't know how we can incorporate the bounce factor though.

Happy Thursday.

I guess the message is check it somehow. Don't assume it's tight.