Ram trailer hitch

[Joe Merchak]

My 2018 did not come with the factory trailer hitch so I paid the dealer to install it when I bought my truck. They installed the bolt on class IV hitch that is rated at 1200/12000 when using a WHD. My travel trailer is 6000lb dry with a max tongue weight of 735lb. Since I always use a WDH I am within the specs of the hitch. Here is the issue. After towing my TT to the campsite I found all 3 bolts on the hitch loose, real lose to the point the hitch could of easily fell off. Does anyone know this is a common issue with this hitch or is it most likely the idiot who installed it did not torque the bolt. I have torque the bolt back to spec but I am now worried this hitch will fail again. I was thinking of replacing it with a class V hitch from drawl tight.

Thanks for the help

 

[Loudram]

My guess would be it's the idiot that didn't torque it right. I'd say something to the dealership so hopefully that doesn't happen again to someone else. I never had a problem with mine being lose. I would keep an eye on it for the next couple of trips just in case.

 

[NorZeman]

What loudram said. If you torqued back to correct spec, I doubt it will be an issue for you again

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 

[17CrewCab1500]

I agree. Or use some lock-tite. Someone probably didn't tighten all the way down.

 

[crash68]

Per the installation instructions the bolt(1.125" nut) through the bumper needs to be torqued to 300 ft/lbs after the two in the back(0.75" nuts) are torqued to 85 ft/lbs
https://dev.smartdealer.com/mopar_accessories_isheet/K6861557.PDF
A lot of auto-parts stores will rent/loan out tools as most people don't have torque wrenches that are capable of 300 ft/lbs