Broken Trail Hitch Bolt can I only run 7?
#1
Broken Trailer Hitch Bolt can I only run 7?
This weekend I removed my trailer hitch from my 2000 4runner to sand off the rust and repaint it. Long story short I snapped the head off the driver side rear bolt one of 4 on that side. I have tried to remove it to no avail. I don't tow allot maybe once twice a year a small trailer just to get some dirt mulch what have you and a uhall from time to time 300+ miles. Can I run with three bolts on one side and all four on the passenger side. Any thoughts will be appreciated.
Last edited by nsonso; 10-19-2008 at 05:15 PM. Reason: mis spelling
#2
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First off, June join date and this is your first post? Welcome!
This is a tough question to answer because no one wants the liability of saying "sure tow whatever you want" and then have the hitch fall off on you.
If it was me I would either drill it out or drill a new hole near it, add a new grade 8 bolt and forget about it.
Back to your question. It's a shame that it's the rearmost bolt. Will it hold while towing 2000#, 3000# or 4000#. Probably. What are the rest of the bolts like? Can you replace them with new grade 8s?
Now for a little story. I drove a F350 pulling a 12,000# trailer 2,500 miles. After I got there I unhitched for a drive w/o the trailer. While rehitching I noticed the hitch sinking/pulling away from the truck frame. Apon further inspection I found that the moron that mounted the hitch used 8- 3/8" carrage bolts (grade 2?). At this point 3 bolts were gone! the rest were loose, or stretched! I drilled out all of the holes and remounted the hitch with 8- 5/8" grade 8 bolts.
With that said. Bolts are incredibly strong!
This is a tough question to answer because no one wants the liability of saying "sure tow whatever you want" and then have the hitch fall off on you.
If it was me I would either drill it out or drill a new hole near it, add a new grade 8 bolt and forget about it.
Back to your question. It's a shame that it's the rearmost bolt. Will it hold while towing 2000#, 3000# or 4000#. Probably. What are the rest of the bolts like? Can you replace them with new grade 8s?
Now for a little story. I drove a F350 pulling a 12,000# trailer 2,500 miles. After I got there I unhitched for a drive w/o the trailer. While rehitching I noticed the hitch sinking/pulling away from the truck frame. Apon further inspection I found that the moron that mounted the hitch used 8- 3/8" carrage bolts (grade 2?). At this point 3 bolts were gone! the rest were loose, or stretched! I drilled out all of the holes and remounted the hitch with 8- 5/8" grade 8 bolts.
With that said. Bolts are incredibly strong!
#3
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personally, i wouldnt, even if i knew for sure it would hold. i wouldnt want to take a chance on being responsible for a big wreck and possibly have other people and kids being hurt, you know? do it right the first time.
#5
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All of those bolts are there for a reason...sure you might be able to tow, but could weaken the other bolts in the process. Drill out the old bolt, and retap.
#6
Got it
I finally got it out took a couple hours and a few drill bits there is almost nothing left of the bolt but its out and it didn't even harm the threads. Thanks for all your help.
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