Bolting A Hitch To My Personal Vehicle

This is a procedure for the people who like to work on heavy duty projects and for those who enjoy doing their very best.

Many hitches for vehicles are sold with installation included. Don't be naive, the price has been built into the cost of that installation. If you truly want to tackle this project you will need some quality tools and fasteners for this install. Doing this yourself could be difficult, you will most likely need the help of a friend who doesn't mind laying on the ground and looking at the underside of a car and may even have a few busted knuckles in his/her past.

Obviously you will need to consult the experts on which hitch will be best for your needs, but the install will be up to you. This will save you money and give you a better understanding of your vehicles capacity for towing.

Here we go. If you are bolting to a frame that has holes that pass threw, you will need Bolts, Flat Washers and Lock nuts. Not just any will do for this application. Depending on what you will be towing and your vehicle size could determine what grade bolts you would use, however the least grade you would use for this project would be Grade 8 preferably domestic made. Most of these Grade 8 bolts sold in the average hardware stores are easy to spot because the are coated with a yellow zinc that is easy to recognize.





What you will need to complete this job correctly and not have your boat pass you by after you stop at the traffic light.

* (Minimum) Grade 8 bolts "Largest diameter that will fit through the holes provided in the hitch"
* Grade 8 Flat Washers for both side of the holes
* Ovalized Grade 8 Lock Nuts "ONLY" (No nylon lock nuts)

The items listed above are usually found at your better hardware locations. Now, with installing these it is no easy task. The ovalized nuts is where most people struggle, this is where a heavy duty QUALITY ratchet will come in handy as well as your friend.

Now if a welded nut is attached to the vehicle already you should still use Grade 8 Bolts and still put Ovalized Grade 8 Lock Nuts as a double nut set-up to absolutely be sure you investment stays behind you and not continuing straight after you've made that left turn to the boat launch.

Enjoy!

Installation rating: Moderate/Hard