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usatraveler1's avatar
usatraveler1
Explorer
May 11, 2013

5th Wheel Hitch-Rails

I recently learned a very valuable lesson while having my air system repaired on my truck. The tech was under the truck, checking for leaks around the air springs, when he noticed two nuts missing from the hitch-rail bolts, one each on the left side. I later checked all the bolts and found every nut was loose, and one on the right side was only on by the depth of the nut. I checked with a local shop and learned the proper torque (85FtPds) for the nuts. I torqued all nuts and then installed neoprene lock nuts on each bolt. I have owned several class A's, but this is my first Fiver. No one has ever mentioned the need to check the bolts on the hitch-rails for proper torque. This could have resulted in a very disastrous accident down the road. Something to think about.

23 Replies

  • I check all hitch bolts at the start of each camping season... always have even before we bought the 5er. Found the rail bolts were not as tight this year as they were when I put the hitch in earlier last year.

    Our Curt manual recommends checking bolts every 6-9 months (or I think 5000 miles).
  • I can almost bet you that someone installed them "loose" on day one.
  • Mark the nut and bolt threads with a line using a colored marker. Then you'll know when and if they ever move again.