I did tighten it down with the base of the hitch in. I just thought maybe I did something wrong. If I work them they will back out but it's real tight. maybe i'm worried over nothing. I'll try and take it out this weekend. If it won't come out i'll mark the nuts, loosen it a pinch, then adjust and re torque. I'm out of town right now and don't have a torque wrench, but i'm not pulling anything anyway so I can do it later. Thanks all. Any one know the specs? I think I set it to 100 ft. lbs. maybe I can find a mechanic before they go on lunch break to check torque and buy him/her lunch.