Forum Discussion

mlh's avatar
mlh
Explorer
Jan 09, 2022

Hitch maintenance

How often does everyone get under the truck to check the torque of thebolts of your bed rails and frame brackets?
  • Had hitch installed in 2014, never even thought about it until this post…7-8yrs, ~60k miles pulling 14k first half, 16k second half…not planning on thinking about it again
  • About every 2 years and have not found a loose one yet....

    Ken
  • Thanks for the replies. Just wasn’t sure if it was something that needs to be checked often or just once a year or so.
  • Never seen or heard of anyone doing it for a 5er or standard receiver hitch.

    Also don't check the bolts holding the bumper, motor mounts, truck bed or a host of other items bolted on the truck.

    Only items where I've heard it suggested is for lug nuts but even there, it's typically after the first 50miles and then never again (unless you remove the tire).

    I suppose if you just installed it, after the first trip doing a quick check won't hurt.
  • My hitch bolts in to the framework of my bed which I welded myself but I still checked the bolts between the bed and the truck frame last summer. Craig