Forum Discussion

Harrydavidson's avatar
Jul 18, 2019

How old is too old for a hitch

I’ve had a Reese weight distribution hitch since 1993. Used it on three different trucks I’m sure I got my money’s worth out of it. Appearance wise it’s still good, but I’m wondering about fatigue.
What’s your opinion
  • It is probably ok but if it were me, I would replace it. There have been a lot of improvements in both technology and variety in WD hitches since 1993 and you also don't know about any metal fatigue that may be present.
    Barney
  • Twenty-five year old equipment with that much weight and importance....replace!
  • I have a solid Reese WD hitch head that is of similar age. It's still going strong.

    Steel, to my knowledge, does not fatigue. At least not within the limits relevant here.

    I would rock it indefinitely. My WD bars are newer than that but the hitch head itself is doing fine.
  • I've had to replace a hitch head due to egged out load bar sockets but still use it for dead weight pulls without weight distribution. I've also replaced hitch balls due to wear and slop. I don't think you really age out this equipment but it does wear or corrode over time based on use.

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