U-Bolts breaking during installation

I can’t imagine the worlds cheapest chinesium 1/2” bolt snapping at 45 ft lbs. Assume they’re breaking right st the bend?
I wouldn’t really care if the company replied, who sold that c rap, I’d go get some grade 8 bolts and hardware and fix myself for $2.
Are you sure your torque wrench was right? IE you know what 40-50 ft lbs feels like?
Although I don’t understand why it has to be a u bolt, though.

I looked all around the internet but couldn't find any Grade 8 that match. I'll keep trying if I don't hear from the manufacturer.

You can buy grade 8 square u bolts.
bolts
Probably available locally but they are out there.
Good luck. Please post brand once you get your answer from mfg. so others can address that as well.

The manufacturer is a major supplier of trailer hitches, but I won't reveal the company because I'm waiting for them to respond to my inmail on their website. I carefully followed their installation instructions. Also, I'm a Senior Engineer by trade, so I know what I'm doing.

The primary lateral support for the hitch is from the 2 square U-bolts that are fed through four 1/2" holes drilled into the two frame rails that hold the bumper shocks. I drilled the 1/2" holes to match and line up with the hitch holes. Four nuts with 4 conical washers are supposed to attach to the 2 U-bolts to hold the hitch arms tightly against the frame rails, with each nut tightened to 45 ft-lbs.

In my case, I hand tightened the nuts and then proceeded to tighten (with torque wrench) the first nut, and POW, it broke before it reached 45 ft-lbs. Apparently, the square U-bolt was not Grade 8, and the parts list confirmed this. Only the bolts and nuts holding the front of the hitch to the bumper shock frames, as well as the nuts for the U-bolts are Grade 8.

I decided to bolt the hitch, as per the directions, instead of having it welded on, because I'll only use it to support a platform with bicycles, not pulling a camping trailer or anything really heavy.

I hate to think about how many hitches like this were sold and installed, with their U-bolts about to break and cause a serious accident. Many probably already have.

Any recommendations?

Well are you using a torque wrench to tighten, or just guessing on tightening.

He must be referring to the bracket U-bolts. They should be grade-8. Wonder if they were swapped with Home Depot bolts?

Maybe square U-Bolts ? Or is there another name for them?

I think you need to give more info. Brand of hitch and what type vehicle you are installing it on. I have NEVER seen a Hitch that has U bolts for install. Hitches are bolted directly to the chassis frame. Doug

Huh??…Might easily cause a serious accident… Checking the country of origin might provide a clue…

3 tons