This is one reason why I don’t trust my RV dealer. It was Southaven RV in Southaven, MS. I bought my trailer new and they said they would install a weight distribution hitch as part of the deal. I had them install a Reese Strait-Line hitch with Dual Cam Sway Control. That was 3 seasons and 11,500 miles ago. A couple of days ago, I pulled into a campground in Canada, 1,500 miles from home, and found this. (Narrative continued below the picture.)
Reese specs vs their install:
Bolts 1/2” x 1.5” – used 5/16” x 1”
Grade 5 – used grade 1
Lock washer – nope
Rivet nut – nope, drilled holes and used self threading bolts
Bolt on the backside of other trailer side was tight and had jam nut tight. This side, bolt loose, jam nut halfway up bolt.
I avoided disaster here. One bolt was gone, the other was about 1/4” out from the bracket. Both holes in the frame were stripped out.
I had to drill the holes out and tap them for 3/8” bolts. I did use 3/8” x 1.5” grade 5 bolts and lock washers and tightened the bolt on the back side and tightened jam jut. This was just a temporary fix to get me home. Once home, I will re-do them both to Reese specs.
Bobbo and Lin
2017 F-150 XLT 4x4 SuperCab w/Max Tow Package 3.5l EcoBoost V6
2017 Airstream Flying Cloud 23FB