When should a hitch system be replaced?

[jhomuth]

We have a WD hitch on our van, and it's about 9 years old. Towed about 25,000 miles with it. I'm not worried about the receiver on the van, it's brand new. I was wondering at what point people usually start thinking about replacement. I guess I just wonder about the stresses of towing and fatigue on the hitch. We're actually going to upgrade probably to a Blue Ox system in the next year. Mainly a curiosity type of question.

[Passin_Thru]

When you can't keep both oars in the water.

[Timtation]

It's all behind you. If the ride gets significantly better check your mirrors. Inspect the hitch parts when connecting. My guess is they outlast operator's attention to detail and fail long after forgetting to torque the hitch connect the wiring etc.

[whjco]

I have one that I bought in 1988 and has been on two trailers. Just used it today and it still works great.

Bill J., Lexington, KY

[Airstreamer67]

Yeah, the bent-pin design will wear an oblong hole if used long enough. The fix is to put a couple of washers on the end of the pin with a bend, along with a radiator hose clamp to keep the washers in place. The washers will prevent the bent part from getting near the hole and thus prevent any further problem. (Actually, I'm not sure the oblong hole really is a problem, but it just doesn't look right.)

[trail-explorer]

The only part of a hitch system I've seen develop abnormal wear is the hole on the truck's receiver, where teh pin goes through. The curved end hitch pins slide to and fro, sometime getting lodged to one side, usually so the curved end is jammed up against the hole. It can wear the hole oblong over a long time period.

[C_B_]

When you change to a 5th wheel:S:B:B




C.B.

[stevemorris]

I actually wore out a hitch, the bars did loose there "springiness" if that's the correct word and the pivot points wore to the point of being loose
I simply couldn't get the equaliser bars to shift weight anymore. plus the clevis pin hole for the receiver wore oversized.
the hitch was close to the trailer wt in capacity so it was a matter of time

upgraded to a 12000 lb capacity husky, towing is hugely improved

[camperforlife]

Mine was 15 years old and had 750lb bars. Along came a new trailer with a hitch weight double of what the bars would handle. New bars had slightly different size ends so I had no choice but upgrade. Since I didn't have built in sway it was a perfect time to upgrade.

[DutchmenSport]

I had the same Reese WD on 3 different trailers and 4 different tow vehicles. After 10 years, the hitch head bent. That's when went with an Equal-i-zer 4 point.

I suppose to answer your question, as long as you are not having any problems with it, don't try to fix it. Simple! However, if parts start failing, fatigue, cracks, bends, or any signs of abnormal wear, THEN it's time to think about replacing. If it's working well, don't try to fix city hall!

[NanciL]

That is a good question !
I am on my second trailer now with the same hitch, weight distribution bars and sway bar and I have wondered about the same.

Jack L

[MWJones]

You worry too much !! It will outlast you.:)

[MWJones]

You worry too much !! It will outlast you.