[A/S] Re: towing

["Richard P. Kenan" <as5368@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

     Not to upset your composure, but the weak link in hitch 
platforms is still the hitch platform, specifically, the welds that 
hold its parts together.  This is most distressing, especially since 
all three major manufacturers have hitches that may crack; I haven't 
heard of such cracking in the major hitch manufacturer's topline 
platforms (like Reese, etc), just on the "factory installed" ones 
from GM, Ford and Chrysler.  
Last year at the Sarasota rally, the DOT surveyed all trailers 
present, and found around 20 with cracked hitch platforms. Also, the 
mounting bolts may become loose.
     So, what is one to do?  First, inspect your hitch platform 
carefully, with a good light, to look for cracks.  Second, check your 
bolt torques regularly, being sure they are torqued to 80 ft-lb (for 
Reese).  If your torques are correct and the platform is not cracked, 
you should be in good shape.  The other parts are less likely to 
break.

- Dick
(5368)