Tools needed to install curt hitch

[HIM_Darling]

So, now that I've googled the tools listed on the instructions that came with my curt hitch I now know what a torque wrench looks like, and I am fairly certain that neither I nor my parents own one. Purchasing one is at the bottom of my list of what I want to do...according to the Lowe's website a Kobalt torque wrench costs $79!!! I could drive all the way to my uncle's house(who is a mechanic) and have him install it the hitch and drive all the way home on $79 dollars. Any ideas on a cheaper way to install the hitch myself without having to actually buy the tools?

P.S. I'm fairly certain that once I obtain all the required tools I won't have any problem installing the darn thing(hopefully) but I'm stuck right now

[philipa_240sx]

You can forgo the torque wrench. The bolts get torqued to 65 lb-ft which is about as tight as you will get it considering the confined spaces... there isn't much room to swing a socket wrench.

All you need is a metric socket set with 8, 18 and 19mm sockets and a 12" extension.

Good luck with your install!

[takeshi]

Purchasing one is at the bottom of my list of what I want to do...according to the Lowe's website a Kobalt torque wrench costs $79!!!

...and that's inexpensive as torque wrenches go.

[kerrton]

The only time you'd worry about using a torque wrench for a basic bolt-on accessory project like this is if there was a concern about overtightening a bolt. I installed my own hitch and it just bolts up after you remove the factory toe hook (just unbolt it to remove).

Then just get a nice long wrench or use an extender to get lots of leverage, and tighten those bolts as tight as you can (within reason, no need to hurt yourself, just get them nice and tight!). And of course you can periodically check the bolts over the years to ensure they stay tight and retorque if necessary.

This is a nice and easy, satisfying DIY project, so jump in and have fun. Oh, and make sure you have a helper there with you, it's almost impossible to position it, hold it up and bolt it down yourself.

[zakmartin]

The only time you'd worry about using a torque wrench is when there is a concern about overtightening a bolt.

Or undertightening one. I knew a guy who was a self-proclaimed backyard mechanic who destroyed his engine when he was installing a new head because he didn't bother using a torque wrench on the head bolts. Fortunately, it was just a crappy old Fiat.

I agree that for something like a trailer hitch, "good and tight" pretty much does the trick. But for something even as simple as a lug nut, you really should use a torque wrench, even if it's just one of those el-cheapo $25 needle-reader types.

[kerrton]

You're absolutely right, thanks for clarifying that for me.

My statement only applies to a bolt on item like a trailer hitch, if you're doing any kind of mechanical work then it's a whole different ball game, you need a torque wrench no question.

[Elton Noway]

While I wouldn't bother with a torque wrench to install a trailer hitch... for those of you who might need a torque wrench once in a blue moon but don't want to lay out a lot of money... I'd suggest getting one of these. They work great, and take up no room in your tool box... and only cost $49.99.



Per the advertisement:... "thanks to the Powerbuilt Digital Torque Adapter anyone with a ½ inch drive ratchet can instantly convert it to an accurate digital torque wrench....

You can get them from Amazon (among other places) Check out the user reviews on Amazon. (I'm not the only one that thinks they fit the bill...)

http://www.amazon.com/Alltrade...r=1-1

[A_Miles2105]

Harbor Freight has a Clicker Torque wrench for a reasonable price Item 00239-1NTN On sale $15.99. The exact precision that you might worry over in a smaller drive TW isn't as critical at 65 ft lbs, a little plus or minus at this point is not very important.

If you have alloy rims??? they should be installed with a torque wrench as well.

Ordered a Curt hitch thru Auto everything. It came fast, BUT it seems that the Curt folks don't know how to pack their product. (I hope the hitch is a lot better than their flimsy packing) They place the instructions and bolts into the hitch receiver and place tape over one end. When the UPS gremlins were through tap dancing on the box the other end of the receiver had punched a neat square hole through which the small parts escaped.

luckily this must be a common problem as a sticker was on the empty receiver providing a toll free number for questions or concerns. Being concerned I called the offered number. I was told that they, Curt, could not address my concern (missing parts) as I had bought it from Auto Everything, who, insists that the customer call them and if a valid problem, the will notify Curt. So another call & third degree over $2.00 of bolts.

Funny thing, the hitch was drop shipped to me directly from Curt? What a pain in the neck. Once again I hope that the quality of the hitch is better than their lack of shipping knowledge, Seems as though another piece of cardboard over the receiver would solve this problem.

What do you suppose that UPS does with all the junk that falls out of the packages entrusted to them?