| So, you're standing there, in your garage, wanting to | | | | reattach any exhaust clamps, hangers, etc. after hitch |
| tow that new trailer loaded with two beautiful 700 cc | | | | installation. In a few cases, it may be necessary to |
| sleds, but your hitch is laying there on the concrete, still | | | | adjust the bumper on a vehicle, or the brackets which |
| in the packaging it came in, and you're scratching your | | | | mount to the bumper, in order to properly install the |
| head, wondering what in the world you were thinking | | | | hitch. Most bumpers are mounted to the bumper |
| when you were so sure you could install it yourself. | | | | brackets using bolts in slots. Find the appropriate bolts |
| Well, cowboy, the good news is, you can in fact, install | | | | and adjust the bumper accordingly. |
| your own trailer hitch, and the better news is, I'm going | | | | Wherever possible, hitches are designed to use |
| let you in on the good advice my uncle Dave gave me | | | | existing holes. In cases where appropriate holes are |
| when I was in your same, sorry position this time last | | | | not available, holes must be drilled in the frame. Once |
| year. I'll let you in on one more secret: Uncle Dave isn't | | | | the hitch is accurately positioned and clamped in place |
| so much entertaining as he is thorough and | | | | on the vehicle, holes can be drilled in the appropriate |
| detail-oriented, so knuckle down, read the whole article, | | | | places using the holes in the hitch as a guide. In cases |
| and do things right, so you, and then your trailer make it | | | | where the holes must be drilled without using the hitch |
| to your destination at about the same time, and in that | | | | as a guide, hole locations can be permanently identified |
| order. | | | | by spraying black paint through the hole locations. |
| Before you start to install your trailer hitch, Uncle Dave | | | | Remove the hitch, center punch the hole positions and |
| likes to check a few things off his list. One, make sure | | | | drill a pilot hole. Follow with the appropriate drill size for |
| you have the correct hitch for your vehicle and the | | | | the hole required. Drill holes that are either the same |
| trailer being towed. Two, review the instruction sheet | | | | size as the bolt or at the most 1/16" larger. Clearance |
| provided with the hitch. Three, check the hitch | | | | holes or slots are provided in the hitch for adjustment. |
| attachment area of the vehicle. Do not attach a hitch | | | | When drilling, be extremely careful to avoid drilling into |
| to a vehicle which shows excessive corrosion or | | | | vehicle components which are located behind where |
| damage in the hitch attachment areas. Four, take the | | | | the hole is being drilled. Slacken off pressure on the drill |
| appropriate safety precautions. When elevating the | | | | just prior to breaking through. |
| vehicle on a hoist or ramp, ensure that the vehicle is | | | | When installing the hitch, be sure to use the reinforcing |
| properly secured and blocked such that it will not fall or | | | | plates supplied with the hitch where appropriate. These |
| roll off its supports. Five, use the appropriate tools and | | | | plates reinforce the frame and spread the load to the |
| wear your safety glasses when drilling holes. | | | | frame edges. The hitch must have solid metal to metal |
| Prior to the installation, it is good practice to loosely | | | | contact with the vehicle attachment points. Excessive |
| assemble the hitch, install the drawbar, pin and clip and | | | | undercoating or weld on the vehicle should be |
| hold the hitch up into position. This lets you identify any | | | | removed. All hardware, with the exception of handle or |
| obstructions to the installation, verify the drawbar | | | | tab nuts and U-bolts are grade 5 or 8.8 (metric). |
| position on the vehicle and will give you an idea of how | | | | Tighten all bolts to the torque levels specified in the |
| the hitch is to be installed. A scissors jack or floor jack | | | | instructions. When hitch bracket plates are supplied ... |
| can be very useful in holding the hitch up in place. In | | | | use them. These plates are designed to spread the |
| many cases C-clamps can be used to clamp the hitch | | | | load. Remove any undercoating or built up residue as |
| to the frame during the installation procedure. In some | | | | "metal to metal" contact is required. |
| cases, you might find it necessary to temporarily | | | | Caution: Never modify the hitch in any way. Do not drill |
| loosen the exhaust system and/or slightly reposition it | | | | holes into the hitch to mount accessories etc. Never |
| to clear the hitch during installation. This is particularly | | | | cut holes or modify the assembly using a torch. This |
| true where an exhaust system has been replaced | | | | weakens the metal, produces a ragged hole, and |
| prior to installing the hitch, as all hitches are designed | | | | presents an unnecessary fire hazard. Never weld a |
| using vehicle original equipment. Do not forget to | | | | hitch to the vehicle frame. |