| ghost |
I installed the OEM hitch a couple weeks ago - the setup doesn't come with the ball. I picked up a 2" trailer hitch ball with a 1.5 inch shaft - it looks like it will just fit - the hitch bar itself is about 3/4 inch thick, and there's a 1/2 inch nut and a locking washer that would have to fit on the shaft.
So for those of you with hitches - is it better to have the shaft a little longer, or do you think this would be secure? The nut looks like it would thread on completely, but it's close. I'd like to find out before I unpackage this one.
Thanks, I'll post some pix of the hitch installation process in another thread. |
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| DBirch |
Sounds like a personal problem. Try the "Comparisons" forum:D
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
Dean |
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| TheWorm |
| This'll no doubt be the "most viewed" thread of the day. You might even get a real answer! |
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| ghost |
Dean, Comparisons - funny! Not particularly useful, but funny!
Hi Worm, yea, I figured this would get a rise out of the group...
(...do need an answer tho...) |
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| mcclendons |
| Once the nut is tightened down (with the washer installed), the shaft should just extend from the end of the nut. Entire nut MUST be threaded down. A perfect fit is just more than flush. And this is case where size does count......longer is not better....if the shaft is too long it will tend to vibrate loose. No sure why, but have seen it happen to two hitches |
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| ghost |
Thanks mcclendons, from the instructions conviniently packaged inside the box, they note that the shaft needs to extend at least one full thread beyond the nut. Even with a tight compression of the locking washer, I don't think the 1.5 inch would make it.
But here's the other hitch (sorry about that) - I'd picked up a 1/2 diameter shaft - the mounting hole is 1 1/8 in diameter. The specs say no more that 1/16 clearance on either side of the shaft, which means you need a 1" diameter shaft for the MDX hitch.
So today's lesson - thickness counts too! |
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| mcclendons |
| I did not mention the diameter, but that is absolutely important. If hole is 1 and 1/8, find a ball with that size post...99% sure they still make them in that size. A 1 inch would be too small. Any sloop in the fit of the post, and the ball will shift each time you accelerate/brake. It will loosen up quickly (if lucky), or more likely sheer off (not good). Find the 1 and 1/8! Agree with the thread past nut threads, on most nuts that is basically flush to a slight protrusion |
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| nanisworld |
| You guys are too much! Or is my mind as much in the gutter as everyone elses? |
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| lmeans |
quote:
Originally posted by DBirch
Sounds like a personal problem. Try the "Comparisons" forum:D
Sorry, I couldn't resist.
Dean
That was my first thought too. I wasn't sure if I should say anything, but you did it for me LOL!!!!!!!!! :D
Lmeans |
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| ghost |
quote:
Originally posted by nanisworld
You guys are too much! Or is my mind as much in the gutter as everyone elses?
Whadya' mean? :)
Anyway, my short shaft problem became a moot point, as I was able to borrow the whole ball/mount assembly from the rental place.
Still looking for the elusive 1 1/8" shaft tho; if anyone is using the 1" job and is satisfied, let me know... |
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