Hitches can be attached to your vehicle aftermarket to give you the ability to move loads or tow cars. Installing the right bolts allows you to safely secure your weight load to your vehicle.
A bolt is a rod that goes into a hole in an object with two or more parts to fasten. Bolts are threaded on the end to allow a securing nut to be screwed on. Types of bolts used in a trailer hitch include U-bolts and mounting bolts.
Tow hitch bolts hold the tow hitch to the vehicle, securing the tow hitch receiver safely in place while towing a trailer or car. They also hold the draw bar in place while the weight is being towed.
U-bolts are shaped like a "U" and are threaded on both ends to create a closed clamping hold. U-bolt ends can be bent in a smooth curve or at a 90-degree angle. U-bolts are often used to secure parts of hitches that have holes that are difficult to secure with a straight bolt.
Mounting bolts attach the trailer hitch to your vehicle and are designed to evenly bear the weight load. Types of mounting bolts include main mounting bolts and drawbar mounting bolts.
Bolt sizes should be the same size as the hole drilled for them. When drilling a hole for a bolt, bolt holes should be no bigger than 1/32nd inch larger than the bolt.
Use the bolt supplied by the manufacturer. Some manufacturers void the warranty on your trailer hitch if you do not use the supplied bolts and nuts.
