Need a tow ball installed
- dufremle
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Need a tow ball installed
Does anyone know where I can get my tow ball installed on my ball mount? The nut is 1 3/8" and the shank is 1", torque spec is 260 ft/lbs. I don't have a socket that big or a torque wrench that goes that high.
Jim
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Re: Need a tow ball installed
Uhaul installs hitches, I think. Try them?
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Re: Need a tow ball installed
ball mount? what are you talking about, do you not have a receiver?
K1600
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Re: Need a tow ball installed
I think he's talking about mounting the ball on the draw bar. I don't know what anyone would charge for that. If you are lucky they might let it go with a handshake since it is less than a two minute job if you come prepared. Auto parts stores sometimes loan specialized tools if you buy parts from them. I've had Orielly's let me use a torque wrench in the parking lot, didn't cost extra, just had to leave my DL at the counter 'till I returned it. Don't know if they'd have a loaner that big. It's probably about $100 to buy a 3/4" drive torque wrench that goes to 300 and a socket that size.
On the other hand, the "turn of the nut" method of setting pre-tension on a bolt is at least as accurate as using a consumer grade torque wrench, especially at those high values. If you really want to be accurate, and you know the type of steel in the stud, the thickness of the material the bolt is going through, and the pitch of the threads you can calculate the rotation from snug to achieve desired load, or measure the exposed portion of the stud with a micrometer between snug and tight.
Or, using a very large wrench or a breaker bar and socket, calculate how far down the handle you would need to place your weight to achieve the desired torque. Place the draw bar in the receiver rotated 90 degrees so the ball is sideways. Put the wrench or socket/bar on the nut and step on it at the calculated distance from the center of the stud.
Or you could just crank the crap out of the nut with a breaker bar. That's probably close enough.
On the other hand, the "turn of the nut" method of setting pre-tension on a bolt is at least as accurate as using a consumer grade torque wrench, especially at those high values. If you really want to be accurate, and you know the type of steel in the stud, the thickness of the material the bolt is going through, and the pitch of the threads you can calculate the rotation from snug to achieve desired load, or measure the exposed portion of the stud with a micrometer between snug and tight.
Or, using a very large wrench or a breaker bar and socket, calculate how far down the handle you would need to place your weight to achieve the desired torque. Place the draw bar in the receiver rotated 90 degrees so the ball is sideways. Put the wrench or socket/bar on the nut and step on it at the calculated distance from the center of the stud.
Or you could just crank the crap out of the nut with a breaker bar. That's probably close enough.
Jeff - Street Triple 675R / GSX-R600 / F850GSA
Re: Need a tow ball installed
. This is how we would do it back on the farm. I don’t remember having a problem until we wanted to get the ball off!JeffStrom wrote:
Or you could just crank the crap out of the nut with a breaker bar. That's probably close enough.
Shane
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- dufremle
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Re: Need a tow ball installed
Ya, I need the ball attached to the ball mount, or draw bar, whatever you want to call it. I priced sockets on Amazon, but I couldn't see spending $13 to $30 for a socket I will use once. I also don't have any wrenches big enough.
Jim
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Re: Need a tow ball installed
If you aren't hard set on high precision, I can bring some stuff to bike night and see if it will work. You have a lock washer and this is a castle nut with a cotter pin?
Jeff - Street Triple 675R / GSX-R600 / F850GSA
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Re: Need a tow ball installed
Lock washer, regular nut, no cotter pin. I'll be heading straight to the restaurant after work so I won't have it with me. Let me see if I can get the pic of my ball uploaded.
Jim
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Re: Need a tow ball installed
I may have a socket big enough. I'll check when I get home. A large lock jaw wrench would work as well.
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Re: Need a tow ball installed
Oh Jeezus Krist JImbo....seriously? I will install it for $20.
Chance favors the prepared mind.
Re: Need a tow ball installed
Damn dude, they make REESE ready to go hitches at walrmat already put together, pick it up, check out, stick it in the truck, done.
K1600
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Re: Need a tow ball installed
Already have the pieces. Don't need to buy anything.
Jim
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Re: Need a tow ball installed
No joy, 1 1/4 is the largest socket I have.
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Re: Need a tow ball installed
I have the tools to do it but ... they are in Oklahoma. I can get them next weekend probably.
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- fartymarty
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Re: Need a tow ball installed
I found these bangin' around in the back of my PT Looser, I think they should work.
- dufremle
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Re: Need a tow ball installed
The crescent wrench might work. Not sure I could get close to the torque specs with it, though.
Jim
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Re: Need a tow ball installed
Are you sure that the nut is 1 3/8"?....most are 1 1/2 for a 1" shank.dufremle wrote:The crescent wrench might work. Not sure I could get close to the torque specs with it, though.
If it is 1 1/2 then I'm sure we could probably over torque it with a pipe over the small end of the box wrench.
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Re: Need a tow ball installed
I measured it, and two guys at work both measured it. It is definitely smaller than 1 1/2".
Jim
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Re: Need a tow ball installed
Love that old school thinking Marty! That NUT wont know what hit'mfartymarty wrote:If it is 1 1/2 then I'm sure we could probably over torque it with a pipe over the small end of the box wrench.dufremle wrote:The crescent wrench might work. Not sure I could get close to the torque specs with it, though.
Shane
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Re: Need a tow ball installed
I have this... But I really doubt it would work for that kind of torque
Jeff - Street Triple 675R / GSX-R600 / F850GSA
Re: Need a tow ball installed
I have like 3 of these, never seen this much drama over a hitch before!
K1600
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Re: Need a tow ball installed
Haha! Yes, it shouldn't be this difficult.
I measured the nut again and it looks like it is 1 1/2".
I measured the nut again and it looks like it is 1 1/2".
Jim
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Re: Need a tow ball installed
So, bike night tech session? Someone could take video for the FWMR reference library.dufremle wrote:Haha! Yes, it shouldn't be this difficult.
I measured the nut again and it looks like it is 1 1/2".
...or are you holding out for a socket and torque wrench just to ....
...increase the drama?fixxervi6 wrote:I have like 3 of these, never seen this much drama over a hitch before!