Recommended Torque Wrench for Trailer Hitch Installation

Updated 05/22/2020 | Published 02/09/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4"

(14)

$244.03

Powerbuilt Digital Torque Adapter - 1/2" Drive

(3)

$62.96

Powerbuilt Dual Drive Torque Wrench - 3/8" and 1/2" - 10 to 150 ft-lb

(55)

$62.86

Question:

For those of us that do not have a torque wrench what would be your recommendation?

asked by: Todd

Expert Reply:

For the Curt Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Class II - 1-1/4" # C12172, there really isn't a solution other than to use a torque wrench. Without torqing the necessary bolts to the manufacturer specs, you void the warranty and can have safety issues when using the hitch receiver.

If you want to purchase one, I recommend the torque wrench # ALL944001 or the digital adapter # ALL940962. There are many auto parts stores that now rent tools as well if you prefer to go that route, but it is nice to have one for situations like this.

expert reply by: Jason S

John G.

5/16/2020

I bought a hitch from you that says it has to be torqued to 380lbs ft. The above-recommended torque wrench only goes to 250 lbs. Can you recommend one that can handle 400 lbs ft? Thanks

Chris R.

5/20/2020

We don't have any torque wrenches available that go that high. Your best bet will be a local hardware or auto parts store. Like Jason mentioned above, you should be able to even borrow one from the latter.

John G.

5/20/2020

@ChrisR Forgive me Chris, I meant to confirm what the amount of torque is for the bolts. The paper that came with it says the 3/4 hardware should be torqued to 380lbs ft. The online instructions say 320 lbs ft, and everyone i've talked to that are mechanics say over 300 is too much. Can you confirm what the proper amount of torque is for the 13333 hitch is? Thanks

Chris R.

5/22/2020

@JohnG I gotcha! On the Curt Trailer Hitch # 13333 all 3/4" hardware should indeed be torqued down to 320 lb-ft. Curt does tend to recommend higher torque values than normal, but you can be assured that it won't cause any damage to the bolt or hitch.