Why Does etrailer Base Plate Kit e98946 Use Grade 5 Bolt Instead of Grade 8

Published 12/07/2021

Question:

I noticed that the mounting bolts included for the e98946 base plate for my 2004 Jeep Wrangler seem to be 1/2 inch grade 5 bolts with torque spec 75 ft/lbs. Why is this better than grade 8 bolts? There also seems to be a metric bolt application for this style base plate using grade 8 bolts at a higher torque spec. Just wanting to know if I would be better off going with a grade 8 1/2 inch mounting bolt. I will be flat towing behind a motorhome and travel I-40 from Tennessee to Arizona frequently, and there are some serious road issues, potholes and uneven pavement, breaks in road surface, etc., along I-40 and I want to be sure I have the best mounting hardware as there are only 2 one-half inch mounting bolts for this baseplate to connect to the towed Jeeps bumper. thanks.

asked by: James

Helpful Expert Reply:

This is a really good question. So what we've learned from our hitch and base plate kit manufacturers is that Grade 8 bolts while stronger are less forgiving if stressed since they are a harder metal. So the Grade 5 bolts which happen to also be very strong are used since they can stretch and even bend more without becoming as brittle and failing. So the Grade 8 will handle more force but when they go they snap whereas the Grade 5 will flex as it fails which many argue is better in a high sheer situation.

expert reply by: Jameson C