Does Wrench Need to Be Used When Installing Horizontal Bolts on 2023 Kia Telluride Trailer Hitch

Updated 09/05/2023 | Published 09/03/2023

Products Featured in This Question

etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - Matte Black Finish - Class III - 2"

(279)

$264.95

Loctite Blue Stick Threadlocker - Medium Strength - 1/4" to 3/4" Nut/Bolt - 0.32 Oz Stick

(16)

$14.55

Question:

I just installed this hitch on my 2023 KIA Telluride and was just a little concerned about the supplied hardware. I torqued the smaller vertical bolts to spec and they were very secure. However, when I torqued the larger horizontal nuts to spec 79ft/lbs I had to hold the bolt side continually with a wrench. My concern… with the bolt moving, and no lock washers, I’m a little concerned about the horizontal bolt/nut assembly coming loose. Any thoughts on my concern/observation. And yes, I placed the “star” side away from both the bolts and the nuts star side against metal.

asked by: John V

Helpful Expert Reply:

Thank you for your purchase of the etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver # e45ZR for your 2023 Kia Telluride!

I see where you're coming from, but as long as you've torqued everything to specs you'll be good to go. If you jump to the 9:40 minute mark of the linked installation video of this on a 2023 Telluride you'll see that our installer had to use a wrench with the torque wrench as well.

The hardware is going to see more pressure on the smaller M10 bolts than what you'll see with the larger M12 bolts which is another reason why you'll be good, but if you'd like to add some threadlocker just for peace of mind then I recommend the Loctite Blue Stick Threadlocker # LT37643 so the bolts will still be removable if you ever need to remove it from the vehicle.

expert reply by: Jon G