Do Conical Tooth Washers Have To Install With The Teeth Facing In?

Updated 09/08/2025 | Published 06/05/2025

Products Featured in This Question

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

(77)

$208.95

Replacement Hardware Kit for Trailer Hitches

(1256)

$60.71

Question:

quick question. I installed my hitch yesterday and just realized that I put the washers on the wrong way. The side with the teeth are facing out.. Will this be a problem?

asked by: Chris S

Expert Reply:

Hello Chris, thanks for reaching out. So the washers that come with the # C92UR hitch are conical tooth washers. The washers are designed to be installed with the teeth facing in. They bite into the metal and stop the hardware from backing out. As much as I hate to say it, I have to recommend you remove the hitch and reinstall. If you do this, you will need new bolts. They are only intended to be torqued once.

If you leave stuff the way it is, there is a chance the bolts could back out over time. If something were to happen it would not be covered under warranty since the hardware was not installed correctly. I would really hate to see that happen so for that reason I have to recommend a do-over.

We can provide a new hardware kit with part # RHK. When you go to the page for the RHK there will be a box where you enter the part number for your hitch. In this case you will enter the part number C92UR in this box before adding the RHK to your cart. This will get you all new bolts and washers. I guess you could reuse the washers but the bolts should really only be torqued once.

expert reply by: Jesse M

C92UR Hardware Kit
(click to enlarge)

Jesse M.

9/8/2025

Hey Chris, did you have a chance to reinstall the hitch with the washers facing the right way? I'm asking because knowing your outcome could help others who might face a similar situation.