Hitch ball torque? 450 lbs. ?

[Wmlunt-WO]

Had a new hitch ball installed on my blue ox wdh. Specs read torque to 450 ft-lbs. seems awfully high, maybe Curt got the inch lbs/ ft lbs confused?
I had the dealer install due to high torque and no wrench flats on 20,000 lb load ball.
He used an impact wrench rated at 1180 ft lbs (don’t think I believe that spec from dewalt)
Then used my 250 ft lb max torque wrench and got a quarter turn or so…
Shop did not have a torque wrench that high, plus don’t want to rip off my receiver hitch from the jeep.
Do I need to torque it higher? Lock washer feels flat…

 

[eatSleepWoof]

450 ft/lbs seems to be about right according to Grok: https://grok.com/share/c2hhcmQtMg==_2bef5283-993f-4a06-8ed6-a61dbddbb2fb

 

[Pointyears]

450 ft/lbs seems to be about right according to Grok: https://grok.com/share/c2hhcmQtMg==_2bef5283-993f-4a06-8ed6-a61dbddbb2fb

Depends on the size of the ball. For a standard 2" ball grok says "A 1-inch shank (common for 2-inch balls) typically requires 250 ft/lbs" which is what sounds right to me, especially for a hitch that's going on a jeep.

 

[RayIN]

IMO 450# torque is way too high. I always used a standard wrench and tightened the nut to my arm strength. I do use blue LocTite on the threads.
There is little twisting motion on the ball hitch if it's lubricated; now if it's dry I can see where twisting motion can loosen the nut.
I never had a ball nut loosen, and I checked it several times a summer. BTW, I also towed a flat-bed trailer hauling farm tractors with that ball mount.
450# sounds like lawyer speak.

 

[Wmlunt-WO]

Thx for the replies guys!
Don’t think he is getting 1180 ft lbs, the impact wrench spec from Dewalt, esp since we got another 1/4 turn with a 250lb calibrated torque wrench, guaranteed dead on balls accurate, calibrated millesecond before use!
Bill

 

[RayIN]

Thx for the replies guys!
Don’t think he is getting 1180 ft lbs, the impact wrench spec from Dewalt, esp since we got another 1/4 turn with a 250lb calibrated torque wrench, guaranteed dead on balls accurate, calibrated millesecond before use!
Bill

Right! Any air-powered impact wrenchs output depends on air input pressure.

 

[Wmlunt-WO]

Aahh, this was battery powered. But still don’t believe a simple pistol design could generate 1180 ft lbs without ripping his hand off

 

[SeeTheUSA]

IMO 450# torque is way too high. I always used a standard wrench and tightened the nut to my arm strength. I do use blue LocTite on the threads.
There is little twisting motion on the ball hitch if it's lubricated; now if it's dry I can see where twisting motion can loosen the nut.
I never had a ball nut loosen, and I checked it several times a summer. BTW, I also towed a flat-bed trailer hauling farm tractors with that ball mount.
450# sounds like lawyer speak.

To me, the LocTite is about nine times more important than the torque.

 

[Reniram]

To me, the LocTite is about nine times more important than the torque.

Amen

 

[tderonne]

20,000 pound hitch ball has a 450 ft-lbs torque spec:

Curt 20,000 hitch ball

But if you guys want to toss the torque wrench and LocTite it, that's fine, most race engine builders do that. Or not.

 

[Old Navy]

Most 3/4" torque wrenches go to 600 ft-lbs, but you'll need a good extension bar/pipe. My 1/2" TQ wrench only goes to 250, but my neighbor has a tool set that would embarrass Jeff Spicoli's dad. /fasttimesatridgemonthigh

 

[rdw123-WO]

My trailer is under 9,000 lbs wet (weight scale) fwiw.

Can't find the reference from another post (I'm on several sites) the key is checking over time as you travel. Torque to the best you can (like your torque wrench) add 3 ugs and 1 or 2 oofs, maybe even some locktite (had not thought of that). I even check the frame bolts for my hitch to vehicle itself a time or two. cheap insurance.

safe travels!