Noticed my hitch came with Grade 5 bolts. I'm not too big a fan of using Grade 5 to attach something pulling 8K lbs to my truck, so I went out and bought Grade 8 instead. Just wondering if you used the Grade 5 that came with it, how it held up, and how much you tow?

Did I do the right thing getting Grade 8?

 

I used the supplied hardware. No problems, I towed my cargo trailer from OR to FL. gross weight was 24K, trailer weight was around 17K ish.

 

8 grade are stronger Dave....

But having installed them with the supplied hardware, and for what you are going to tow, you should have no problems, those bolts are the max size that the hitch was engineered for, the grade 8's yes they are stronger and a better insurance policy, but your grade fives should suffice... I have not seen a hitch break yet.. (Knock on wood) BUT my experience comes from welded on recievers on both my heavy duty trucks that ive had...Best of luck!

Tx

 

They use grade 5 because they tend to flex more without weakening. The grade 8 will after enough pulling on them snap, they are the stronger in tensile strength but that also makes them brittle when they do flex.

 

Good point on the flexing...

Anyone know what the strength of 1/2" bolts, Grade 5 and Grade 8 are?

Should I stick with the Grade 5 then?

 

Every commercial hitch out there is sold with grade 5 bolts, from the cheapest to the most expensive, don't think that's an accident.

 

http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-in...ade-Chart.aspx


I would stick with the grade 5. Also, they will be less impact resistant in cold weather.

 

I used the supplied bolts and it's hed for 5 sled hooks