Dealer Hitch Install

[Lefty59]

When we bought our TV we had the dealer install the B&W Turnover Ball gooseneck hitch for us. We towed with it all last year, and this year when I went to remove the Companion 5th wheel hitch to do the annual inspection (and to help my daughter move), I found that the bolt that attaches the handle had fallen out. Guess that was lucky for us since when I got under the truck to reattach the handle I found this (see photos).

Today I took it back to the dealer & got them to put the washers in the proper place.

Out of the 16 attaching bolts used on the hitch, 10 were installed with the flat washer on the wrong side of the bolt.

We feel blessed that nothing bad happened while the bolts were installed improperly.

I have an annual hitch inspection on my list of preventative maintenance tasks but the importance of that inspection has certainly been emphasized by this experience.

Safe travels!

[cstover]

And another reason I like doing things myself. Besides the fact I know the ins and outs of my hitch, I know without a shadow of a doubt that my hitch is installed correctly.

[fast murray]

When you see things like that it makes you wonder what else they do wrong. It seems there is no accountability or pride in workmanship most places.

[hockeyzebra27]

Common sense. Some dealers......

[dcheatwood]

Wow! You're a blessed man. Hope you get it worked out.

[SCCS]

Should have two flat washers and a lock washer on each bolt.

[OldCoot]

Was always told to NEVER put a flat washer under a lock washer unless it was over a slot or on soft material as the flat washer could turn and defeat the lock washer's purpose.

Also in the picture, the bolt is a gr8 and should have hardened flat washers under the head of the bolt.

[Stormrider151]

If the guy that installed those bolts worked for NASA we never would have made to the platform.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Stormrider151

If the guy that installed those bolts worked for NASA we never would have made to the platform.

That's why he's a very questionable "RV Tech".

[Lefty59]

Here's how they are now after the dealer fix:

[Lefty59]

Originally Posted by cstover

And another reason I like doing things myself. Besides the fact I know the ins and outs of my hitch, I know without a shadow of a doubt that my hitch is installed correctly.

I typically like doing things myself too however, in this instance we were short on time, they had a hoist (I don't), a couple of minor mods to the TV exhaust were needed, & I thought I could rely on their expertise to do the job quickly & correctly. Boy, was I mistaken!

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by Lefty59

I typically like doing things myself too however, in this instance we were short on time, they had a hoist (I don't), a couple of minor mods to the TV exhaust were needed, & I thought I could rely on their expertise to do the job quickly & correctly. Boy, was I mistaken!

Do you know if that is a hardened flat washer under the head of the bolt?

[Lefty59]

Originally Posted by OldCoot

Do you know if that is a hardened flat washer under the head of the bolt?

Hi OC,

I'm not certain...but I certainly hope so.

I'm confident that it's the washer supplied by B&W in the install kit though as before we decided to get a new TV, I had procured the same hitch assembly to install in our F250...not to mention I doubt the dealer installer would go out of their way to find other washers. All my dealings with B&W have been very positive, so hopefully they supplied properly rated washers.

Thanks for your insight!