a-d-s
North Vancouver, BC
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I rounded off the nuts getting them off my old hitch and need to replace. Do I replace with zinc plated or galvanized? Here is the Reese kit but they don't say what type they are: https://www.reese-hitches.com/products/Bolt_On_Fastener_Kit,58133
Thanks!
2021 F-150 HDPP EcoBoost
2016 Coleman 262BH
Reese Dual Cam - 1200lb
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JRscooby
Indepmo
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I always thought galvanized steel was steel platted with zinc to keep it from rusting...
One thing I ran into few weeks ago with some cheap plated fasteners was the thickness of the plating caused a mis-fit in the threads. Had to use tap and die on a dozen brand new fasteners to keep from driving 20 miles round trip.
Might be better to paint bolts, use stainless nuts.
* This post was
edited 05/29/21 04:46am by JRscooby *
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noteven
Turtle Island
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Hi a-d-s
Your location = good marine industry supply = find some stainless hardware and be done with it.
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enblethen
Moses Lake, WA
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Photo is definitely not galvanized. Nuts and plates appear to be zinc plated. Bolts look to be heat treated and coated with zinc.
Galvanized bolts have thicker coating and do not screw onto standard zinc coated bolts.
A good hardware store with have the hardened bolts and appropriate matching nuts and washers.
Bud
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mr_andyj
Georgia
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This does not matter. Just use a hitch nut and you will be safe. Use the lock washer too. Grease the threads liberally. A little rust on the nut over time will not matter unless you dip into the ocean all the time or live next to the ocean.
The nut does not need to be crazy tight if the lock washer is used. People go overboard sometimes, but better too tight than not tight enough. Balls with cotter pins are a nice safety feature.
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QCMan
Independent Republic of Horry
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You need to replace with the same grade nuts. Many nuts will fit but may not be as strong. I know I would not want to risk the integrity of my hitch to save 50 cents each on two nuts. While you are at it, get two new lock washers.
2020 Keystone Cougar 22RBS, Ram 1500, two Jacks and plenty of time to roam!
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enblethen
Moses Lake, WA
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QCMan is correct. Look at the head of the bolts for identification shown with small bars. Nuts and washers need to be the same grade.
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a-d-s
North Vancouver, BC
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Thanks for the advice. It's got the six marks and a triangle on the head. Google tells me that it's a grade 8, close tolerance bolt. Don't think I'm going to find that at a generic hardware store. I'll call around to see suppliers we use at work.
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enblethen
Moses Lake, WA
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Ace should have them, along with grade 8 washers and nuts.
Oops! Forgot you are north of the border. Not sure about your area.
Would your Lordco auto parts have them?
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Grit dog
Black Diamond, WA
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Any decent hardware store will have grade 8 nuts. You will also likely not find them in hot dipped galvanized.
Don't get too wound up about it, go get some new nuts and if you're worried about rust, antiseize the threads and then paint em once all put together.
2016 Ram 2500, MotorOps.ca EFIlive tuned, 5” turbo back, 6" lift on 37s
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