Pat's Easy Change Adjustment bolt size on Pat's Easy Change and a short introduction for a new member

[CalG]

As you consider using a better fastener, realize that engineers 'May' have specified a softer one so it becomes the shear point and thus cheaper and easier to replace than the next weakest link.

Not saying that what you are doing is wrong but rather something to think about what will break if the bolt does not. Best of luck.

Those 8 bolts are all in compression when adjusted correctly. Not even that much compression if the jamb nuts are used properly. If fact, other than flopping around , no harm would come if they were removed. (other than "E-Z would not be a good description of the implement attachment process ;-)

The main pin takes the load.

 

[fried1765]

As you consider using a better fastener, realize that engineers 'May' have specified a softer one so it becomes the shear point and thus cheaper and easier to replace than the next weakest link.

Not saying that what you are doing is wrong but rather something to think about what will break if the bolt does not. Best of luck.

The Pat's are apparently all shipped with grade 2 bolts.
I changed mine to grade 5 as suggested above.
Grade 5 bolts are less likely to fail, and are still easy enough to remove if broken.
I would not use grade 8 bolts for this application.

 

[Root Cause]

Those 8 bolts are all in compression when adjusted correctly. Not even that much compression if the jamb nuts are used properly. If fact, other than flopping around , no harm would come if they were removed. (other than "E-Z would not be a good description of the implement attachment process ;-)

The main pin takes the load.

Not doubting anyone or any application specifically. Some lurkers or future posters may look at this and apply liberally to everything they find. Just bringing up the all too common phenomenon of unintended consequences. Carry on.

 

[fried1765]

Not doubting anyone or any application specifically. Some lurkers or future posters may look at this and apply liberally to everything they find. Just bringing up the all too common phenomenon of unintended consequences. Carry on.

Can't fix stupid!

 

[Root Cause]

Can't fix stupid!

No, but you can fix ignorance if someone wants to learn.

 

[fried1765]

No, but you can fix ignorance if someone wants to learn.

That is obvious!!

 

[Root Cause]

That is obvious!!

Which post? mine or yours?

 

[fried1765]

Which post? mine or yours?

Too confusing!
Skip it!

 

[Rebeldad1]

Have used my Pats system for 5 years with no issue from the bolts. Also havnt adjusted them since the install. You might not have a problem using what it comes with.

 

[doneill127]

Been using these for 3 years and don’t understand the issue with the original bolts. So what if they mushroom a bit. You can still back them out enough to remove the hitch. If they get damaged they’re easy to cut or drill out, and it’s unlikely that the grade 2 will damage or gall the threads in the hitch if you try back out a mushroomed or damaged bolt.
But if grade 5 or 8 makes you feel more secure go for it.