What bolts for NATO hitch?

[Paul64]

Hi,

Just bought some M10x100ml bolts for the NATO hitch. Seems to be quite a lot of play around circumference. Anyone know what the recommended bolt is?

Cheers,

Paul

[Guest diesel_jim]

The holes are 14mm diameter.

but Td5 crossmembers have M12 threaded inserts in them, so you could use 14 or 12mm.

[Paul64]

The holes are 14mm diameter.

but Td5 crossmembers have M12 threaded inserts in them, so you could use 14 or 12mm.

Thanks Jim,

I have a 110 cross member. Does that make any difference?

Cheers,

Paul

[Mark90]

I use M14 if they will fit. Depends on the tollerance of the crossmember holes and how the bits of the NATO hitch are screwed together. If M14's don't go then I use M12. I think Dixon Bate say the bolt size is 1/2".

[freeagent]

I use M12, M14 is not a prefered thread size and can be difficult to get hold of.

[Mark90]

Both my usual nut/bolt suppliers have M14 on the shelf. Admitedly not in as wide a range of lengths as M12.

Having said that 4 x M12's are plenty strong enough, as I'm sure you will be using approroately rated bolts, won't you?.

8.8 are fine, 10.8 or 12.9 even better but maybe slightly over kill.

[western]

EPC says 4 x M12 x 120mm LR part BH112157 to attach a NATO pintle to a 90/110 rear crossmember.

[PaulMc]

EPC says 4 x M12 x 120mm LR part BH112157 to attach a NATO pintle to a 90/110 rear crossmember.

Not to forget - 2 x nuts per bolt AND the appropriate reinforcing and spreader plates either side of the rear crossmember -

Details here - NATO Pintle & Socket.pdf

Paul.

[Paul64]

Thanks for all the information. However, after traipsing around three hardware stores none of them stocked bigger than M10! I'll just have to hope me old mate rejo has some kicking about his shed!

Cheers,

Paul

[Les Henson]

I've used M14 hi-tensile socket head bolts 150mm long.

Les.