Godlykepower Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 Right I have managed to find a pukka hitch today, cost a few quid, but its in great nick. It does not have a spreader plate to go at the rear, and as I have no facility to manufacture my own. Can I get one from somewhere? I WILL not go via Ebay, as I have not used it for several years & my Paypal account is now shut, and I dont want the hassle of activating it again. Also, after following earlier threads on the subject, I understand I need High Tensile bolts. Can someone recommend somewhere online , where I can order 4 bolts that will be up to the task please. After I have the hitch in place, what do I do with the tow ball thats there already? Do I just take off the ball part, or the whole plate? The towing electrics are attached to this plate, but they look a bit worse for wear. Funnily enough, I will never need the original towing stuff, and only need the NATO for recovery.....and maybe if I ever get round to having an Overland trailer built. Just keeping the options open, but want to do it all right, and not have it looking messy back there with unused stuff. Options & advice on a postcard please! Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
draper40 Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 Bolts can be gotten from screwfix. I'm sure if you ask nicely someone on here will make you a plate as they are not that hard. It may be worth getting a master ring as well. Pete Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Henson Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 I don't think you can buy spreader plates - most people make their own from 6 or 8 mm plate. It might be a good idea to have two anyway - one either side. I used M14 fine thread hi-tensile socket head bolts. Don't know about online though - sorry. Les. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmatt Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 bolts from here http://www.fastfixdirect.co.uk/default.asp?PageName=Home much better selection than screwfix. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Godlykepower Posted June 10, 2008 Author Share Posted June 10, 2008 Okaaay....who would like to knock me up one then, if there not that hard!! Pretty please! Martin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Godlykepower Posted June 10, 2008 Author Share Posted June 10, 2008 ...and how long do the bolts have to be? Do I need 2 nuts per bolt, as I have read somewhere? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BogMonster Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 2 nuts per bolt is one way, Nyloc nuts is another. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
madmatt Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 I'd personally use Spring washers and normal nuts. They are easier to undo than Nylocks but don't rattle loose. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Godlykepower Posted June 10, 2008 Author Share Posted June 10, 2008 Roughly what are the dimensions of the plate? I'll see if I can get some cut to size somewhere & then just drill the holes. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Henson Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 I didn't use washers 'cos the spreader plates are mental thick, but a nyloc nut. You need to measure the depth of the hole, plus the thickness of the NATO hook mounting, plus at least the thickness of the nut and any washers that you intend to use. Les. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bishbosh Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 One reason for using washers is to stop the turning motion of tightening the nut damaging the paint as the washer won't turn. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mike4444244 Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 I always thought the 2 nuts thing was to make extra sure the bolt cant pull through? Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
western Posted June 10, 2008 Share Posted June 10, 2008 2nd nut is a locknut to prevent the 1st securing nut from undoing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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