Mission Automotive Hitch Tightener for 1.25" and 2" Hitches - Heavy-Duty, Easy-Install, No-Rust - Made in The USA

This tightener was bought to go with a four-wheeled mobility scooter and a steel scooter ramp. The ramp and scooter together weighed just under 300 pounds, and the trailer hitch we have is rated for 600 pounds. We hoped that by bouncing up and down on our ramp while being towed, we would be able to solve our problems. It wasn't even a week before it was over. br>br>We followed the instructions to the letter, even using thread locker on the bolts for extra security. Nothing seemed to work, and as the days passed, our ramp began to sag significantly. The bolts were also coming loose, which we noticed. I don't mean a few rotations loose; I mean several rotations loose, with thread locker applied once more. The black coating on the metal plate appears to have flaked off where the stress fracture is forming, indicating that it has bent. I bought the "Heavy Duty" product on purpose, and it just bent like a piece of taffy. In the event of an accident, we even remove the batteries from the scooter, which reduces the weight by about 25 pounds. It was of no use. br>br>We were counting on this to work, but it failed miserably. This tightener isn't something I'd recommend because it lacks the necessary strength.

Jovie Stephens

| Mar 05, 2021

Before tightening up to the backing plate, the nut almost seized on the threads, but there was no corrosion, which surprised me. The threads deformed and failed beneath the nut, on the part that bears no load when tightened or is subject to the nut when torqued down, according to inspection. The nut was in good condition and free of damage. br>br>To be fair, I did try to make sure it wasn't an accident with the threads or some abuse it received back there that bent it. I discovered that the threads had gummed up due to their softness, which I'll discuss further below. br>br>As a temporary fix, I cut off the damaged threads below the nut and was able to tighten the nut and restore its function for the time being, but I've already ordered a replacement. I had hoped that the "Made in USA" one would be of good quality, so this was a disappointment. br>br>I was compelled to write a negative review because I was unable to cut the bolt. I easily cut it with a hand hacksaw, and if you've ever worked with metal, you can get a sense of its quality by looking and feeling at it while cutting it, how hard it is, how the shavings look, and so on. I've worked with a variety of metals for projects ranging from really bad powdered metal to high-end tool steels, so I have a good idea of what to expect. This U- Bolt was a flimsy, inexpensive metal. I've done a lot of projects where I've had to cut off excess threaded bolts, and most graded hardware is pretty tough; it's hardened and not easily dinged or cut, but this isn't one of them. This isn't graded hardware, and it's certainly not good enough for such a simple task; after all, if used properly, a trailer shouldn't put any strain on it. br>br>One possibility is that these are supposed to be heat treated after being bent at 90 degrees to fit the hitch, and I received one that had not been heat treated. Or they skipped it because it's less expensive, which is most likely the case.

Jolie Fleming

| May 01, 2021

This is something I wear in the early spring and take off in the late autumn. I use it on an ATV hauler, and the trailer and vehicle can be up to 2400 lbs depending on the load. It's in its third year and still going strong. All clanking and backlash is eliminated with this tightener. It's such a nicer ride now that there's nothing going on back there. br>br>I make sure to tension the hitch mount so that there is no play when the tightener is clamped on and the mount changes position when first loaded. Another good idea is to put it on loosely at first and then tighten it once the trailer is connected and stretched out. br>br>There are a few complaints - This isn't designed to lift a hitch mount carrier device, and it's not designed to carry a lot of weight. Steel bends, and it's not designed to lift a sag; instead, it's designed to stabilize, which it does admirably. br>br>There is no excessive rust or problems, and it happens every year, keeping things quiet. This is excellent material.

Raya Moody

| Jul 09, 2021

There are several versions of these available, but since this one is made in the United States, I decided to pay a little more for it. When I first installed it, I was hoping it would put an end to the clucking of the towing head I use. The bottom line is that the product won't stay tight, so it won't work. I'm not sure if the threaded surface of the U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped U-shaped U- Even with the flat and lock washers in place, the nuts continue to back off. I had to tighten it three times on the first trip I took with this thing, which was only about 350 miles. It's not an installation issue for me because I can read simple instructions and tighten a couple of nuts. It's not like this is a difficult task. I'll experiment with nylocks to see if they stay tight, but otherwise, this was a waste of money and will end up in the scrap heap.

Rosalia Douglas

| Feb 17, 2021

I wish I had the ability to respond to reviews on occasion. It's bent "like a piece of taffy," according to one, but it's not properly installed. This simply tightens things up; it should be right up against the receiver, holding the hitch in place rather than attempting to lift the trailer/rack. Anyway, I've got it on my 8K lb travel trailer and it's great. The only thing I don't like about it is that I have to tighten it every couple of trips. The lock nut, it appears, should keep this from happening.

Kaliyah Whitney

| Sep 28, 2021