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How old is too old for a hitch

Harrydavidson
Explorer
Explorer
I’ve had a Reese weight distribution hitch since 1993. Used it on three different trucks I’m sure I got my money’s worth out of it. Appearance wise it’s still good, but I’m wondering about fatigue.
What’s your opinion
4 REPLIES 4

Bedlam
Moderator
Moderator
I've had to replace a hitch head due to egged out load bar sockets but still use it for dead weight pulls without weight distribution. I've also replaced hitch balls due to wear and slop. I don't think you really age out this equipment but it does wear or corrode over time based on use.

Host Mammoth 11.5 on Ram 5500 HD

twodownzero
Explorer
Explorer
I have a solid Reese WD hitch head that is of similar age. It's still going strong.

Steel, to my knowledge, does not fatigue. At least not within the limits relevant here.

I would rock it indefinitely. My WD bars are newer than that but the hitch head itself is doing fine.

Lwiddis
Explorer
Explorer
Twenty-five year old equipment with that much weight and importance....replace!
Winnebago 2101DS TT & 2022 Chevy Silverado 1500 LTZ Z71, WindyNation 300 watt solar-Lossigy 200 AH Lithium battery. Prefer boondocking, USFS, COE, BLM, NPS, TVA, state camps. Bicyclist. 14 yr. Army -11B40 then 11A - (MOS 1542 & 1560) IOBC & IOAC grad

BarneyS
Explorer III
Explorer III
It is probably ok but if it were me, I would replace it. There have been a lot of improvements in both technology and variety in WD hitches since 1993 and you also don't know about any metal fatigue that may be present.
Barney
2004 Sunnybrook Titan 30FKS TT
Hensley "Arrow" 1400# hitch (Sold)
Not towing now.
Former tow vehicles were 2016 Ram 2500 CTD, 2002 Ford F250, 7.3 PSD, 1997 Ram 2500 5.9 gas engine