Class 3 trailer hitch for 2003 Pathfinder install

Butterglow · Oct 25th, 2004, 03:52 PM

A friend gave me a Class 3 trailer hitch from his Pathfinder. He has the same body style as the 2003 but from an earlier year. The holes in the frame seem to be the same in terms of installation but I wanted to know if anyone knows where I can get the installation instructions for this as I wanted to install it myself. I was also hoping to get information about the hardware for the hitch from the instructions as he did not have the hardware to give to me.
Thanks.

b67 · Oct 26th, 2004, 08:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Butterglow

A friend gave me a Class 3 trailer hitch from his Pathfinder. He has the same body style as the 2003 but from an earlier year. The holes in the frame seem to be the same in terms of installation but I wanted to know if anyone knows where I can get the installation instructions for this as I wanted to install it myself. I was also hoping to get information about the hardware for the hitch from the instructions as he did not have the hardware to give to me.
Thanks.

Your pathy will likely have tow hooks installed where the hitch will (mine did) you. I think there are 3 bolts / washers per side that you can just reuse. My draw-tite hitch needed 4 bolts per side though - not sure about the other brands. You should probably also get the lock washers too.

Butterglow · Nov 12th, 2004, 01:26 AM

It is a Nissan hitch so it matches up pretty well.
What are lock washers?
Thanks.

b67 · Nov 12th, 2004, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Butterglow

It is a Nissan hitch so it matches up pretty well.
What are lock washers?
Thanks.

Its like a washer with teeth - it cuts into the metal a bit which makes it harder for the bolts to loosen

spec240sx · Nov 13th, 2004, 03:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by b67

Its like a washer with teeth - it cuts into the metal a bit which makes it harder for the bolts to loosen

UM, that's a ribbed washer, which compresses. That is where that type of washer gets it locking ability.
A LockWasher of the standard type, looks like a flat washer that has been cut and warped. And it is exactly that. The washer is cut to allow a minor tweak and heat or chemical wash to treat it for hardness. This allows the washer to consistantly push on the threads of the Bolt and/or the NUT.
The best way, and a way I have been doing for decade, along with the auto industry following suite. Is to use self locking NYLON nuts with just flat washers.

Butterglow · Nov 14th, 2004, 04:56 PM

Anyone know how to install the brake lights connection/wiring? The instructions for the hitch did not include any wiring information.
Thanks.

b67 · Nov 14th, 2004, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spec240sx

UM, that's a ribbed washer, which compresses. That is where that type of washer gets it locking ability.
A LockWasher of the standard type, looks like a flat washer that has been cut and warped. And it is exactly that. The washer is cut to allow a minor tweak and heat or chemical wash to treat it for hardness. This allows the washer to consistantly push on the threads of the Bolt and/or the NUT.
The best way, and a way I have been doing for decade, along with the auto industry following suite. Is to use self locking NYLON nuts with just flat washers.

My mistake, this is not my field, just a hobby