Which grade of bolts must be used for the installation of a hitch system to prevent a disabling casualty?

Using Grade 8 bolts for the installation of a hitch system is crucial because these bolts are designed to withstand higher levels of stress and load compared to lower grade alternatives. Grade 8 bolts are made from medium carbon alloy steel and are heat-treated to achieve a minimum tensile strength of 150,000 psi. This makes them highly resistant to shear and tensile forces, which is essential in applications where safety is paramount, such as in hitch systems that bear heavy loads while towing.

In scenarios where a hitch system may experience significant forces due to towing heavy trailers or loads, relying on bolts with insufficient strength can lead to failure of the hitch assembly, potentially resulting in serious accidents or casualties. Therefore, using Grade 8 bolts helps ensure the integrity and reliability of the connection between the hitch and the vehicle, greatly reducing the likelihood of failure during operation.