Doing pre trip inspections for the Q noticed the hole for the hitch pin had excessive wear. Planned on welding a plate on each side with 5/8" holes. After talking to Scott (DSD) decided to use his idea of putting bushings in instead. One day shipping for bushings and a clamp device to stop play in the receiver Drilled out the wore out hole to 3/4" welded in 3/4" od to 5/8 id bushings. The welding shrunk the bushings so had to drill them back to 5/8". Now on to the next pre trip stuff.
Hitch pin holes wear from insert moving with each start/stop. Hitch anti-rattle clamp is highly recommended to keep insert from moving and stressing hitch pin and holes.
That is the clamp device I mentioned in my post. It came at the same time as the bushings.
Chuck are these the clamps you are installing? I've been using these for years to eliminate any slop in the tow bar assembly. Amazon.com: Hitch Tightener for 1.25" and 2" Hitches LIBERRWAY 304 Stainless... (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01KZ25Y26/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1)
Similar, but should do the job.
Amazon.com: AUTO Hitch Clamp Anti-Rattle Stabilizer (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08BZHZ5ST?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title)
That's the one we bought at a FMCA rally. Works good. I noticed an immediate difference.
Years ago, the main selling hitch tightener was branded Hitch Vise HT-3 Hitch-Vise Anti-Rattle Clamp by Hitch Rider Racks (https://www.hitchrider.com/ht-3.htm) Searching on Hitch Vise now mainly brings up a bench vise that fits a receiver, which BTW, is a good item to carry. We also find hitch pins come in different diameters, even seeing hitch pin package with optional sleeve to use this smaller pin in a larger hole. Our bike rack required us to use a smaller diameter pin.
I have used the one like Woody has on my last two coaches. Tightened everything right up. Works very well.
Stepped Weld Washer 5/8" Bolt Hole 1/4" Tall Step For Reinforcing 1/4" Thick... (https://www.kartek.com/parts/stepped-weld-washer-58-bolt-hole-14-tall-step-for-reinforcing-14-thick-plate.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqEylPwd1frKSUNx3ZeQ5Kr9KNfyk34tCETkY65DfrHXmg1xok4)
Amazon.com: CURT 45340 Forged Trailer Hitch Ball Mount (https://www.amazon.com/CURT-45340-Forged-Trailer-Receiver/dp/B00IIO42S6/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=1DW6TAKC8NUN8&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.NuYUhFkaohfLwWhPMg19G0B0WTIt5halHpPpwcAIO7LX412rzTtvNoHy3w4FPHasSkmVkLFBrHpePk3iGGgzifw4Ciky0C6ORPbCHUiJgNP9Ig7uwvn_B4muqsR0DueB_q4tAmVzW_8y_AthAHoZ-wmY7NO0_2ICTFaOjX3RWLjYvpFsCtpzvka5c9UWxlp3qebiMeP0K5Yxj8OevuudgdrqrckM7VqUGdEYwkkFngpS02f5--BgdqIA_rWQ5P-_dqHgx0IX1dOk8seBQQTCk_o08pGLRnuEzAiqVAUMkUI.e3dOmEjVsu6PCZk8n4x0iYGJ_C86ymnxVZrkamDEVVs&dib_tag=se&keywords=forged+trailer+hitch+ball+mount&qid=1735597606&sprefix=Forged+trailer+%2Caps%2C202&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1)
Amazon.com: Ohio Diesel Ps 4" Inch Bent Trailer Hitch Pin x 5/8" Diameter... (https://www.amazon.com/Ohio-Diesel-Trailer-Diameter-Receivers/dp/B0B5W4LBMT/ref=sr_1_27?crid=3Q6LFV6F2EBTP&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Dtj90f43K1mlR3doSPAcyTYXe00MIHKUWMd8LE1_Xm1b9x5TXlPsjqJBhtBC3M2ZVLgQvaMQjhiFp9hcdDM4rSKq-131NKFcCQmF3QsXagymXUq7omSW45AfH_S-kfklnFE-qsRod9apOPSojKQ1VQ-hXyRQaCGXWntFkiXyDEs-HRKIa5XMFD6VlKRjP4c5yrcR9HH8BIuf1Hq5WH-qVSZJrz3C3eHtcofxNdwfkcEyHvmKie-o60UDBT0hozCvC12Jb_I8dXNlhH0SYzfFCkRqK2DxJPzeZv_tL-8PDCDGAVSgDcUHngKCiap3E92wmpfLxFmnKcQPHfhB552P42TGZiE3iVGoR4VxQF-lO9K_Z4cCPglmjUp6Okx75zEje7OiDpVzNiZar0leHqOs18y2b3wEkchV6be2tyAQRfeMmEP3XC7TGDN2nY-Iw0Cn.Bcxm659liPFgPrlWaoQyKijXgQQp4rqAVQiX021RPUs&dib_tag=se&keywords=2.5+hitch+pin&qid=1735597651&sprefix=2.5%22+hitch+pin%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-27)
2010 Phenix 45' Failed hitch inspiration (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=42151.0)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08BZHZ5ST/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Scott that plate is stamped with a weight limit. Did you do that or is that piece commercially available for that application?
Also, been wondering since you do a lot of welding on your rig, do you follow the full weld preparation check list that's floating around on the forum and have you ever had any negative consequences?
I absolutely will recommend following all the recommended precautions whenever welding on a vehicle. That being said I like to remove the power cable on the batteries and ground them out. I also like to attach an earth ground "chain" to the frame and spread out on the ground. Ive never had an issue myself, I do prefer to attach the welding ground wire directly to the welded part. On all the non coach vehicles Ive welded on Ive never had an issue myself. I will say that when I purchased my coach it had been stored under a hay shed and both the engine ECM and the HWH computer were both cooked I suspect from a static discharge event but am only guessing. Brad (RIP) had towed a heavily loaded 4X4 truck and IMO tore his hitch off from side loading. The web should support and prevent it from being overloaded.