Adjusting belt tension with trailer hitch

[Y Rider]

Can the belt tension screws on a RT be adjusted without removing the trailer hitch? It appears to me that it would have to be removed to access the tension screws and in order to remove it I need to be able to get a T40 Torx tip on the inside of the 4 bolts mounting the hitch. The problem is that one of the bolts on each side is blocked and has limited access. The left side has the belt sprocket in the way. Does anyone know who sells a T40 tip short enough to get an open end wrench on it? Problem is I have a lot of belt vibration. My dealer says it's in spec but with a Kricket II tension gauge it measures just over 100 lbs. I can rotate the belt over 90 degrees without a lot of effort. Other members state that the belt tension has been set between 160 and 180 lbs with the Kricket II. I think if I can get the tension up a little higher it would get rid of most of the belt vibrations.

 

[DougB]

I have a set of Torx wrenches similar to an off set screwdriver. Think I got them at Farm n Fleet.

 

[Lamonster]

It's one bolt to remove the hitch, why fight it?

 

[effgjamis]

Can the belt tension screws on a RT be adjusted without removing the trailer hitch? It appears to me that it would have to be removed to access the tension screws and in order to remove it I need to be able to get a T40 Torx tip on the inside of the 4 bolts mounting the hitch. The problem is that one of the bolts on each side is blocked and has limited access. The left side has the belt sprocket in the way. Does anyone know who sells a T40 tip short enough to get an open end wrench on it? Problem is I have a lot of belt vibration. My dealer says it's in spec but with a Kricket II tension gauge it measures just over 100 lbs. I can rotate the belt over 90 degrees without a lot of effort. Other members state that the belt tension has been set between 160 and 180 lbs with the Kricket II. I think if I can get the tension up a little higher it would get rid of most of the belt vibrations.

You will have a problem in trying to adjust the belt with the hitch on, I am assuming you have the BRP hitch, due to the fact you have to loosen the axel nut so the adjustment screw can move the wheel.

It akes about 5-10 minutes to remove the BRP hitch, right side, cotter pin, remove axel shaft, pull hitch to the rear and off. Check the belt tension, and position on the rear hub, must not be less than 1/32 from inside hub. Loosen axel nuts and adjust, Right turn itghens, Left loosens. It s best before adjustment, to jack up the rear suspension via the center of frame just enough for the tire to clear the ground.

After you are satisfied with the adjustment, without removing the jack, and after tighting, torque specs, the rear wheel axel nuts, start the engine, put into 2nd gear , at idle let run a few seconds, then shut off and check the belt side travel on the rear wheel. The 'clearance should not be less that 1/32 from the inside hub, and if greater than 1/8 then readjust, using the right adjusting screw only.. A quarter turn just might be enough. But check it again to ensure it is correct.

 

[Y Rider]

It's one bolt to remove the hitch, why fight it?

I got the bike with the hitch installed. So you are saying that I don't need to remove the 2 bolts on each side to remove the hitch? Guess I need the installatin instructions for the hitch. I have a service manual for the 2010 RT but it doesn't have any information on the hitch, just the trailer.

 

[Y Rider]

You will have a problem in trying to adjust the belt with the hitch on, I am assuming you have the BRP hitch, due to the fact you have to loosen the axel nut so the adjustment screw can move the wheel.

It akes about 5-10 minutes to remove the BRP hitch, right side, cotter pin, remove axel shaft, pull hitch to the rear and off. Check the belt tension, and position on the rear hub, must not be less than 1/32 from inside hub. Loosen axel nuts and adjust, Right turn itghens, Left loosens. It s best before adjustment, to jack up the rear suspension via the center of frame just enough for the tire to clear the ground.

After you are satisfied with the adjustment, without removing the jack, and after tighting, torque specs, the rear wheel axel nuts, start the engine, put into 2nd gear , at idle let run a few seconds, then shut off and check the belt side travel on the rear wheel. The 'clearance should not be less that 1/32 from the inside hub, and if greater than 1/8 then readjust, using the right adjusting screw only.. A quarter turn just might be enough. But check it again to ensure it is correct.

Okay. Thanks for the information. I got the bike with the hitch installed so I wasn't sure how the hitch is removed.