DeepDiver wrote:
Preload is elastic deformation ONLY (i.e., the "spring" in metal; it
would
return to it's previous shape if the load is removed). Since Bruce actually
bent the metal, it experienced plastic deformation (i.e., the metal was
permanently deformed), which is no longer in the realm of "preload".

That said, I don't think there will be a problem. The biggest problem Bruce
would have to worry about would be metal fatigue if the part was repeatedly
bent. I suspect this will not occur once the hitch is bolted tight to the
frame.

But I am curious why Bruce didn't return the obviously defective hitch.

I was going to return it but when I called the retailer it sounded as if
this wasn't uncommon. Though I can't imagine why a manufacturer wouldn't
correct this if it was common. I didn't even know it was bent until the
guy I talked to told me what to look for and how to fix it. It was
ordered so shipping back and forth would have been quite a hassle and
fixing it seemed like the best option. Stressing the metal didn't occur
to me until later but I think it will be fine. Everyone I've asked so
far didn't think there would be any problem. It is bolted in place and
won't be bent any further.