So you want to take a trailer hitch off your vehicle or change the size of the hitch ball, but the rusted metal wont even budge. It will gradually emerge. Read carefully to understand. Use a Sawzall with a thin metal cutting blade to get between the receiver and the stinger of the rapid hitch to cut the pin. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Check out some more of our videos! Updated: 00/04/25 Use the hammer so as not to damage the receiver hitch. So, youve finished air hammering all of the receivers pieces. You can spray a bit of aerosol white lithium grease into the lock. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Click to expand. If your hitch mount or trailer ball has rusted, keep reading to find out different ways to get rid of it so you can get back to towing. USF Sarasota-Manatee, Team S1-G1, Stewart Spring 2019. Hitch pin and clip or hitch lock sold separately; Made in the USA; Specs: Application: 3" x 3" trailer hitch receivers; Gross towing weight: When used with 1-7/8" ball: 3,500 lbs; When used with 2" ball: 7,500 lbs; When used with 2-5/16" ball: 21,000 lbs; Distance from center of hitch pin hole to center of hitch ball: Hitch pin hole closest to . Use a Sawzall with a thin metal cutting blade to get between the receiver and the stinger of the rapid hitch to cut the pin. Read more about our Hitch store and services here. If these pins get rusted, they will get stuck in the hole, and you will face much trouble trying to remove them. When you do free it up, coat your receiver tube with Permatex - Anti-Seize Lubricant - A Heavy duty blend of aluminum, copper and graphite lubricants in a petroleum base. //-->. Rinse and repeat if any rust still remains. Repeat these steps when rust develops over time. This includes the top, sides, and bottom, as well as the hole where the pin goes. Yes, the simplest way to get rid of it is to pull it out. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. rust). How To Remove Rust From A Rusted Trailer Hitch - YouTube 0:00 / 2:08 How To Remove Rust From A Rusted Trailer Hitch Blaster Products 10.7K subscribers Subscribe 95 26K views 2 years ago *BUY. Let it soak for a bit and see if that helps release it. /* Try sliding a pipe over the handle of the wrench to add additional length so you can get even more leverage. If you notice rust, you can lightly sand the hitch and touch it up with paint to stop the rust from growing. Look for corrosion or wear around the hitch pin hole and receiver opening, Cover exposed metal with a rust stopping paint, Use a hitch cover to prevent dirt and water from getting inside your hitch. If that does not work, you will have to use an angle grinder to remove the nipple and pin completely, then start over with new nipples and pins. If youre doing a lot of towing, ensure the travel trailer has a weight-distribution hitch. Have a helper signal the driver as the driver slowly uses the tow vehicle to pull away from the fixed load to remove the hitch. You can do it yourself or, if needed, take the help of a friend, and thats it. It w adjustable height trailer hitch ball mount. imagelinks2[2]="https://www.youtube.com/c/TheForestryForum?sub_confirmation=1" For those items that you can't soak, check out our Metal Rescue GEL! Penetrating fluid acts as a lubricant that works well for eating through rusted metal. The materials used for this fix, especially the naval jelly, need to avoid skin contact at all times. Follow up by polishing with two coats of carnuba car wax. We have also a physical hitch repair store in Poland. TAKE THE HITCH OUT WHEN YOU ARE NOT USING IT!! First, we wrapped a long strap around a strong tree. Youll be able to finish your task after that. You can have as many as you wish It gets expensive buying pins sets every year from corrosion. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, Affiliate Disclosure We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites, A Cost Breakdown of Moving a 5th-wheel Trailer (Per mile), EAZ LIFT Weight Distribution Hitch Reviews: Things You Must Know, Subaru Outback Trailer Hitch Installation Guide and Cost Breakdown, Step Bumper Receiver Hitch Installation guide, https://www.wikihow.com/Get-a-Rusted-Trailer-Hitch-Ball-Off, https://www.familyhandyman.com/project/removing-a-trailer-hitch-ball/, 4 Types of Travel Trailer Hitch Ball Sizes (A Complete Guide), Can I back up with the Weight Distribution bars? U-Haul International, Inc.'s trademarks and copyrights are used under license by Web Team Associates, Inc. Use the small paint brush to apply a coat of naval jelly over the rusted area. imagelinks[1]="http://www.ezboardwalk.com/" When you are done spraying the ball hitch, you will need a wrench. */ An Official Website ofAndersenHitches.com. If you don't know what I'm talking about, feel free to shoot me a pm. They have to deal with road salt in the north, and the back of the car is standard for salty slush to build up. imagelinks[2]="https://woodmizer.com/us/Sawmill-Blades?utm_source=forestryforum.com&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=sawmillblades&utm_term=2022-05-01&utm_content=800x160" A small amount can also be applied to the key before it is inserted. If you have a chrome ball or chrome hitch that's showing signs of rust, simply ball up a piece of aluminum foil, dip it in white distilled vinegar or Coca-Cola and lightly rub the rusty spots. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Mongo here. And then you should be able to eliminate the end part of the hitch lock. Set the reinforced inox cutting wheel on the angle grinder. Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. Youve already checked on ways to get rid of a rusted trailer hitch ball without exerting too much work. Use ball grease to protect and assist the hitch ball during use, Use a ball mount bag or ball cover to protect the hitch ball when not in use. Rusted parts can be restored in 5 minutes to 24 hours, depending upon the amount of rust, type of metal (iron and steel), and temperature of the solution. You will need a 4.5-inch angle grinder for this project. 25 pcs 1/4 x 1-1/2 Round Canopy PTO Trailer Hitch Pin Awning Zinc Clear. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. The keys themselves sometimes will benefit from a bit of fine (500 grit) sandpaper rubbed on their surfaces. I got the pin out that goes through the ball with no problem , but cant get the ball off of the stem on a convert a ball hitch, to switch the ball size. There are dozens of commercial rust removers, but acids in everyday kitchen staples like vinegar, lemon juice, and potatoes will loosen even stubborn rust from some metals. There are 11 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. Have someone get into the vehicle, put it in drive and put tension on the chain (steady pressure - do not go overboard and try to force it out - you could end up bending something). Its better to maintain your stuff so that it wont create a hassle in the future. As a small thank you, wed like to offer you a $30 gift card (valid at GoNift.com). (Explained), Step Bumper Receiver Hitch Installation (Step by Step), Types of 5th Wheel Hitches: A Guide to Choose The Correct One, 12 Best Weight Distribution Hitches Review 2023 (With Sway Control), Andersen vs Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution Hitch: Find the Differences, Spray / penetrating fluid (WD40, BOESHIELD, Permatex can be considered). This is the before picture of the rusted hitch. You must also ensure that you spray the thread areas in addition to the ball nut. Dip the paper towel in a bowl of lukewarm water to get the paper towel damp. Spray the stuck area well with WD40 or Inox. Dont worry, if a ball mount is rusted in your hitch and you cant remove it, U-Haul will still replace your receiver hitch under the $5 warranty.The best form of maintenance is prevention. myimages[4]="../../../images/top-banner/ez50-banner.jpg" 4 Simple ways to Remove Rusted or Stuck trailer hitch ball 1. Ive often seen them under the tow bar, leading up to the receiver tube. I hope you found it helpful. Watch for things that could fall behind you, and be ready to avoid getting hit. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register. on Forestry and Logging, Started by Jim_Rogers To accomplish so, keep an eye on the ball mount and follow the steps outlined above simultaneously and with the same amount of effort. If water gets into those exposed areas and is allowed to sit, it will corrode the metal and cause rust. Oct 13, 2008 Only show this user I hadn't used my hitch for awhile so it the hitch lock was very rusty. var ry=Math.floor(Math.random()*myimages.length) if youre facing the same problem still, then all you have to do now is keep hammering until you see the trailer hitchs ball mount loosening. Using an oxy-acetylene torch, carefully pry the hitch into and out of its socket. $60.78. home improvement and repair website. Keep reading for the best ways to remove a rusted hitch mount or trailer ball so you can start towing again. For this, youll need WD-40, BOESHIELD T-9, or another lubricant that can get the job done. myimages[1]="../../../images/top-banner/ez50-banner.jpg" You could use a ARC stick welder and just burn through it on a high setting. You can avoid being pulled over by the cops by removing your hitch ball while youre not using it. Finally had an opportunity to tow my trailer and UTV with the new car. When you leave your hitch ball on your vehicle, it becomes more exposed to the elements. Don't wait 'til both feet are in hot water before you decide to put your best foot forward. It may seem unbelievable, but hitch balls have been reported stolen from vehicles. When you leave your hitch ball on your vehicle, it becomes more exposed to the elements. If it is, fit a pipe in the hole and tap it with your hammer to push the hitch out. After cutting with the angle grinder, use a hammer to hit the pin until it is out from the other side. imagelinks[5]="https://woodmizer.com/Store/Shop/Sawmill-Options/CookieMizer-Clamping-Jig?utm_source=forestryforum.com&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=cookiemizer&utm_term=2021-03-09&utm_content=800x160" Any suggestions. All information is provided "AS IS." This can cause rusting, speeding up the need for a replacement. The Forestry Forum is sponsored in part by: Now you can remove the screw from the lock pin joint and the two parts from both sides. Method 1 In the first method, you will need, Mini Hacksaw Frame with HSS Blade Claw Hammer (Alternative- flat prybar) Knife or chisel (Optional) Step - 1 The first step is to start cutting the protruding part of the body of the Hammer Drive Anchor with the Mini Hacksaw Blade. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified. Wait to put the grinder down until the disc has stopped rotating. You must pull out the ball mount when it begins to loosen. myimages[3]="../../../images/top-banner/LX25-FreeShipping.jpg" Set a flathead screwdriver inside the lock hole of the receiver lock hitch pin. Follow the instructions below to remove rust from either type of hitch pin. No trunk. View our Privacy Policy here. on Sawmills and Milling. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Absolutely! You must log in or register to reply here. Rinse with warm water and dry with a soft, clean rag. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.
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\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. However, remember that we always recommend taking preventive steps to keep the rust at bay rather than removing it later. Very annoying if I wanted to switch to a bike rack, meaning I can't. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. In fact, using lubricant is the best way to avoid a rusted hitch mount altogether. You may freely link imagelinks[6]="http://www.ezboardwalk.com/" My fear is if i use a sawsall the blade will rub on the bumper.help:help: Mods: 20x9 Wheels 275/55/20 Falken ST04 //specify random images below. Allow the fluid film to sit for about 5 minutes. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. Using your hitch for camping, mountain biking, towing or other outdoor activities puts your hitch at risk to corrode and rust over time which can cause trailering complications and safety concerns. You can usually access it from the back side of the hitch. Itll be enough if you use your air hammer for 10 to15 seconds. This guide will provide step-by-step procedures on how to remove rust from a vehicle hitch. How do you get a rusted hitch out of a receiver if nothing else works? When driving down the road, always check to see if your vehicles license plate is visible. A powder or zinc coat will protect hitch components for a long time. Also read: Step Bumper Receiver Hitch Installation guide. Bring along anything you can that will fit in the hitch. We welcome your comments and There are two types of hitch pins commonly used in trailers: receiver lock hitch pins and hitch pins with clips. How to install a fifth-wheel hitch on a Dodge Ram? if (ry==0) Look for corrosion around the hitch pin holes and the interior of the receiver opening. Prevent this with proper maintenance, regular use, and wax or paint. How to Tighten the Hitch Ball (Step by Step)? These are sometimes taken, and it can be hard to get them back. #vanlife). wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. Since heat makes metal expand, the blow torch helps loosen the nut from the threading on the ball. To do this, you'll need WD-40, BOESHIELD T-9, or any other suitable lubricant. But it also builds up if you live in a wintery region where they apply salt to the roads throughout the winter to melt ice and provide a safer driving . (You won't need a sledge hammer when doing this) All the time keeping a lot of tension on the come-along. This website is owned and operated by Web Team Associates, Inc. This is the finished, rust-free, product. It would help if you had these tools readily available to remove your rusted trailer hitch ball, which is sufficient to do it appropriately. Lets address the hitch being stuck in the truck. From that point of view, you should be gentle and use the right tool for the job. Add a comment. But dont panic. Coating Your Hitch with a Protective Agent. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. If youre going to leave the mount attached to your hitch, be sure to continually reapply ball grease and use a ball cover to protect it when not in use. The most likely cause for a stuck trailer hitch is rust between the ball mount and the hitch receiver. JavaScript is disabled. You should start to see bubbling in this process. Hitch pins can become corroded over time due to exposure to the elements, making them difficult to remove. By purchasing your hitch, ball mount and hitch ball through U-Haul ensures that you will be protecting your investment and continuing your towing adventures. Be careful on your backswing so you dont accidentally hit or damage your vehicle. The appropriate gears are required, and the rest is a piece of cake. myimages2[3]="../../../images/top-banner/behindtheforum.jpg" We are a team of 8 Hitch specialists based in Poland. Website operating A pipe attached to the end of the wrench gives it more power. I'd guess he'd be cutting for a year using a sawzall.my guess is the pin is hardened steel, which would be a royal ***** to cut. Block the vehicle wheels and with the torch, heat up the receiver almost white hot and hit the outside (all four sides) of it with a two pound hammer. The number one enemy of rust is moisture combined with oxygen over a long period of time. There are a several different options: If you heat the hitch and pin using a torch a lot of times it will break the materials free and you can use a hammer and punch to remove the pin. If the tapping method does not work, apply a fixed load to the hitchblock tires if using a traileror properly attach a chain or strap to a solid object. Youll also need to spray the threaded holes in addition to the ball mount. The best tools are a copper hammer/air chisel or a dead blow, but you should use whatever you have. If it has started to rust already you want to remove that rust with a homemade or store-bought rust remover and then apply the paint over it. Rinse and repeat if any rust still remains. var myimages2=new Array() This pin also has a stronger neck and a side cut key to help prevent theft. To remove a corroded receiver lock hitch pin, you will need to destroy the lock. If your trailer hitch ball is rusted and youre tensed, how to remove it as it is poorly stuck, or you may think you should call a mechanic, then just relax. //-->,