\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Clean out existing rust using a homemade or store-bought rust remover, Apply rust-resistant paint to the newly exposed metal, Use an accessory bag to store your ball mount in when not in use. This pin also has a stronger neck and a side cut key to help prevent theft. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Click to expand. Sign up for wikiHow's weekly email newsletter. I'd suggest pre-drilling smaller holes first from the center out to keep the drill bit centered and prevent damage to you . An Official Website ofAndersenHitches.com. Any suggestions. 2005-2022 Overland International, Inc. All rights reserved. on Sawmills and Milling, Started by firefighter ontheside To prevent moisture and debris from getting into the receiver opening,use a product like Fluid Film to coat the interior of the receiver and then use a hitch cover when youre not using the hitch. Ive often seen them under the tow bar, leading up to the receiver tube. For more informatio. The 2inch ball is stuck on with presumably being rusted on, thinking about 10 years. He had it off in about 2 minutes and I think it costs around $10. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Metal Rescue works by utilizing a water-based, safe synthetic molecule that is attracted specifically to iron oxide (i.e. to this site, and use it for non-commercial use subject to our terms of use. If it is, fit a pipe in the hole and tap it with your hammer to push the hitch out. problems contact webmaster@doityourself.com. Removing the ball mount and storing it inside a bag when it is not in use is the most recommended method for preventing rust to both the ball mount and hitch ball. Bring along anything you can that will fit in the hitch. Take the trailer ball hitch off of your vehicle or cover it with a. on Sawmills and Milling. */ Youll be able to do what needs to be done once that is out of the way. Hitch Pin With the Clip Removed: After a while it may begin to show signs of wear and tear, causing the metal underneath the paint to become exposed to dirt and water which will cause rust. Use Air Hammering 3. Website operating random_imglink2() 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. Using an oxy-acetylene torch, carefully pry the hitch into and out of its socket. You could use a ARC stick welder and just burn through it on a high setting. The number one enemy of rust is moisture combined with oxygen over a long period of time. imagelinks[3]="https://woodmizer.com/Store/Shop/Portable-Sawmills/LX25-Portable-Sawmill?utm_source=forestryforum.com&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=lx25&utm_term=2023-02-10&utm_content=800x160" Read more, Affiliate Disclosure You can usually access it from the back side of the hitch. suggestions. Make sure that the area in range of the hitch popping out under pressure is clear and protected as neededparticle board or something similar can be used behind the chained hitch to protect the area from the hitch. 4 Simple ways to Remove Rusted or Stuck trailer hitch ball, Andersen: the best Weight Distribution Hitch in the market, Eaz lift Recurve r6 weight distribution hitch Review, Types of trailer hitches and Hitch classes, 5 Best Trailer Hitch for Subaru Crosstrek, 5 Best Hitch for Boat Trailer: A full guide, Best Adjustable Drop Hitches For Lifted Trucks in 2022. If youre doing a lot of towing, ensure the travel trailer has a weight-distribution hitch. You can usually access it from the back side of the hitch. function random_imglink2(){ Random Image Link Script- By JavaScript Kit(http://www.javascriptkit.com) Dry the metal and paint with an oil-based paint within 24 hours to prevent the return of the rust. Let it soak for a bit and see if that helps release it. If youre able to get underneath your vehicle, check if the back of the receiver is hollow. You can do that by using a product like BoeShield T-9 to protect and lubricate the internals of the lock system. 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 . Copyright References. To do this, youll need WD-40, BOESHIELD T-9, or any other suitable lubricant. You'll also need to spray the threaded holes in addition to the ball mount. Penetrating fluid acts as a lubricant that works well for eating through rusted metal. It could stay inside as well. This image is not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. 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When you leave your hitch ball on your vehicle, it becomes more exposed to the elements. The hitch ball sits in the ball mount and will see the harshest effects of any weather or friction-related use. I'd say use an abrasive disk or a oxy/acet torch. Key wouldn't turn. just another beaver with a chainsaw & it's never so bad that it couldn't get worse. Once its free you can either pull it out or gently tap it out with the hammer. When it comes to removing corroded trailer hitch balls, a rubber hammer is one of the best investments you can make. You must log in or register to reply here. 4wd (and 2WD) Camper Vans (a.k.a. So we thought why not create an informational blog for the hitch users from all over the world. But if you have an existing hitch that's rusted, there are several ways to remove the rust. 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. submitted to our "DoItYourself.com Community Forums". After youve finished spraying, youll need to settle for a hammer. All is not lost however, and with these tips you can fight the rust and prevent it from happening again in the near future. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. This is the before picture of the rusted hitch. myimages2[2]="../../../images/top-banner/behindtheforum.jpg" Drill out the pin using a 5/8th drill. Also read: Step Bumper Receiver Hitch Installation guide. We welcome your comments and Boiling water does not eliminate rust because rust particles are not living beings. You can heat the nut with a blow torch so it's easier to unscrew. random_imglink() Yes, the simplest way to get rid of it is to pull it out. Depending on how often you use it, you might not even realize that your hitch ball is missing. To protect the hitch ball while in use we recommend applying ball grease to make sure it pivots smoothly while inside the coupler. When WD40 and a good knock are used with the right amount of stress (but not too much), the hitch can shift and come out quickly. 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. When bare metal is showing, it is essential to touch up the hitch to prevent rust from forming. Dip the paper towel in a bowl of lukewarm water to get the paper towel damp. These are sometimes taken, and it can be hard to get them back. If you have an iron trailer hitch or hitch ball that's beginning to rust you can remove the rust with Naval Jelly. Insert a screwdriver into the lock hole and press down to remove the inner mechanism. rust). Drill out the pin using a 5/8th drill. This is a fixed pin box as compared to a Sidewinder or Revolution pin box that has a rotating turret on the pin box that gives the trailer a different pivot point. If its still stuck then you can try using another round of WD-40 and even a pipe on the end of the wrench to give yourself more leverage. It is a common problem, so they will likely appreciate your help. . Do not use powdered graphite as it will eventually harden. Spray a good amount of WD-40 or similar lubricant around the ball nut and thread areas. Knocking it in and out usually works, and once it starts to move, you can usually get enough dirt out to make the rest of the job easy. How to Remove a Rusted Trailer Hitch Pin? Youve already checked on ways to get rid of a rusted trailer hitch ball without exerting too much work. Over 200+ free JavaScripts here! //-->,