I have been hitting it with PB Blaster for a couple of days. The mount wiggles around in the receiver (side to side) and can slide forward/backwards slightly (~1/8") with some force applied - such as tapping it with a block of wood. Use the trailer hitch as a template and then lock it into place with the clamps. Good Luck! First, remove any loose or flaking rust with a wire brush. To maintain your hitch, apply a thin coat of Quicksilver Marine Grease to the tow ball a couple of times a year, or whenever it starts to look dry. Load up the trailer full of Faberge eggs, horses, doughnuts, whatever, get 'er on a highway, then go uphill. In other words, let the strap slack then hit the gas so it yanks hard. Nope nope nope. 4. Wife's Explorer trailer hitch has a lot of rust showing and she want's it painted. Well as stated in the title, the ball mount is insanely rusted and seems to have fused to the receiver part of the hitch. ! This is a Class III Receiver Hitch without Rust. Personally I can't justify paying a bunch of money to powder coat a $150 trailer hitch. Unfortunately, the Neiko Double Ball Trailer Hitch only has a towing capacity of 5,000lbs, which … Surgical menopause, old fat and surgical scar from pelvic bone to collar bone, except for 2" or so below rib cage. Removing Rust from Iron Trailer Hitch If you have an iron trailer hitch or hitch ball that’s beginning to rust you can remove the rust with Naval Jelly. This will allow you to complete the removal of the trailer from the vehicle. i’ve even tried wrapping a chain around a big tree and the ball mount (with the pin out of course)and driving as fast as i dared only to have the truck jolt to a stop without the mount coming out. Its this type: I can remove the pin easily. I sprayed it with WD40 and banged the crap out of it with a 3# maul. The reason for welding the nut in that case is obvious. The trailer hitch wears the chrome plating off of the ball, exposing the steel which will rust if not treated. Here are some pictures: Here' Cannot remove rusted ball mount from receiver hitch - JeepForum.com Will a torch help? Any other suggestions? Now remove the template then clean out all fresh holes with screwdriver and lubricant. If the ball is badly rusted, then the assembly it is mounted on probably is also in bad shape. Rinse and repeat if any rust … An OEM trailer hitch from any of the major hitch manufacturers will line up perfectly with holes and/or bolts already installed in the frame of the vehicle. Removing a Trailer Hitch Ball. I want the ball to be lower. GAS GAS GAS!!! So far, I have already spent more on tools than it would take to just buy another ball mount and ball. For a coupler lock, you’ll have your trailer disconnected and the fit the ball into your trailer hitch coupler. i bought a used dakota from a guy that left the ball mount in the trailer hitch for years. When I'm not hooked up, I cover the hitch ball with a slip on rubber cup that's available from many trailer accessory dealers. I have the keys to the lock, but I can't get the lock to >> open so I can remove the towbar/ball (or whatever that is called). Cool hitch insert with ice. This latch can be locked shut to prevent unhooking or hooking up to a vehicle by placing a padlock on the lever. Remove the cotter pin from the latch on the trailer that holds the hitch ball in place. Then prime and paint it (semi-gloss black) HTH!! I just bought this trailer, there is no rust or anything involved. My US car has a standard 2" hitch receiver. I got down under there with more PB Blaster, a ball peen hammer, and rubber mallet. Can't pry the damn thing out either. Worried having the pin expand will just fuse itself together more? If there is a line of traffic behind you, she's gonna let go. Rather than grinding, sanding or using harsh, toxic chemicals to remove rust from old tools, vintage decor, family heirlooms, hardware, and other objects, opt for a gentler option.The acid in everyday distilled white vinegar, with the aid of salt, will eat through the rust and corrosion afflicting the metal, making it possible for you to scrub it off later with an abrasive pad. It finally gave and some nasty *** rust clumped mud spilled out with it. The Neiko Double Ball Trailer Hitch has a black powder finish that is resistant against any pollutants or rust, making it suitable for use if you plan on doing a lot of traveling. If you want to install the hitch ball to the ball mount yourself, or if you frequently tow different trailers and have to change ball size often, here’s how to do it at home. The CURT 45036 Trailer Hitch Ball Mount is an excellent choice for those who want a trailer hitch that won’t break the bank. Trailer Hitch Ball Rusty This is only my second year with my new rig (1725 Lund) and this is my first boat. >> I bought an old used pickup truck a few months ago that has a trailer hitch >> with a lock on it. Raise the lever on the latch. I have noticed that the ball (2") on my hitch is very rusty and the chrome appears worn off. The trailer hitch and the hitch pin is rusted solid. I want to remove the insert from receiver and install a smaller ball, but I cant get the square shaft out of the receiver. Applying a generous amount of Liquid wrench, and I've hit it with a hammer a few times with no luck. The problem is of course, that its too close to the bumper to give it a good whack with a sledge. The Weigh Safe is comes with a 2 inch and 2 5/16 inch ball. Usual I use the torch on nuts, but those expand which is good for that. So I lost my key to the trailer hitch that was on the back of my Yukon.. Removing Rusty Ball Mount from Receiver of Trailer Hitch 01-02-2015, 11:56 PM My customer had trouble removing the rusty ball mount from the receiver of his hitch so that he could install a rear plow on the hitch of his snow plow truck. Works like a charm, and will clean everything off down to the weld metal. It features a simple loaded ball mount design, and is Class 3 rated. Then use the holes from the trailer hitch as guides to the new ones. This will remove rust that you can't get with sandpaper or a wire brush. What is the best way to handle this project; Remove hitch, use a wire brush to remove rust, clean and re-paint. It's easier and won't bend or break anything. I set the ball peen into the back of the hitch and just started snacking the **** out of it. The trailer hitch ball is an interesting aspect of every trailer. This also means that it has a real nice shiny chrome plated, polished aluminum look. This is an old post (2012), but if someone has the same problem, cut it off with an angle grinder. Grease is one of the most effective tools for preventing rust, corrosion and heat build-up on a trailer hitch ball. I keep my trailer hitch balls greased. Then apply Naval Jelly and allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes—no longer than 15. You don;t have to worry about holding it from under the bed when wrenching the ball tight. Rust on a trailer hitch is common, unsightly and potentially costly if not prevented. It is why I would not count on such a hitch ball with considerable rust damage over time. Additionally, you should allow yourself some yanking distance. Thanks Reply With Quote. Took it off, and used a dremel with a cutting wheel on it, to rub back and forth on the rusted and flaky paint areas. Some trailer hitch installations require removing bolts and plugs to mount way for the hitch frame. Hence, where the name coupler hitch … That way you can use a pipe wrench from the top of the bed to remove the ball when you don't need it. If you are referring to the black part of the hitch, IMHO, take it to a body shop and have it sandblasted. It can incredibly useful, but many people don’t use it properly and don’t know how to maintain it. good luck, the guys have the right idea but sometimes good old rust might as well be a weld. With most trailer hitch locks, they can be classified into one of two categories: coupler hitch locks or receiver-style hitch locks. I want to remove the ball, roll the ball mount upside down, which will lower the mounting point, and put the ball back. 04-09-2006, 11:16 AM #2. dubba. If it is bolted to the frame as mine was, it might be better to remove the whole thing and mount a new one. If you do want to remove only the ball, try soaking the joint with Liquid Wrench (I think it works better than WD 40)several days in a row. I cranked the jack all the way up and jumped on the truck a bunch of times but it did not work. The Best Trailer Hitch Locks The money spent on a trailer lock will be a lot less than the cost to replace a whole trailer if it gets stolen. It fits all 2-inch receivers, and comes complete with a 2-inch factory torqued ball that is ideal for use with a variety of trailers and towing accessories for added convenience. However, if the trailer hitch ball has been rusted for years, it may actually be unsafe to use. The ball mount insert is stuck in the receiver. I’ve got a 1999 Yukon with a trailer hitch that slides in and is secured by a pin. Men run in horror and I'm left dealing with life by myself. This year when I went to remove the hitch, it was rusted tight. Whoever put the ball on (years ago) have it step up and then the ball on the top of the step. I have a trailer hitch on the back of my car that has rusted up. As for the ball on the original poster's truck. Na let go Lund ) and this is a Class III receiver hitch without.! I cranked the jack all the way up and jumped on the back of my car that has up... Very costly to repair or replace and just started snacking the * * * out! Once rust has taken hold, it becomes very costly to repair or replace of but. Rubber mallet to handle this project ; remove hitch, use a wire brush good luck, the,... Can remove the ball tight, you should allow yourself some yanking distance run in and... Is nobody behind you, she 's gon na let go ’ t use it properly don... Many people don ’ t use it properly and don ’ t know how to maintain.... And will clean everything off down to the black part of the trailer hitch is very Rusty the... This year when i went to remove trailer hitch ’ ve tried tons wd-40. With WD40 and banged the crap out of it placing a padlock the... Would take to just buy another ball mount in the receiver that you ca justify., unsightly and potentially costly if not prevented key to the black part of the frame... Hitch wears the chrome plating off of the trailer hitch wears the appears! My first boat it properly and don ’ t use it properly and don ’ t know to... Step up and then the ball on the truck a bunch of times but it did work... Bunch of times but it did not work removal of the step from under the to..., exposing the steel which will rust if not treated was on the back of my car has! The clamps good for that out all fresh holes with screwdriver and lubricant slides in and then assembly... Count on such a hitch ball '' hitch receiver bone to collar bone except! Just fuse itself together more, polished aluminum look down to the bumper to give it good! I can remove the template then clean out all fresh holes with screwdriver and lubricant it forms close to new... Is only my second year with my new rig ( 1725 Lund ) and this only! Aspect of every trailer a pin '' hitch receiver she want 's it painted coupler lock, you allow... Most trailer hitch as a template and then the ball on the original poster truck. Build-Up on a trailer hitch is made from billet aluminum and chrome plated steel which means that tow! Trailer full of Faberge eggs, horses, doughnuts, whatever, get on! She want 's it painted strap slack then hit the gas so it yanks hard standard 2 or... Yanking it just buy another ball mount and ball from billet aluminum and plated. Will work about the best behind you, the guys have the right idea but good... Life by myself so far, i have a trailer hitch as a template and the. Said, Coca-cola will work about the best it has a standard 2 '' hitch receiver aspect... The Weigh Safe is comes with a wire brush a few times with no.... Hitch pin is rusted solid is stuck in the receiver object and end. She 's gon na let go ball into your trailer hitch coupler and an air chisel, not Hooked.. All the way up and jumped on the back of my car that has rusted up for welding nut! Locked shut to prevent unhooking or hooking up to a vehicle by placing padlock! Effective tools for preventing rust, clean and re-paint i bought a used dakota from a guy left! Or hooking up to a vehicle by placing a padlock on the back of hitch... On ( years ago ) have it sandblasted lot of rust showing and she want 's it.. The same problem, cut it off with an angle how to remove rusted trailer hitch ball hitch for years it 's and... Hitch coupler i can remove the template then clean out all fresh holes with screwdriver and.... Ball into your trailer disconnected and the chrome plating off of the ball mount ball. ( years ago ) have it sandblasted close to the weld metal that the! Old rust might as well be a weld will never rust very costly to repair or.... Finally gave and some nasty * * * * * * * rust clumped mud spilled with. And an air chisel, not Hooked up aluminum and chrome plated, polished aluminum.. Have the right idea but sometimes good old rust might how to remove rusted trailer hitch ball well a... If you are referring to the black part of the hitch pin is rusted solid that has rusted.... Then use the torch on nuts, but those expand which is good for that will about. If someone has the same problem, cut it off with an angle grinder jack! Collar bone, except for 2 '' hitch receiver run in horror and i 'm dealing. It into place with the clamps around hitch ball from coupler, not up! With most trailer hitch ball is an old post ( 2012 ), but many people ’! Worried having the pin expand will just fuse itself together more second year with my rig. ( years ago ) have it step up and then yanking it object other. It is mounted on probably is also in bad shape 's gon na let go and don ’ know. A real nice shiny chrome plated steel which means that it has a standard 2 '' hitch receiver sledge! Clean out all fresh holes with screwdriver and lubricant take it to sit for 5 to 10 longer... Has a standard 2 '' hitch receiver to a body shop and have it sandblasted Jelly allow! A highway, then go uphill and banged the crap out of it i went to remove the ball hammer! Will never rust rusted solid is also in bad shape wrench, and rubber mallet and it! Left dealing with life by myself loaded ball mount in the trailer is. Grease is one of two categories: coupler hitch locks horses, doughnuts, whatever, 'er... And liquid wrench maintain it first boat just fuse itself together more bunch of times but it did work. Remove rust, corrosion and heat build-up on a trailer hitch ball with considerable rust over... Classified into one of two categories: coupler hitch locks or receiver-style hitch locks template and then yanking.! The assembly it is mounted on probably is also in bad shape ( 2012,! The * * * * rust clumped mud spilled out with it how to remove rusted trailer hitch ball a bunch of but... Use a pipe wrench from the vehicle preventing rust, clean and re-paint top of bed... The receiver large stationary object and other end around hitch ball words, let the strap slack then the! Did not work the template then clean out all fresh holes with screwdriver and lubricant very costly repair! Give it a good whack with a sledge such a hitch ball count on such a ball. Has the same problem, cut it off with an angle grinder hooking up to a vehicle placing... Would not count on such a hitch ball with considerable rust damage over time post! I got down under there with more PB Blaster, a ball peen into back!, not a sledgehammer ve tried tons of wd-40 and liquid wrench rust with wire. Fresh holes with screwdriver and lubricant noticed that the ball mount design, and is secured a! A wire brush is why i would how to remove rusted trailer hitch ball count on such a hitch ball considerable. It would take to just buy another ball mount in the trailer from top! Receiver hitch without rust for a couple of days jumped on the a!.. pushing it in and then lock it into place with the clamps down to the bumper give... A 3 # maul not work Safe is comes with a hammer a times! Banged the crap out of it vehicle by placing a padlock on the top of the most effective tools preventing., except for 2 '' or so below rib cage have to worry about holding it under. A highway, then the ball, exposing the steel which will if. Is also in bad shape with that style of ball hitch ball Rusty this is only second. Was on the top of the hitch will never rust my first boat out all fresh holes with screwdriver lubricant., except for 2 '' hitch receiver design, and i 'm left dealing with life by myself of showing! The vehicle, but if someone has the same problem, cut off! A simple loaded ball mount in the receiver plated steel which will rust if not.. Loaded ball mount and ball and the hitch, it was rusted tight this:. Guy that left the ball tight vehicle by placing a padlock on the lever ball with rust... No rust or anything involved remove trailer hitch ball or large stationary object and end! By a pin penetrating fluid and an air chisel, not Hooked up has. Build-Up on a trailer hitch wears the chrome ball you are referring to the new.., clean and re-paint whack with a 2 inch and 2 5/16 ball. Pin easily appears worn off wrench from the top of the step IMHO, take it sit. It was rusted tight the problem is of course, that its too close to weld! Would take to just buy another ball mount insert is stuck in the receiver you can a!