Stuck tow hitch

[SHickey]

Hello,

I recently bought a 2000 Astro van for towing my 19' Blue Fin. The van has a tow package and I believe it has a class II hitch. The previous owner never removed the hitch from the receiver so it is rusted and stuck in place.

When I am not towing my boat. I would rather separate the hitch from the receiver if possible. I was hoping someone who may have this situation occur to them, could give me some advice as to how I might be able to separate the two components. I have already soaked the receiver with penetrating oil and have rapped it with a 5 lb hammer but it is not budging.

Any suggestions?? and Happy Easter!!

SH

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Stuck tow hitch

Torch to heat it up, then spray penetrating oil, let the cooling suck it in and repeat until you can pound it out of there.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Stuck tow hitch

I have had a lot of success freeing those up by hooking a load to it and towing it around awhile, that should free it up.

 

[The Rooster]

Re: Stuck tow hitch

Rope and a sturdy tree. But gently !!! Good luck .

 

[Bass Tracker TX17]

Re: Stuck tow hitch

Torch to heat it up, then spray penetrating oil, let the cooling suck it in and repeat until you can pound it out of there.

I have had a lot of success freeing those up by hooking a load to it and towing it around awhile, that should free it up.

Both these suggestions are the way to go. And i'll add one small note.
I try to fab a hitch pin that's smaller than the original. By heating it up with a load on it or in my case using a skid steer to load it up and work the hitch we can usually get them out without to much of a hassle. We did have a bar with two hitches on it so we could use another truck to work the hitch. That worked pretty slick too.

 

[SHickey]

Re: Stuck tow hitch

Thanks guys, alot of good suggestions. I will try to free it up today and let you know how I made out. I am a little worried about hooking it up to a tree and pulling on it. I'm not sure how much stress my transmission and drive train can tolerate. The van has 133,000 miles on it and I hope to run it for at least 70,000 more if possible.

SH

 

[oldjeep]

Re: Stuck tow hitch

One more option for you if your hitch is set up so this could work. Small scissor jack between the ball nut and chain plate or ball and hitch itself. That will sometimes work if things line up correctly.

 

[jimbo_jwc]

Re: Stuck tow hitch

Happened on Astro we had used Aerokroil and still hammered to get out . I didn't think about pulling load around to free ,I like that idea . A chain would give better jolt than rope . The penetrating Oil I mentioned is amazing on rust ,seized outboard pistons , frozen breach Bolts and I don't advertise for them as anybody can buy directly from them . Also found out how good of a bee killer and starting fluid it is but when on skin you know you need to wash off instinctively .

 

[agallant80]

Re: Stuck tow hitch

I had this happen. Put some chain on it tie it to a tree or what ever put a little tension on it and start wacking it with a hammer. Worked for me.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Stuck tow hitch

I second the use of Aerokroil.

I also like the idea of putting a bolt in there that is slightly smaller than the pin. Tow something and accelerate and stop repeatedly. Disable the trailer brakes if doing this and do it in a parking lot.

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Stuck tow hitch

I had this happen. Put some chain on it tie it to a tree or what ever put a little tension on it and start wacking it with a hammer. Worked for me.

And make it a sledge hammer........

 

[UncleWillie]

Re: Stuck tow hitch

The tree method...

This is NOT, tie it to a tree and pull forward until it comes flying out.

Tie it to a tree with 2 or 3 loops of rope. 4-6 runs back to tree.
You will need 100 feet of rope if the tree is 15 feet away.
Pull forward gently until the rope takes a good strain.
Apply parking brake.
Then, put the tranny in park and shut down.

DO NOT let anyone, including yourself, get between the ball and the tree.
It will usually just fall on the ground but don't take the chance.

Bang it Up, Down, Left, Right, until it come out.
If it moves a little and then stops, pull the truck forward another 6 inches.

 

[MH Hawker]

Re: Stuck tow hitch

I have used the hook it up and tow it to the lake method many many times. It works just fine and yes spray it with some type of oil.

 

[Campylobacter]

Re: Stuck tow hitch

Thanks guys, alot of good suggestions. I will try to free it up today and let you know how I made out. I am a little worried about hooking it up to a tree and pulling on it. I'm not sure how much stress my transmission and drive train can tolerate. The van has 133,000 miles on it and I hope to run it for at least 70,000 more if possible.

If your worried about the tranny (and I think maybe your right), I usually use a tree and and a come-along hand winch. Just leave the van in park with the brake on, give it some pressure with the winch and start banging/oiling/heating, etc.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Stuck tow hitch

I tried the tree once and damaged the tree--cut into the bark. so put vertical boards between the tree and the rope, or hook to a power pole.

so then I beat it out with a 5# hammer; lots of beatnig side to side and up/down,also in/out.

Do not do this when any female family members are napping.

PB blaster is a good penetrating oil

chock the wheels if you are worried about the transmission on the tree method. Might be better to chock them then use a come-along for tension. Probably some way to use the trailer winch, too.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Stuck tow hitch

Be EXTREMELY careful if you use any method that involves putting high tension on the ball platform. When that baby lets go, it will become a dangerous projectile, and it may not go in the direction you expect.

 

[lckstckn2smknbrls]

Re: Stuck tow hitch

Be EXTREMELY careful if you use any method that involves putting high tension on the ball platform. When that baby lets go, it will become a dangerous projectile, and it may not go in the direction you expect.

Put the chain or rope through an old tire or two at vehicle end. Then when the hitch pulls out the tires will dampen the stored energy of the chain or rope.

 

[snowman48047]

Re: Stuck tow hitch

You could just leave it. Won't hurt anything UNLESS there are laws against it in your state...or to states you may travel.

 

[BobGinCO]

Re: Stuck tow hitch

You DID pull the pin out first, right?

 

[redmen62]

Re: Stuck tow hitch

I'm going to hop on the Aerokroil wagon too. I had never used it before yesterday and it worked amazingly to break free the bolts holding on the hitch on a '98 F-150.

I'd say spray it down, heat it up, put some tension on it, and give'er hell with your mallet