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How To Get A Rusted Trailer Hitch Ball Off

Rusty trailer hitch ball mounted on bumper with trailer wiring connection wrapped around it - how to get a rusted trailer hitch ball off
Learn how to get a rusted trailer hitch ball off so you can replace it with a new one.

How Do You Remove A Rusted Trailer Hitch Ball?

Trailer hitch balls are often installed and remain in place for the life of the hitch. When exposed to the elements, steel hitch balls can rust, which may cause issues when it comes time to use them.

There are two possible problems you may encounter regarding rust and trailer hitch balls. The first is having the ball itself rust. This may cause issues connecting and/or disconnecting your trailer. The second problem is having the nut that connects the ball to the receiver or bumper rusted in place. This will obviously be an issue when it comes time to replace the ball.

Can you prevent a trailer hitch ball from rusting?

The ideal situation, of course, is not having a rusty trailer hitch ball. It can be easy to forget about your hitch ball being outside and exposed, especially if you don’t tow often. Most of us never think about how to get a rusted trailer hitch ball off because we never have to.

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A rusted-on hitch ball can be a real pain to remove, and if you don’t notice until the last minute, it can cause a delay to your trip. Hitch balls generally don’t need to be replaced often from damage or exposure, but it is common to have to replace one for a different size.

Use hitch grease

Applying some hitch grease to the ball can help prevent rust and wear. Grease may also make connecting and disconnecting easier, make pivoting smoother, and lessen some of the noise from the movement. If applying grease, a dry lube will prevent dirt from collecting on the ball. When using grease, it’s important to make sure it is clean before connecting.

Keep your hitch ball clean

Storing your hitch ball indoors and keeping it dry will also prevent rust. Cleaning and drying it after travel will keep road grime from accumulating around the mounting nut. If you have a bumper mount ball, you can keep it lubricated and covered while on your vehicle.

Sometimes rust finds a way of showing up uninvited regardless of your efforts. Figuring out how to get a rusted trailer hitch ball off right before your trip is not the time to learn.

Removing the rusted trailer hitch ball

Before breaking out the torch and cutting off your receiver hitch, you should first determine if you actually need to remove the hitch ball. If the ball itself is rusted, it may just be surface rust from exposure that can be cleaned up.

Surface rust that hasn’t started to deteriorate the ball can sometimes be polished off. Try using some rust remover and elbow grease first to possibly avoid having to remove and replace the hitch ball.

If the rust has attacked the nut assembly and requires removal, you may have a tougher job on your hands. Again, before going to the extreme of cutting anything or throwing out the entire hitch, try some easy solutions first.

The nut securing hitch balls are large, very tight, and usually include a lock washer. They are sometimes applied using pneumatic tools, so removing by hand, rusted or not, can be tough. If you are on your own without the use of such tools or a mechanic, there are a few things you can try at home.

Easy at-home solutions

If you try the nut without success, the first step is to apply some penetrating fluid. Many brands are available and they can work wonders. Try applying some fluid the day prior and again the next morning. Later that second day, try the nut again, fingers crossed it breaks loose.

Since it is going to take some force to remove the nut, the receiver it is attached to must be safely secured before moving forward. Having the receiver in the hitch is the easiest way; otherwise, a vise or another secure means of holding the assembly is required.

Leverage is your friend when trying to break these nuts loose. A proper power handle will give you the best chance of winning this fight. If there is a metal bar you can use to add some length and leverage to the power handle, it may be the answer. Use caution when applying pressure to a long-handled application, as slipping can cause pinched fingers or loss of your footing.

Solutions for stubborn hitch balls

Sometimes rust can be difficult to defeat. If penetrating fluid and leverage don’t work, you’ll be forced to try some more aggressive ideas. If you can’t figure out how to get a rusted trailer hitch ball off the easy way, try these next steps.

Heating metal increases the temperature of the metal, and in turn, causes it to expand. Using a torch, heat can be applied to the nut, expanding it and making it easier to remove. An important consideration when using heat to remove a nut is to isolate the heat to the nut; you want the nut expanding but not the bolt.

The use of heat and/or pneumatic tools for many will have to be left to mechanics. A mechanics shop will have the tools and know-how to remove a rusted hitch ball. Pneumatic tools and heat will likely be the first thing they try and in most situations should be successful.

If there is no getting that nut off, the only way left to save the receiver will be to cut the ball off. A set of cutting torches will be used to melt through the metal completely or enough to hammer the nut off. In most cases, the ball section will be ruined, as the threads will be damaged in the process.


Track your RV maintenance

Without a trailer hitch ball, your RV isn’t going anywhere, so it’s important to keep it in good condition. Preventing rust by cleaning and protecting the ball in most cases will ensure a lifetime of continued use. If rust sneaks up on you and removal is necessary, start with easy solutions first. If things don’t go your way, the pros with all the tools will get you back on the road.

Make sure you keep track of all your RV maintenance and repairs with an online tool such as RV LIFE Maintenance. Not only can you keep all of your documents in one place, but you’ll also receive timely reminders when maintenance is due to help you avoid costly repairs and potentially serious accidents.

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