A hitch is a part of a trailer that it can do without, but using it increases the functionality of the trailer. It is attached to the back of a vehicle and makes it easy to lift another trailer or vehicle. Also, the major use of a trailer hitch is to tow vehicles and trailers along with your main vehicle.
However, as trailer hitches do so much heavy lifting, they are bound to experience wear and tear with time. It also makes the towing experience unsafe for the user. And that is why it is very important to remove the trailer hitch and replace it with a new one for the most efficiency.
In this blog, we will cover every aspect of removing a trailer hitch to save you the time and money of hiring a professional.
When & Why Should You Remove The Trailer Hitch?
Before we move on to the methods of removing the hitch from the trailer, let us have a look at when & why people remove the hitches.
- One reason, as some experts suggest, is the injury that the hitch can cause to someone walking into it. So, removing the trailer hitch becomes a precaution for safety.
- Another reason would be the damage it can cause to the vehicles. That is because when a vehicle collides with a hitch, it can damage the parts of the vehicle that it collides with.
- Any vehicle goes through unnecessary wear and tear when there is no use for it. While the damage may not be too much, it does accrue over time. So, if the hitch is not in use, it is better to remove that to reduce the damage and make it last longer.
Ways To Remove Trailer Hitch (A General Guide)
There may be many other reasons for removing a trailer hitch. But, our focus is not on the reasons and more on the process of doing it. So, we will now move on to the different methods by which you can remove the hitch.
Method #1: Removing Rusted Hitch Mount
The first method focuses on the removal of the hitch mount from the receiver. It will work great on rusted mounts as well. You can follow the steps below.
- First, take the penetrating fluid and use it to spray the opening of the hitch receiver. Make sure that you spray each corner of the receiver. Now, leave the spray for the night. It will let the rust (if any) absorb the spray and will act as a lubricant for the removal process. Now, try removing the hitch by hand. Even if you are not able to pull out the hitch, the spray will certainly make it easier for the next steps.
- Second, try to tap the hitch with a hammer or rubber mallet. Use the hammer on the back of the hitch and see if it comes out. Also, be careful as to not cause damage to the vehicle. Even if the hitch does not come out, it will still loosen it up. And then, you can move on to the next step (only if it doesn’t work).
- Third, use an air hammer for a quick up-down movement. The specific air pressure that you should use is 90 PSI for proper functioning. The air hammer will also remove the rust from the hitch.
- If the third step also does not remove the hitch and just loosen it up, move on to the last step. Cut out the hitch with a chisel and reciprocating saw. However, be very careful when you are cutting it up. You should use protective gear as well for precautionary measures.
Also Read: How To Choose The Best Trailer Hitch For Your Vehicle?
Method #2: Removing The Trailer Ball
Here are the steps that you should follow to remove the stuck ball from the hitch. It will also help with the removal of a trailer hitch.
- First, you can use the same penetrating spray on the ball’s nuts and threads. Alternatively, you can spray vinegar on the same if you do not have the penetrating spray.
- Now, once the spray loosens the bolts, you should try turning the nuts using a wrench. Using a long-handle wrench will work better for leveraging the removal of the nut. If the nut does not move from its position, move to the next step.
- The next step is to use a blow torch to turn up the heat/temperature around the trailer ball. And make sure that you have your protective gear on before proceeding, as it can be dangerous. The blow torch will expand the volume of the metal, which will make it easier to follow the next step.
- Finally, use an angle grinder to cut the metallic nut. Now try to remove the hitch mount.
What Type Of Hitch Is Best For Easy Removal?
The people who do not use their trailer hitches as much look for hitches that they can remove easily. And the best type of hitch for that purpose is a removable hitch. You will not have to go through the tedious process, which will ultimately save you time and energy. Also, they are easy to attach and that makes them more useful for the ones who do not use the towing hitch frequently.