Hitch problems

lxt2013 · #1 02-25-2013, 07:30 AM

My mother removed the hitch pin from my 2001 Ford Ranger XLT and neglected to tell me. I was rearended that night. There was no damage done to my vehicle (although the other driver totaled his) except for the hitch, since there was no pin, was jammed into the receiver.

Aside from tying the hitch to a tree and driving away, is there a better and safer alternative? Will my proposed solution damage my vehicle?

Retroboy1989 · #2 02-25-2013, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lxt2013

My mother removed the hitch pin from my 2001 Ford Ranger XLT and neglected to tell me. I was rearended that night. There was no damage done to my vehicle (although the other driver totaled his) except for the hitch, since there was no pin, was jammed into the receiver.

Aside from tying the hitch to a tree and driving away, is there a better and safer alternative? Will my proposed solution damage my vehicle?

Pictures? Can you tap it out from behind with a hammer?

reconjb · #3 02-25-2013, 07:45 AM

Tap it or pry it

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i like mud · #4 02-25-2013, 07:46 AM

im thinkin the tree idea is your best bet

2003rangerfx4 · #5 02-25-2013, 07:52 AM

Why did she remove the pin? Lol

Prages · #6 02-25-2013, 09:08 AM

I'd say lube it up with some WD40 or PB Blaster and do the tree thing...gently.

Worst case scenario is that it bends or breaks the hitch...right?

MSizemore · #7 02-25-2013, 09:10 AM

More than likely the sleeve is closed off on one end so I doubt you can just tap it out. Try hitting the drop hitch on top, bottom, and both sides to loosen it up then try the tree thing...in low gear with a spotter. You don't wanna dump it and take off too quick cause you could cause a lot more damage

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Monkeee2002 · #8 02-25-2013, 12:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MSizemore

More than likely the sleeve is closed off on one end so I doubt you can just tap it out. Try hitting the drop hitch on top, bottom, and both sides to loosen it up then try the tree thing...in low gear with a spotter. You don't wanna dump it and take off too quick cause you could cause a lot more damage

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX using FRF App

Do that, the tapping thing. Spray it down with your favorite lube (please let it not be a fruity flavored lube!)
If you know someone with a winch, or have access to a come-along, you might try that.

You could also try removing the ball, and get a long prybar, stick it thru the hole, wedge it against something at the ground, and whack it good at the top. You might have to remove your tailgate to get a good swing though.

FX4level2 baja · #9 02-25-2013, 01:22 PM

Happend to me, tree and wd40

Retroboy1989 · #10 02-25-2013, 08:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FX4level2 baja

Happend to me, tree and wd40

Maybe I misunderstand this.

Isnt taking the pin out of your hitch and leaving the ball/receiver just like taking off your lug nuts and going for a drive? That is a huge hazzard on the freeway. It would go through somebody's windsheild.

Bob C. of Indiana · #11 02-25-2013, 08:47 PM

Can you use a slide hammer knocker?

Areyouforcereal? · #12 02-26-2013, 06:49 PM

Had this issue with a work truck awhile back. It had hitch that had been stuck in it for years. The truck is a sterling service truck so it weighs in just under 24,000 lbs loaded. put a chain around it and tried to pull it out with the biggest forklift we had,(hyster 360, not sure how much it weighs but it can lift 36,000 lbs.) The hitch was stuck so bad that the fork lift started dragging the truck, with it in gear and the air brakes set. We ended up taking turns hitting it with a sledge while pulling on it, with the forklift to break it free. I'll admit it was dangerous, but hey it worked.