I think I damaged my gooseneck hitch this weekend. I didn't do the best job lining up the ball and receiver and didn't pay attention while lowering the trailer - I assumed that the hitch would slide on as the offset was not very much. It didn't slide, it slammed :( Will now not release even though the release pin is fully retracted. I have gone thru the motions start to finish a few times in hopes that the hitch would work free - it hasn't.I have an appt to bring it to a service place later this week but was wondering if any of you have any advice?
Posted 2016-06-14 7:44 AM (#167312 - in reply to #167304) Subject: RE: Can't unhitch gooseneck - bent pin?
Expert
Posts: 3853 Location: Vermont
Originally written by Eventer71 on 2016-06-13 12:28 AM
I think I damaged my gooseneck hitch this weekend. I didn't do the best job lining up the ball and receiver and didn't pay attention while lowering the trailer - I assumed that the hitch would slide on as the offset was not very much. It didn't slide, it slammed :( Will now not release even though the release pin is fully retracted. I have gone thru the motions start to finish a few times in hopes that the hitch would work free - it hasn't.I have an appt to bring it to a service place later this week but was wondering if any of you have any advice?
If the release pin is fully retracted...then take a board and manually move the bottom slide portion of the gooseneck hitch to the open position and then turn the crank until the hitch lifts clear
Posted 2016-06-14 8:50 AM (#167313 - in reply to #167304) Subject: RE: Can't unhitch gooseneck - bent pin?
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Graham
I should have taken a picture of the hitch - I have an Air Safe hitch and it is not externally configured like a stock hitch where i can manually force the external part to move. The release pin is fully pulled out but the "clamp" around the ball will not open - why I think I broke or badly bent a pin? I sprayed on a lot of wd40 yesterday but I don't think it will come freewithout more force than I can apply.I have since called the hitch manufacturer and they suggested using a crowbar - I don't have one in my possession right now and I hesitate to do this on my own.I am bringing it to a service place tomorrow morning so as to avoid further damage or complications I can't get my self out of easily :)Thank you for the replies!!!
Posted 2016-06-14 9:26 AM (#167314 - in reply to #167304) Subject: RE: Can't unhitch gooseneck - bent pin?
Extreme Veteran
Posts: 350 Location: Penrose, Colorado
does your hitch have the 2 air bags? if so I have one and I do not see how you could have really bend anything, when you pull your pin will it rotate to keep it in the open position? I would then put a crow bar on the flat plate and pry it outward.
Posted 2016-06-14 10:15 AM (#167315 - in reply to #167304) Subject: RE: Can't unhitch gooseneck - bent pin?
New User
Posts: 3
Location: Graham
Yes, It has two airbags and yes the pin is fully out and rotated. Ok, I will pick up a bar today and give it a try.Thank you!I love the hitch and really hope I didn't damage it. When I have a resolution I'll let you know :)
Posted 2016-06-14 12:07 PM (#167317 - in reply to #167304) Subject: RE: safty hitch system
Veteran
Posts: 185 Location: riverside ca
If it is the type of hitch i am thinking of there is a cam that rotates down to allow the ball to clear, this cam is held in place with a roll pin, that can sheer off. this has happened to me with several of these type of latch, i had a turn over ball so i un latched the ball and jacked it up, then welded the cam to the handle.
Can't unhitch gooseneck - bent pin?
