Journey with Confidence RV GPS App RV Trip Planner RV LIFE Campground Reviews RV Maintenance Take a Speed Test Free 7 Day Trial ×
 

Go Back   Keystone RV Forums > Keystone Tech Forums > Towing
Click Here to Login

Reply
 
Thread Tools Display Modes
 
Old 05-01-2019, 12:34 PM   #1
MustBeNice
Member
 
MustBeNice's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Fergus Falls
Posts: 37
OEM Prep Package Ball & Safety Chain Hooks Are Stuck!

So, when I purchased my "new to me" 2015 RAM 3500 w/ Factory Towing Prep Package.... it already had the Curt Gooseneck Ball & Safety Hooks (still) installed. Awesome, I thought!

So, I'm now in preparation to get ready to go pick up the camper this weekend. Last night while trying to remove the ball and safety chain hooks, to install the new B&W Companion Hitch in the factory puck system..... I find that the ball retaining balls and the safety chain hook retaining "L" pins are corroded / stuck and I can't remove them!!!

I've soaked them down in WD40 and tried to pry... no luck. Then crawled underneath thinking I could use a punch to beat them upwards.... no access to underside of safety chain hooks.... so, no luck.

I'm stuck!

Any great & brilliant ideas to remove these stuck items????
__________________
Truck: 2015 RAM 3500 Laramie 6.7 Cummins CCSB SRW 4X4
Camper: 2016 Cougar X-Lite 28DBI w/ Rear Hitch.
Hitch: B&W Companion RVK3600
MustBeNice is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2019, 01:16 PM   #2
MarkEHansen
Senior Member
 
MarkEHansen's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2018
Location: Sacramento
Posts: 1,005
I don't think WD40 is what you want to use. You want a penetrating oil, like liquid wrench. Then try tapping them with a hammer to see if you can crack them loose.
__________________
2022 Cedar Creek Champagne 38EL - "Big Bertha"
2019 GMC Sierra 3500 Denali HD 6.6L Duramax TD, CC, 4WD, DRW - "Mr. Beefy"
MarkEHansen is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2019, 01:20 PM   #3
MustBeNice
Member
 
MustBeNice's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Fergus Falls
Posts: 37
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkEHansen View Post
I don't think WD40 is what you want to use. You want a penetrating oil, like liquid wrench. Then try tapping them with a hammer to see if you can crack them loose.
I think you're 100% correct.... was planning to pick up a good penetrating oil and white lithium grease (to lube the B@W bushings) on the way home today!!
__________________
Truck: 2015 RAM 3500 Laramie 6.7 Cummins CCSB SRW 4X4
Camper: 2016 Cougar X-Lite 28DBI w/ Rear Hitch.
Hitch: B&W Companion RVK3600
MustBeNice is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2019, 08:40 PM   #4
Beemer Phil
Junior Member
 
Join Date: Mar 2018
Location: Gardner
Posts: 23
I’ve found that PB Blaster is a real good penetrating product. Sometimes a few applications and letting it set between applications.
Beemer Phil is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2019, 09:07 PM   #5
KSH
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: LA
Posts: 467
Maybe a little heat?
KSH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-01-2019, 09:33 PM   #6
rhagfo
Senior Member
 
rhagfo's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Portland, OR
Posts: 4,176
Quote:
Originally Posted by Beemer Phil View Post
I’ve found that PB Blaster is a real good penetrating product. Sometimes a few applications and letting it set between applications.
Yes, PB Blaster, there is some access to get the PB in from the underside.
__________________
Russ & Paula and Belle the Beagle.
2016 Ram Laramie 3500 DRW 14,000# GVWR (New TV)
2005 Copper Canyon 293 FWSLS 32’ GVWR 12,360
Visit and enjoy Oregon State Parks
rhagfo is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2019, 03:13 AM   #7
MustBeNice
Member
 
MustBeNice's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Fergus Falls
Posts: 37
Thanks all.... I'll continue to work on it. If not been thinking about drilling them (the L-pins) out, which will be far easier said then done! As for the ball, I think I'll try to remove the roll pin that holds the top lever on and dismantle it.

But before any of this.... thinking I'll try Curt customer support, to see if they have any additional idea's?!?!
__________________
Truck: 2015 RAM 3500 Laramie 6.7 Cummins CCSB SRW 4X4
Camper: 2016 Cougar X-Lite 28DBI w/ Rear Hitch.
Hitch: B&W Companion RVK3600
MustBeNice is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2019, 05:42 AM   #8
Buckeyexx
Member
 
Buckeyexx's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: Cincinnati
Posts: 94
OEM Prep Package Ball & Safety Chain Hooks Are Stuck!

Not sure how readily available it is but I use kroil. May have to order it online. This stuff is amazing at penetrating rusted parts. Click image for larger version

Name:	IMG_5171.jpg
Views:	159
Size:	160.7 KB
ID:	21666
__________________
2017 Keystone Passport 239ml
2011 Jeep GC Overland 5.7 Hemi
2003 Dodge Ram 4.7
Buckeyexx is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2019, 06:26 AM   #9
66joej
Senior Member
 
66joej's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: radium hot springs bc
Posts: 2,007
Diesel fuel is a great penatrent. Have used it on several seized engines to free up pistons before disassembly.
__________________

2018 Ram 3500 6.4 Harvest Edition
2018 Cougar 27RESWE
66joej is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2019, 06:28 AM   #10
chuckster57
Site Team
 
chuckster57's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,235
I love Kroil, and Pb blaster.
__________________

2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.

Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
chuckster57 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2019, 06:35 AM   #11
jsmith948
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Central San Joaguin Valley, CA
Posts: 2,117
After a liberal application of a penetrating oil (like liquid wrench) take about a 3 lb. hammer and give the ball a good, solid rap from several directions. You might be able to "shock" the rust loose.
Watched the well service guys rap the couplings on the well pipe when we had our submersible pump replaced. They didn't/couldn't use oil - just a couple SOLID blows and the fittings that had been underwater for over 15 years loosened right up.
__________________

Jack & Marty
2018 Laredo 298 SRL
2011 F-250 SB Crew Cab 4x4 6.7L
jsmith948 is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-02-2019, 07:04 AM   #12
MustBeNice
Member
 
MustBeNice's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Fergus Falls
Posts: 37
Thanks for all the incite.... last night I soaked it a few times with JB-80 (my mechanics trusted go-to) also. I'll try it again tonight, and if it hasn't helped I'll try something that has been mentioned (PB Blaster or Liquid Wrench, I know are both sold locally). A friend has also offered to help add a little force via bobcat if needed.... but don't want to apply too much force as to bend under body components!!
__________________
Truck: 2015 RAM 3500 Laramie 6.7 Cummins CCSB SRW 4X4
Camper: 2016 Cougar X-Lite 28DBI w/ Rear Hitch.
Hitch: B&W Companion RVK3600
MustBeNice is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2019, 03:52 AM   #13
MustBeNice
Member
 
MustBeNice's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Fergus Falls
Posts: 37
Just an update, for those whom may care....

I called the Curt Product / Customer Service phone line and talked to very nice gentleman (Mike).... he prescribed the same: PB Blaster, tension and some (or a lot) of pounding!

So, then last night I picked me up a can of the highly touted "PB Blaster".... applied it very liberally. After a couple hours wait I applied some more. Then I slung a ratchet strap up over the rafters and the 'L' pin of the safety chain hooks to apply a good steady tension.... and began beating it back and forth the maybe 1/8" it would travel. After much pounding, and pounding and pounding.... they finally popped loose!!!

Now.... just to get the ball itself out! Hopefully it surrenders easily. After letting it soak with multiple applications, I can finally get the lever on the top and interior bar to rotate freely. So here's to hoping the "balls will drop" (as Mike described they are "gravity driven, when the lever/bar is rotated"), tonight in conjunction with some rhythmic tapping by the dueling hammer technique! If not I'll pull the levers roll pin and try get the guts (bar & balls) to drop out the bottom.
__________________
Truck: 2015 RAM 3500 Laramie 6.7 Cummins CCSB SRW 4X4
Camper: 2016 Cougar X-Lite 28DBI w/ Rear Hitch.
Hitch: B&W Companion RVK3600
MustBeNice is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2019, 11:34 AM   #14
Frank G
Senior Member
 
Frank G's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Dade City
Posts: 1,039
Quote:
Originally Posted by MustBeNice View Post
Just an update, for those whom may care....
We Care and awaiting your positive report
__________________
2021 Surveyor Legend 19rble
2017 Laredo 325RL
Travelers Rest Resort
www.travelersrestresort.com
Frank G is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2019, 12:09 PM   #15
MustBeNice
Member
 
MustBeNice's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Fergus Falls
Posts: 37
Thumbs up

Quote:
Originally Posted by Frank G View Post
We Care and awaiting your positive report
Thanks for caring Frank!

Figured I'd keep the thread / post "up-to-date for future inquisitions".... as I was unable to find barely anything even closely related via google search on the topic. Other then a brief Q&A post on e-trailer about the ball stiction issue with a remedy of exactly how I'm 'attempting' to resolve it. Maybe tonight it will come loose.....
__________________
Truck: 2015 RAM 3500 Laramie 6.7 Cummins CCSB SRW 4X4
Camper: 2016 Cougar X-Lite 28DBI w/ Rear Hitch.
Hitch: B&W Companion RVK3600
MustBeNice is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-03-2019, 01:24 PM   #16
Frank G
Senior Member
 
Frank G's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2017
Location: Dade City
Posts: 1,039
I think your stuck ball is the first of many to surface in the years to come. If we learn anything it is to remove the hardware often, keep it clean and lubricated. It reminds me of the keyed lock pin on the rear hitch receiver, after a year and a salty winter I had to revert to the torch.
__________________
2021 Surveyor Legend 19rble
2017 Laredo 325RL
Travelers Rest Resort
www.travelersrestresort.com
Frank G is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2019, 01:26 PM   #17
MustBeNice
Member
 
MustBeNice's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: Fergus Falls
Posts: 37
Over the weekend I acquired the assistance of a buddy with a bobcat.... we wrapped a chain around the ball and applied a little force / lifter the rear tires of the truck off the ground. (Note/Reminder: internal balls retaining mechanism has been removed, thoroughly cleaned and lubricated). And nothing!!

Currently thinking my next course of action will be to unbolt the factory gooseneck bracket, rotate it 90° to allow it to drop / be removed from the truck. Then measure the location of the retaining balls and drill (2) Ø0.265" holes at 180°. Rotate the ball until the retaining balls line up and then convince them to free up via a 1/4" punch. Reinstall gooseneck bracket and clean/lubricate all ball components to be used another day?!?!
__________________
Truck: 2015 RAM 3500 Laramie 6.7 Cummins CCSB SRW 4X4
Camper: 2016 Cougar X-Lite 28DBI w/ Rear Hitch.
Hitch: B&W Companion RVK3600
MustBeNice is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2019, 02:37 PM   #18
notanlines
Senior Member
 
notanlines's Avatar
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Germantown, TN
Posts: 6,308
Heat is your friend.....but it can turn on you. You don't want to have to 'call Prudential!'
__________________
Jim in Memphis, Wife of 51 years is Brenda
2019 F450 6.7 Powerstroke
2018 Mobile Suites 40RSSA
2021 40' Jayco Eagle
2001 Road king w/matching Harley sidecar
2021 Yamaha X2 Wolverine 1000
notanlines is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-06-2019, 08:46 PM   #19
KSH
Senior Member
 
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: LA
Posts: 467
I tried in post #5...
KSH is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 05-07-2019, 02:18 AM   #20
Fishsizzle
Senior Member
 
Fishsizzle's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2018
Location: Oregon
Posts: 1,138
Quote:
Originally Posted by KSH View Post
I tried in post #5...
I agree, time for heat. Even a a plumbing torch should help. Heated up many a bolt and then a good whack.

Also maybe a pipe wrench with a cheater bar to twist it?
Fishsizzle is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Forum Jump

» Featured Campgrounds

Reviews provided by

Powered by vBadvanced CMPS v3.2.3
Disclaimer:

This website is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Keystone RV Company or any of its affiliates in any way. Keystone RV® is a registered trademark of the Keystone RV Company.


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 08:24 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.9
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions, Inc.