Problem with a tow bar

[pelican8000]

I cannot get the "ball" of the tow bar out of the trailer hitch. I have tried opening the jaws of the hitch as high as it will go, and have used a crowbar to get it out, but to no avail. It is not welded to the hitch as I can move it round to some degree. Has anyone had a problem like this? and if so, how did they resolved it? Thank you.

[jake-the-peg]

Have you tried a sissor jack underneath the arm of the hitch? you might have to place it on some bricks

[pelican8000]

Yes I have, it lifted the car in the air, but still did not release the ball!

[pelican8000]

No, I tried it in a couple of places just in case that was the problem.

[homer75]

Probably need to 'shock' it free with a hammer. Make sure the hitch jaws are open, put it under pressure with a jack or lever and 'shock' it loose with a two pound hammer.

[pelican8000]

Yup, tried that too. 8-)

I guess I will just have to take it to a trailer repair place!

[Keeprockin]

Heating the socket with blow lamp,hoping it will expand just enough to loosen it?? Long as it's well away from any petrol vapour of course

[Clanad]

Another solution is to loosen and remove the nut that's holding the lower end of the ball (nder the hitch itself). It shouldn't be difficult and since the top end of the bolt that this nut is attached to is imbedded in the "ball", one can hold that end with 'vice grip" pliers should it start to rotate. At least, then, you can more readily find out the problem of no release... (be sure the car and trailer are blocked so as to prevent movement...

[pelican8000]

Thanks Keeprockin, I will try that approach. Clanad, thanks for that, but I tried that too.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions, by the way.