Wxguru
Austin,AR
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Joined: 04/02/2007
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I am cursing myself, cause I can't get the friction ball tightened down to the W/D hitch! How do you get that on there without anything to hold it from turning while you are turning the nut on the bottom?
I am about to go batty!!!!!
1999 Keystone Cougar Ultra-Lite 261E
2003 Dodge Ram Quad Cab 5.7L HEMI
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Campinfan
Washtenaw County, Michigan
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Joined: 05/18/2005
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I used a pipe wrench with a cloth wrapped around the ball.
2008 F 250 FX4 4WD, V10, 4.10 Tow Command
35' 2007 Crossroads Cruiser CT32SB
Wonderful Wife and 3 small kids
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NHguy
NH
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Joined: 04/01/2006
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Grab the base of the ball just above where it contacts the hitch platform...maybe use a pair of channel locks if it isn't flat cut for a wrench. And use a lock washer!
05 F150 FX4 Supercrew, 5.4, 3.73 LS, Jordan Ultima 2020 Brake Controller,
04 TrailCruiser 30QBSS, XM Cradle, Battery Disconnect
Dual Cam HP, Ultra Fab Power Tongue Jack, Bal Lockarm Stabilizers
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skipnchar
Topeka Kansas USA
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Joined: 12/17/2003
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Just remember the little ball won't have anywhere NEAR as much turning and weight on it as the main ball has. It's good to try to avoid scaring the ball as much as possible but a few minor flaws will not harm anything. Pipe wrench with a brass protector plate or even a rag should do the trick. You can ALSO purchase a ball mount PLATFORM where the anti sway ball is welded to the platform if you prefer.
2004 F-150 HD 3,050 lb. payload
Rockwood 8314SS 34' travel trailer
We have enough YOUTH...how about a fountain of SMART
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ArcticFox&Cats
Utah
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Joined: 12/06/2003
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Use some of the spongy foam liner stuff that you line your cupboards with - put that on, grab it with a pipe wrench. OR get a real Equalizer Ball for about $12, 12,000# variety - it is notched.
'07 Nash Hardside 13B
'07 2500 Chev D/A SB, CC, 4x4, 3.73s, 45/gal TrnsfFlow
Equalizer, BrakeSmart, Enkay Mudflaps
'07 Arctic Cat 400cc ATV
"A bird is a bird. A fish is a fish. A Dog is a Person."
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Mikeyxx
Hamilton, Ontario
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Joined: 02/24/2008
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If you do the cloth thing and get an air wrench under it, it'll probably spin up and tighten fast enough to avoid putting too much pressure on the ball with the pipewrench.
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rlh6805
Michigan
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Joined: 05/15/2001
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Use an impact wrench, you will be able to hold the ball with your hand while it tightens it. In an impact is not available, then the pipe wrench works good too.
Rob and Cindy in Michigan
2004 Prowler Regal
2001 Ford Excursion V10 4x4
Tasha, Deanna (RIP), and Abby (our dogs)
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Wxguru
Austin,AR
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I got a pair of channel locks, and it did the trick!!
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Perrysburg Dodgeboy
Perrysburg, Ohio USA
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Joined: 12/06/2003
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You can also grind or file two small flats on it and use a crescent wrench to hold it in place.
Don
Perrysburg Dodgeboy
2004 Dodge Ram 2500 Quad Cab SLT Cummins HO
2005 Keystone Cougar 304 BHS
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I_rv2
Illinois
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Joined: 01/13/2008
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On my first three rigs, the little friction sway control ball was welded to a plate which was welded to the trailer frame.
Any chance you could get a welder to tack weld it in a couple of spots? Guaranteed not to come unscrewed!
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